Rocketman
The story of the early years of Reginald “Reggie” Dwight, or his “stage name”, Elton John – and his meteoric rise to fame during the 60’s and 70’s.
Direction
Bright, colourful – with just the right amount of vintage era 60’s and 70’s. Dexter Fletcher’s biography of Elton John (with the help of The Rocketman himself) has brilliant choreography and is full of many more of John’s hits.
One of the earliest songs is ‘Saturday Night’s Alright’ which is shot in a single take! Bravo!
Cast/Characters
Taron Egerton plays the adult Elton John. He does a very good job at the screenplay that was given to him, but I did find he struggled with some of the musical numbers.
Jamie Bell plays his early years writing partner Bernie Taupin.
Richard Madden plays John Reid, who would be his manager and significant other for a period.
Bryce Dallas Howard, and Gemma Jones play his mother Sheila and Grandmother Ivy.
Breakdown
Starting with an “adult” Elton where he begins to tell his story to an AA meeting, we are then glimpsed into young Reggie’s life. His workaholic and emotionally absent father, and his mother who barely recongises his talent. It is only his Grandmother who truly nurtures him.
As music is highly important to Elton’s life, the addition of music is intrinsic to the film. With several well choreographed and performed musical numbers. Egerton is solid, but his singing ability is not as profound as the real life John.
The film mostly shows his meteoric rise to fame, from his early days writing with, and performing with Bernie Taupin – whose friendship goes through many ups and downs. There is his initial contract with Dick James at DJM Records (played by the flawless Stephen Graham) – and being managed by John Reid.
Reid and John would go on to have a relationship, as Elton was clearly struggling with his sexuality – and being open about his homosexuality. He would go on to have a short marriage to Renate Blauel.
I didn’t really like how they wrote his addiction, as it felt more like he was enjoying the “party lifestyle” rather than really struggling with his inner demons. His relationships with those around him (emotionally distant father – who moved on to a new family and shows his ‘new kids’ love), being physically and emotionally abused by Reid, and an emotionally apathetic mother – are really the cause.
The AA meeting in the end where he “confronts” those who have hurt him, and giving himself the hug he needs is quite emotional, especially given this was made with the full consent of John himself (and produced by his husband David Furnish.
The epilogue which shows what John has done for those less fortunate than himself is lovely – and its wonderful to know how happy he truly is now.
Overall
A very entertaining film, that shows the darkness that shadowed Elton’s past. To see him happy and thriving in life today, is remarkable with what he went through.
As mentioned earlier, I thought some of the darker themes could have been written better, but this is a wonderful film.
4/5
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