Rocketman is a joyous rollercoaster of music, stunning cinematography, and electric performances that take you beyond the standard rock biopic, offering a genuinely creative portrait of a living legend.
Fresh from attempting to rescue the Freddie Mercury and Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody after Bryan Singer’s removal as director, with mixed success, Dexter Fletcher brings us the fabulous and utterly compelling Rocketman. From its opening scenes, Rocketman is layered with the joy, artistry, and darker moments of Elton John’s life and career.
Elton John’s stunning back catalogue of music is woven into a delightful, fantastical tapestry as we watch Reggie Dwight slowly transform into the musical legend we all know through the skilful performances of young Kit Connor and Taron Egerton. Unlike 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman is not solely dependent on one showstopping set-piece performance as it weaves the darkness and light of Elton’s life into a flamboyant fantasia of sound, vision and drama that is truly mesmerising.
Taron Egerton is nothing short of electrifying as he paints a nuanced portrait of Elton that captures the space between his personal and public personas. Here, Rocketman reaches for the stars in its discussions on hidden sexuality, career pressure and a music industry scared of the word ‘gay’. Fletcher’s movie beautifully explores the challenges of Elton’s secretive gay life in an industry built on public approval and heteronormativity, and these pressures are never more powerfully portrayed than in the volatile relationship Elton had with John Reid (Richard Madden).
But Rocketman isn’t just about Elton; it is also the story of Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), who brought stunning lyrics to Elton’s timeless tunes. Without Taupin, there would be no Elton John, and thankfully, Rocketman understands this and reflects on the critical role Bernie played in Elton’s music and career. The result is a joyous rollercoaster of music, stunning cinematography, and electric performances that take you beyond the standard rock biopic, offering a genuinely creative portrait of a living legend.
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