Rocketman (2019) Review

 

Rocketman (2019)

Rocketman follows the turbulent life of musician Elton John and his journey from a youth prodigy, to an international superstar in this musical biopic.

What sets Rocketman apart from most biopics is that it is a fantasy retelling of events, using the music to tell a story instead of telling things chronologically. It’s all told from the POV of Elton during his stint in rehab, where he is unironically wearing rose tinted glasses when looking back on his very troubled life. The film doesn’t shy away from that either, detailing his rampant drug and alcohol consumption, suicide attempts, and the challenges he faced as a gay man battling sex addiction. It’s all very un-romanticized and raw, highlighting how imperfect he was, as a tormented man who’s innocence was forsaken for stardom and fame.

Elton’s relationships with those around him anchor this film, showcasing the rocky and toxic relationships he had with his parents as well as with his producer and lover John Reid. His career and the movie as a whole however, hinges on his lifelong friendship with writer Bernie Taupin, who is always the one constant in Elton’s life.

The film is wonderfully acted, starring Richard Madden, Jamie Bell, and Taron Egerton. Egerton is simply perfect as Elton John, nailing his many looks and doing all of the singing as well, capturing the imperfect but lovingly mystical quality of the musician and his work. His chemistry with Bell (who looks shockingly like an older Tom Holland), feels real and honest, revealing to him what a true friend looks like when all others neglect and take advantage of him.

Rocketman, produced by Elton himself and released the same year as Bohemian Rhapsody, is an inspiring look at such a flawed musicians life and his journey towards accepting who he is deep down inside. It all felt very much like Elton John’s own coming to terms with his life in retrospect and it’s brought to life beautifully in dream-like reverie, with a knockout soundtrack that includes a plethora of Elton’s hits and classics, each telling a story through song.

8.7/10