One of the most significant experiences Stephen Graham had while filming Springsteen – Free me from nothingwhere he plays the father of the rocker Douglas (see our article on the film at this link), was the first meeting with Bruce. «He doesn't realize it», says the actor, «but the tone of his voice changes every time he talks about his father, there is a more serious nuance, I dare say a thread of fear in his voice, and I based it on this».
During the podcast Rolling Stone Music Now Graham, who is known among other things for playing another father, that of Jamie Miller in the series Adolescenceexplained that Springsteen was present on set when the more dramatic family scenes were filmed.
“But he didn't interfere in any way. It represented another source of knowledge that I could draw on, in case I needed it. And every now and then, maybe at the end of a scene, he would just put his hand on my shoulder, smile and nod. I took it as a “Thank you, well done”. One of the best moments was when we were filming the scene where the children are running in the field and he said to me: “Wow, this is Doug”».
It was Springsteen himself who approved the choice of Graham in the role of the father. “And I said, 'What? Does Bruce know I exist?' And director Scott Cooper: “I want the part to be yours because of the sense of gravitas you can bring.” “Okay, I'm in.” “But I haven't sent you the script yet.” “It is not needed””.
In addition to having played the part of Eddie Miller, Graham is also one of the creators and authors of AdolescenceIn the podcast he explains that there will not be a sequel. «If we ever decided to face that world again, we would do it by telling a completely different story. That has already been told in its entirety. We managed to achieve our goal, which was to stimulate a debate… Being part of something that raises awareness and sensitivity was incredible.”
