REVIEW: Rocketman (2019)
(Originally Published: June 1, 2019)
Reginald Dwight is a musical prodigy born to unloving parents in a working-class English neighborhood. However, he soon overcomes the odds to become world famous entertainer Elton John. Unfortunately, Elton’s drug addiction and self-loathing only hurt his success as he struggles to find love and, more importantly, learn to love himself.
“Rocketman” is an interesting conglomeration of creative forces and connections, as it’s the second biopic directed by Dexter Fletcher, after 2016’s enjoyable, if lionized, “Eddie the Eagle.” What’s more is it’s a reunion between Fletcher and that film’s star Taron Egerton. Beyond that, it’s the second major biopic about a gay rock n’ roll icon to come out recently, after the megasuccess of 2018’s Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” of which, believe it or not, Fletcher completed the last two weeks of shooting after original director Bryan Singer was let go by the studio. Now Fletcher brings us a new biopic in the form of “Rocketman” which, I’m glad to say, is quite different from both of those films.
“Rocketman” is quite possibly one of the most unique and entertaining biopics I’ve seen in recent years. The film utilizes musical numbers from Elton John’s musical catalogue to sweep you up in his incredibly story. It’s quite ambitious and at times comes across like it was made for the stage rather than film, but it’s energetic, emotionally resonant, and extremely fun. You’ll sing along and tap your toe as you’re taken on a journey through all of John’s highs and lows.
Of course playing such an iconic and recognizable figure is no easy task, and the film can live or die based on its central performance. Thankfully, Taron Egerton knocks it out of the park as Elton John. Without sinking into caricature of a flat-out impersonation, Egerton beautifully captures all of John’s ticks and nuances and channels his explosive energy when he’s performing for the crowds. He’s so spot-on that you forget you’re even watching a performance. Did I mention he does his own singing?
His work is complimented by Bryce Dallas Howard delivering some of her finest work as Reggie’s cold mother Eileen while Jamie Bell gives an understated performance as Elton’s best friend and collaborator Bernie Taupin. Richard Madden is a breakout as manager John Reid, which in turn leads to ANOTHER “Bohemian Rhapsody” connection in that Reid is a major character in both films (played in BR by Madden’s fellow-“Game of Thrones” alum Aiden Gillen). Reid is portrayed as abusive and downright malicious, being the evil puppet master that controls John’s every move. Typical biopic cliche that the film doesn’t skimp on and one that’s been challenged by those who were there.
Of course whereas with BR it was reliant on the vision/perspective of living Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor, it is important to note that this film is being told from Elton John’s perspective and that he was hands on in its creation. Though it may not skip out on the cliches it definitely does BR one better by celebrating John’s homosexuality and in no way tries to erase it or gloss over it, all while still acknowledging the emotional and interpersonal complexities and challenges John faced as a result of it. If anything, it’s a film about celebrating who you are while acknowledging your scars. Right up until the final song (guess which).
“Rocketman” may have a lot of flash, but at its core is a lot of heart. You’ll laugh, cry, and sing along as you’re taken on a wily tour of the life of one of music’s greatest living legends.
A
