The Daily Sunday Special: Springsteen, Dylan and the Art of the Biopic
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Oct 19, 2025 
Lindsay Zoladz, a pop music critic for The New York Times, and culture reporter Joe Coscarelli dive into the world of music biopics. They explore the focus of the new Springsteen film on the making of 'Nebraska' and its themes of mental health. The duo discusses the common tropes in musician biopics, the economics behind them, and the thrill of hearing classic songs on the big screen. They also critique casting choices and celebrate unconventional films that subvert the tired cradle-to-grave formula, showcasing the genre's diverse storytelling potential.
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Biopics As Catalog Marketing
- Studios and rights holders use biopics to monetize music catalogs and reintroduce catalogs to new audiences.
- Oscar-caliber performances add prestige, making biopics attractive investments for studios.
Biopics Drive Musical Rediscovery
- Gilbert Cruz describes revisiting Dylan's songs after watching A Complete Unknown and feeling compelled to re-listen.
- Joe Coscarelli and Lindsay Zoladz note successful biopics often drive streaming and discovery among younger listeners.
Aura Over Exact Likeness
- Casting choices balance resemblance against capturing the subject's aura; sometimes likeness matters less than charisma.
- Austin Butler's Elvis succeeded by embodying Elvis's charisma rather than exact physical likeness.
