The true story of the rise of rock and roll legend Elton John,
as well as his struggles with substance abuse and sexual identity. BIOPIC/DRAMA/MUSICAL
|
Rocketman (2019)Directed by Dexter Fletcher
Written by Lee Hall Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones, Charlie Rowe, Stephen Graham Oscar Wins - Best Original Song ((I'm Gonna) Love Me Again) |
Rocketman tells the inspiring and intriguing story behind musical legend Elton John and how everyone in his life, including his family, expected him to fail as a career musician. Taron Egerton gives the performance of his career as Elton John, doing all of his own singing and playing the larger-than-life celebrity as a man trapped inside himself, unable to live the life he truly wants. I enjoyed the hell out of this biopic, and I'm excited to be living in a golden age of true rock stories.
Elton John is known for his catchy songs and flamboyant performances, and the decision to craft a musical of his life using those songs was straight-up brilliant. If you're a fan of his music, you will enjoy every second of this film, and the musical whimsy doesn't take away from the dramatic sides of the story. There are some hefty emotional moments, particularly a few involving Elton confronting his emotionally neglectful parents. Rocketman tells the story of a rock star who suffered because of his fame, because he surrounded himself with people who pretended to care about him. There's a lot of similarities to Dexter Fletcher's last biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, particularly in the gay lover who tears him away from the people who matter. I don't know if that's creative license or true events, but regardless, it's a crucial piece of the Elton John puzzle and helps make for an interesting, enjoyable, and memorable film. |