Rocketman - Review
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard
The recent trend of adapting the lives of some of the most iconic musicians started with Bohemian Rhapsody, which eventually became an Academy Award winning film and the highest grossing drama of all time. From Freddie Mercury to Elton John, Rocketman doesn't quite break the biopic narrative mould but its innovation shines through in its captivating musical sequences and eye-popping visuals.
After years of drink and drug abuse, a middle-aged Elton John (Egerton) checks himself into rehab where he recalls his journey from being a shy boy with a dysfunctional family to one of the world's most audacious rock stars.
Much has been made of the film's reluctance to sugarcoat Elton's days of hard drug-taking and heavy drinking and it successfully offers an unfiltered glimpse into the ugly, lonely side of hedonism that can so often appear appealing. Elton's abuse of drug and drink have a ripple effect beyond the deterioration of his own health and happiness, but the film doesn't put the effort into explaining why he gives in to such destructive behaviour. His unhappiness fuels his various addictions but their initial cause is never explored although it does seem a given that a wild lifestyle is part and parcel of being the world's most famous rock and roll star.
Rocketman explores the many different facets of Elton John's life and personality. It's a complicated and shifting balancing act but Taron Egerton takes every challenge in his stride, reaching a new height in his already impressive career and proving himself to be a music man. Egerton sings every note and completely immerses himself. His performance is less a direct imitation and more a passionate approximation of the emotions that the icon experienced during the many highs and lows of his incomparable stardom. Egerton is surrounded by a great supporting cast, particularly the seductive Richard Madden as Elton's cruel manager John Reid and Jamie Bell who provides an earnest presence as the crooner's lyrical partner Bernie Taupin.
Egerton's fierce commitment to the project and his vocal prowess is incredibly impressive but perhaps the biggest star of Rocketman transpires to be director Dexter Fletcher. Having stepped in to helm the final two weeks of production on Bohemian Rhapsody after Bryan Singer's dismissal, Fletcher has been rewarded with a film that he can truly put his own creative stamp on; He channels Elton's spirit, style and infectious energy that is emblematic of him as a performer and incorporates it into the dazzling music numbers. Effortlessly transitioning a young Reggie Dwight into early adulthood in a raucous sequence set to Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) and the song Rocketman starting underwater and ending with John blasting like a, well, rocket into the night sky, Fletcher demonstrates how musicals should be directed - with undeniable aplomb and a showmanship flourish.
Bursting with strong performances and a robust direction, Rocketman is a dazzling and authentic celebration of the musical genius and a crowd-pleasing jaunt.
EB
Cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard
The recent trend of adapting the lives of some of the most iconic musicians started with Bohemian Rhapsody, which eventually became an Academy Award winning film and the highest grossing drama of all time. From Freddie Mercury to Elton John, Rocketman doesn't quite break the biopic narrative mould but its innovation shines through in its captivating musical sequences and eye-popping visuals.After years of drink and drug abuse, a middle-aged Elton John (Egerton) checks himself into rehab where he recalls his journey from being a shy boy with a dysfunctional family to one of the world's most audacious rock stars.
Much has been made of the film's reluctance to sugarcoat Elton's days of hard drug-taking and heavy drinking and it successfully offers an unfiltered glimpse into the ugly, lonely side of hedonism that can so often appear appealing. Elton's abuse of drug and drink have a ripple effect beyond the deterioration of his own health and happiness, but the film doesn't put the effort into explaining why he gives in to such destructive behaviour. His unhappiness fuels his various addictions but their initial cause is never explored although it does seem a given that a wild lifestyle is part and parcel of being the world's most famous rock and roll star.
Rocketman explores the many different facets of Elton John's life and personality. It's a complicated and shifting balancing act but Taron Egerton takes every challenge in his stride, reaching a new height in his already impressive career and proving himself to be a music man. Egerton sings every note and completely immerses himself. His performance is less a direct imitation and more a passionate approximation of the emotions that the icon experienced during the many highs and lows of his incomparable stardom. Egerton is surrounded by a great supporting cast, particularly the seductive Richard Madden as Elton's cruel manager John Reid and Jamie Bell who provides an earnest presence as the crooner's lyrical partner Bernie Taupin.
Egerton's fierce commitment to the project and his vocal prowess is incredibly impressive but perhaps the biggest star of Rocketman transpires to be director Dexter Fletcher. Having stepped in to helm the final two weeks of production on Bohemian Rhapsody after Bryan Singer's dismissal, Fletcher has been rewarded with a film that he can truly put his own creative stamp on; He channels Elton's spirit, style and infectious energy that is emblematic of him as a performer and incorporates it into the dazzling music numbers. Effortlessly transitioning a young Reggie Dwight into early adulthood in a raucous sequence set to Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) and the song Rocketman starting underwater and ending with John blasting like a, well, rocket into the night sky, Fletcher demonstrates how musicals should be directed - with undeniable aplomb and a showmanship flourish.
Bursting with strong performances and a robust direction, Rocketman is a dazzling and authentic celebration of the musical genius and a crowd-pleasing jaunt.
EB
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