3 Heartland Rock Deep Cuts From the 1980s That Deserve Their Own Indie Films

An opinion piece names three lesser-known 1980s heartland rock songs that the writer thinks could inspire atmospheric independent films. It argues that their storytelling and emotional detail make them especially suited to visual adaptation.

The songs are Bruce Springsteen’s “Stolen Car” from *The River*, John Mellencamp’s “Weakest Moments” from *American Fool* (then credited to John Cougar), and Tom Petty’s “Long After Dark” track. The writer imagines stories about a reckless man falling apart, a vulnerable coming-of-age experience, and someone reflecting on home, lost love and hope.