At the beginning of his career, Elton John might have had everything - adulation, money, fame... but the one thing he really longs for: being loved which he's being cruelly denied. And so he attempts to drown out his pain until he hits rock bottom.
I enjoyed this quite much, of course the music, but also the relationship with Bernie - and Elton composing "Your Song" for Bernie was one of the highlights of this movie (especially considering that this is one of my all-time favourite Elton John songs). The coldness and cruelty of his parents felt jarring - adults who never wanted to have a child in the first place and took it out on him and who still take everything they can, feeling that they're owed for putting up with him, but who are incapable of accepting him for who he is. And then there's toxic John Reid whose greed and manipulation almost destroys Elton John.
Overall though, this movie remains rather generic. It's nothing I haven't seen before (and the similarities to "Bohemian Rhapsody", of a shy person being rejected, trying to be accepted, to drown in false fame and happiness... only to fall into drugs and alcohol and have to rethink his priorities, are striking).
Review by Matthew Luke BradyBlockedParent2019-12-31T22:41:08Z
"Real love's hard to come by. So you find a way to cope without it."
Final review of 2019!
'Rocketman' is everything a musical biopic should be. Well, I wouldn’t really call it a biopic, as a musical told in a rated R fairy tale seems more appropriate. While occasionally falling into the “Walk The Line” of cliches, but never has a biopic be presented in such an extraordinary and yet sore fashion. Some things may be overly dramatized or just didn’t happen, but then again it is “based on a true fantasy”.
Taron Egerton as Elton John is perfect casting. I’m already aware that Egerton is a singer, and yet what surprised me the most was how much he sings just like Elton. No lip syncing or donkey teeth, just an honest portrayal of a national treasure. I hope Egerton gets some serious award consideration for this performance, because if anyone deserves some recognition for leading actor, it’s him. I no longer see him as Eggsy from Kingsman. He is Elton John.
Jamie Bell was excellent as Berine Taupin, Aka the sweetest eyes you will ever seen. The chemistry between Bell and Egerton was a match made in heaven just not the romantic kind.
Richard Madden was a brutal force as John Reed. A cold and controlling snake that sucks away any happiness in Elton’s life. Maddens vocals was pretty damn good, which I’m surprised people haven’t brought up yet.
I loved how the songs were integrated in the film. The fame and sparkly glitter can’t hide open wounds. There’s a scene that’s almost plucked straight out of Bob Fosse’s ‘All That Jazz’, where Elton is carried off in an ambulance after he attempts suicide, but thrown back into a stadium like a wild animal. I found it incredibly devastating how he pretends to be happy when performing on stage while being dead inside. I also noticed the lyrics had been changed to "I miss my LIFE" from "I miss my wife”. How one word can change the meaning and perspective of the song.
Perhaps my favorite scene in the whole movie is when Reggie sits at the piano and composes "Your Song" for the very first time. I thought the scene perfectly captures the overall feeling of the song. The overwhelming feeling of love and appreciation you have for a special person in your life. It gives you the impression that these people existed in real life and cared for each other. Men who are too afraid to open up their feelings and telling their friends how much they love them, while living in a world that’s so cynical and unkind. So yeah, I nearly teared up. Such a beautiful moment.
At his highs and lows, Elton has lived life like no other. “You will never be famous”, his father told him when he was a little boy. “You will never be loved”, his mother told him after he tells the truth about his sexuality. “I’ll still be collecting my twenty percent long after you've killed yourself”, his producer manage told him during his lowest.
Despite every obstacle Elton faced his life and how depressing the tone may be, but then again, you’re looking at a true survivor, because he’s still standing.
Overall rating: You can have that hug now, Elton
Happy new year everyone!