‘Rocketman’ is a fitting title for the meteoric rise of Reginald Dwight, better known as Elton John. The biopic honors one of the most iconic musicians of our time with flashy musical numbers from his vast catalog of hits. Director Dexter Fletcher (finishing off Bohemian Rhapsody) never shies from the darker aspects of Elton’s turbulent childhood, sexuality and drug addiction. The reason that it works well is that Taron Egerton disappears into the role of Elton so effectively. The Kingsman actor doesn’t just play him but he actually sings the songs giving his performance an even greater authenticity. When the story bursts into jukebox style musical numbers, it is hard to resist the toe-tapping energy and appeal of the songs.
The story is told by an adult Elton John (Egerton) in an alcoholics anonymous meeting. The flashbacks are an effective way to go back to the musician’s humble beginnings. He was a piano prodigy with an emotionally distant father (Steven Mackintosh) and a passive-aggressive mother (Bryce Dallas Howard). The film hits all the right notes in how he meets his musical collaborator and lyricist Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), how he developed his stage name and the star-making performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. He was literally an overnight sensation. And just like ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ the film chronicles the dark side of fame including drugs and promiscuous sex. Come on now, this was the decadent ‘70s after all.
Besides Egerton’s flawless performance, the supporting cast is equally good. Bell is compelling as Bernie. They had a near-perfect partnership together. Bernie would write the lyrics and Elton would create the melodies for the songs. We also get to meet Elton’s abusive business manager, John Reid (Richard Madden). It’s a toxic relationship as Elton’s career begins to spiral out of control from the drugs and booze. Elton’s journey is an emotional rollercoaster. As soon as you think he hits rock bottom, the film is uplifted with another musical track from his iconic songbook. If you’re worried that the film might dig too deeply into Elton’s sexual exploits, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Besides a quick romp with his business manager in the sack, mainstream audiences do not need to worry about sexually explicit content.
The film is strewn with his greatest hits from “Your Song,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “I’m Still Standing.” The first song “The Bitch Is Back” is cleverly used as the young Elton is growing up with his estranged parents. He sings his way through a local carnival as Egerton finishes off the musical number. One of the most emotional scenes is when he is at the piano and the melody “Your Song” magically takes shape. It truly shows how talented Elton was at improvising a melody together. When Elton makes his debut at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles, he rocks the house with “Crocodile Rock.” It is such an iconic moment that he and the audience are lifted off their feet and float above the floor.
‘Rocketman’ is a journey of self-discovery for the musician. His biopic seems to be a way for him to deal with the painful childhood memories he had of growing up in a loveless home. Through the ups and downs of Elton’s life is the pop music that has dominated the mainstream for decades. The songs that are played in the movie are just a thin slice of his greatest hits. Even millennials can appreciate Elton’s vast talent and music. Director Dexter Fletcher finds the right balance between the sad parts of Elton’s life and the fun journey to superstardom. ‘Rocketman’ is an entertaining ride down the yellow brick road.
