K.T Simpson
“True love is hard to find. So you learn to live without it” – it’s this quote from Elton John in “Rocketman”, that truly sums up the narrative of the film and the life of Elton in the earlier days, during his projection into the spotlight. Though his name is one most of the world will recognize, fame doesn’t equal happiness, and it’s often the ones who are surrounded by thousands of people that are the most lonely.
Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Elton Hercules John is one of those incredible human beings that is so musically gifted, it would truly be a shame if he hadn’t become famous, or at least presented the world with his music. Taron Egerton plays the singer, in a film that focuses on his rise to fame and the struggle he faces with drugs, alcohol, and sex addition. Though Elton has had a career that has spanned over 50 years, “Rocketman” focuses on only a small part of his life, albeit probably the most chaotic and eventful part.
“Rocketman” opens with Elton walking into rehab, donned in a bright orange stage costume, complete with feathery wings and devil-like horns. He admits to his addictions, and begins telling his story from the beginning, where he was a young boy that didn’t get enough love – or hugs – from his father, couldn’t connect emotionally to his mother (Bryce Dallas Howard), and used music as a creative outlet with the support from his grandmother (Gemma Jones).
Along with his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), Elton impresses with his musical talent and extraordinary songs, which gain momentum so fast that he finds himself having to define his identity very quickly. The OTT costumes and personality seem a cover for the introverted boy that he once was, and probably still is – lurking below the very shiny, glittery surface.
Being a film from Dexter Fletcher, and a musical biopic on a fairly large scale, “Rocketman” is inevitably going to be compared to 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. In many ways, Elton John and Freddie Mercury shared similar stories as well. The big difference here is – “Rocketman” does it better. It has the potential to be corny with musical numbers being littered throughout, outside the context of a stage performance, but it carries them through with ease and impressive execution. Egerton also sings, often supported by other actors, and this really sets the film apart from “Bohemian”. Egerton is a fantastic talent, and stuns in the role as Elton John – I’m calling his performance as Oscar-worthy early this year.
That’s not to take away from supporting cast members, with Bell being a particular standout as Elton’s partner in music for the duration of the film – and long after it, in real-life. Richard Madden plays John Reid, a music executive who takes over Elton’s career and becomes romantically involved, but only behind closed doors. An addition of Tate Donovan as Doug Weston is welcomed, showing the actor’s versatility and a hairdo that is very much decade-specific (read: terrible in the current time).
“Rocketman” delivers so much more than just the story of Elton John – its goosebump-worthy narrative will make you laugh, and cry, and everything in between. You don’t have to be a fan of Elton to truly appreciate “Rocketman”, and to be honest – the film might even make you one. He has lived an extraordinary life that many of us will be able to relate to – perhaps just on a smaller scale to the unlimited supply of cocaine.
“Rocketman” is one of those flicks you’ll just have to see on the big screen, and will probably result in you putting on at least one of Elton’s songs in the car on the way home. It’s a complete and utter standout and a singing and dancing spectacular that will be hot on anyone else’s heels to be film of the year – if not the decade.
