A One Mann’s Movies review of “Rocketman” (2019).
Bob the Movie Man’s Rating:
Certification:
UK: 15; US: R.
I enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody very much – I really did. But I did get some stick for not giving it the full 5*’s: I gave it 4.5*’s (which is still pretty good for me!). I think my main reservation was the sanitisation of Mercury’s life. With “Rocketman” – a full-on musical based on the life of Reggie Dwight (aka Elton John) – the word sanitised doesn’t enter into it!
Two talents colliding
It’s an extraordinary life story. As a child, Reg had a talent – very nicely demonstrated in the film – for hearing a piece of music once and being able to reproduce it (I have a child who’s similarly talented!). As a teenager Reg (now played by Taron Egerton) meets Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and a writing partnership of the quality of Lennon and McCartney is formed.
A (business) relationship to cherish. (Source: Paramount Pictures).
Dick James (Stephen Graham, so brilliant in Season 5 of “Line of Duty”) is Elton’s original manager, dismissive about many of the songs but canny enough to see the potential and send the pair to LA for a shot at fame. There Elton meets the gay empressario John Reid (“Bodyguard’s” Richard Madden) and a business and personal relationship drives Elton into megastardom. But that all comes at a cost, as drink, drugs and sex become addictive.
Egerton excels
The star turn is Taron Egerton‘s portrayal of Elton. It’s extraordinary. It’s so brilliant because its not really an impersonation: by the end of the film, he just *is* Elton. When we hear some of his classic songs, most notably his ‘recording’ of “Your Song”, it’s the Taron Egerton version that you hear… not some slavish attempt to recreate the single. And Egerton can sing!
A highspot in the film – Elton riffs on “Your Song”. (Source: Paramount Pictures)
But while Egerton deservedly gets a lot of the praise, he is supported by some really solid supporting performances: most notably Jamie Bell and Richard Madden.
Bell’s Taupin is a quiet supporting figure, never over-stepping his brief: he’s arguably a bigger star than Egerton.
Madden on the other hand – probably breaking womens’ hearts the length of the country – has steamy sex scenes with Egerton but is otherwise fantastic portraying the controlling monster Reid.
Surely a contender for a Costume Oscar?
The costume department have a whale of a time with this film. But, after all, they have a huge back-catalog of historically outrageous material to work with! It’s all brilliantly done by costume designer Julian Day, and adds greatly to the style and dynamics of the film.
In need of therapy. Taron Egerton as Elton. (Source: Paramount Pictures)
Directorial Flair
The director is Dexter Fletcher, famous for coming in and ‘saving’ “Bohemian Rhapsody” after a less than easy initial shoot with Bryan Singer. Here he’s got full control from the get-go, and it shows. The opening of the film is a memorable entrance to a therapy session, and the use of that environment to frame the story is simply brilliant.
It’s also not really a biopic with music but a musical framing a biopic. This might come as a shock to “La La Land” haters! But it’s intriguing that – apart from some of the historical releases that frame the story – all of Elton’s hits are scattered through the film without regard to release date. It’s comical to see the reaction of Dick James to 90’s hits back in the 70’s!
Talking of which, another highspot is the memorable video for “I’m Still Standing” with Egerton cleverly CGI’d in.
Still standing. Taron Egerton’s version of the original Elton video. (Source: Paramount Pictures)
Not a PG
The film is a UK 15-certificate, so if you are prudish, prepare to be offended by the homosexual sex and drugs usage. Elton recently commented that “I haven’t led a PG-13 rated life,” and he pushed that the film should not be diluted to appeal to a broader rating. That’s a good decision.
An unhealthy relationship (for Elton). John Reid as portrayed by Richard “Bodyguard” Madden. (Source: Paramount Pictures)
Paul Jones watch!
An occasional feature on this blog are sightings of my son-in-law’s brother, Paul Jones, who does a lot of film extra work. He’s in “Rocketman” but it’s not an obvious appearance! During recording of Elton playing “Bennie and the Jets”, a call went out to the extras as to whether anyone could play the piano. Paul’s hand went up first, so those are Paul Jones’ hands – gaudy rings and all – playing the keys!
A real crowd-pleaser
This will undoubtedly make my Top 10 of the year. I loved it. It’s got all the heart of BoRhap, but has 10 times the soul. If you’ve not seen it yet, I heartily recommend it.
How long will it be before I see another music biopic this good? I think it’s gonna be a long long time…
Rocketman Vs Bohemian Rhapsody – Which is Better? https://youtu.be/QFwUwkG6R6w
This is MY channel…. but your opinion still counts here! 🙂
And what a great “channel” it is too!
Ha ha – thanks! One day when my boss lets up a little, I’ll get into video! 🙂
Really enjoyed it too.
At least 4.5 stars for me.
My very minor personal gripe? Whilst I was very happy with the hits being played out of chronological order once Elton’s career had started, I wasn’t keen on hits being the back drop to his childhood years. ‘That wasn’t written until 10 years after….’ I thought.
But fantastic no holds barred film with brilliant portrayals.
Thanks Trev. As I said, I actually thought the non-sequential use of the music was novel and worked well. But I can understand why it might irritate.