You don't have to be an Elton John fan to enjoy this music-fueled biopic of his rollercoaster life.
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It is undoubtable that Rocketman will be compared to death to Bohemian Rhapsody. It’s a little bit funny (hah) that both films have a director in common, Dexter Fletcher. But apart from being musical biographies, the films can’t be any more different.
Rocketman tells the story of Elton John’s rise to fame. From his days as a young boy who went by his birth name, Reginald “Reggie” Dwight, to an up and coming pianist in a band playing backup for a touring American jazz troupe. One of the singers gives Reggie advice that changes his life as he knows it. He says that if he wants to become famous, he has to write some songs, change his name, and put his old life behind him and start anew. Hence, the name Elton John. Elton begins writing music and is soon introduced to songwriter, Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell). They immediately form a bond that will proof to last decades on in their musical careers. Their relationship first finds its solid ground in the film when Bernie accepts Elton’s homosexuality when he gets ousted.
Elton and Bernie continue writing, and create "Your Song”, impressing publisher Dick James who books them a show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. At an after party after a successful performance, Elton is approached by music manager, John Reid (Richard Madden) a character that also appears in Bohemian Rhapsody. The two connect and sleep together. Elton’s career takes off and he becomes a successful musician, embracing a flamboyant stage persona but Reid's influence over Elton causes him to spiral into a life of debauchery.
Dejected and alone, Elton becomes addicted to alcohol, drugs, and sex. Realizing that his life is spiraling out of control, he leaves before his performance and finally seeks help, tying the film back to it’s opening scene.
Rocketman is first and foremost a musical, so be prepared to sit through a couple of hours of the cast breaking out into song at any point in time of the film. Elton John has a discography of over 30 albums, it’s amazing how they managed to settle for only using 22 songs in the film.
The cast really do sing in this film with its lead, Taron Egerton, shining like the brightest star of the lot. Egerton not only nails the look and behaviour of a young Elton, he even sounds like the musical prodigy. He truly oozes Elton John appeal from beginning to end.
Though as much as Egerton carries the film on his shoulders, he has solid help from his fellow castmates, especially Jamie Bell who plays the endearing Bernie Taupin. The relationship between Elton and Bernie will make you believe in deep rooted love and true friendship that is rare and unique. They even claim to not have ever argued in all their years of knowing each other. Can you believe?
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