A One Mann’s Movies review of “Elton John: Never Too Late” (2024) (From the 2024 London Film Festival).
I must admit that if there had been anything else that I really wanted to watch in this press review slot at the LFF then I would have probably chosen that. I *like* Elton John’s music… doesn’t nearly everyone? … but I wouldn’t define myself as a ‘fan’. But I have to say that I was really very pleasantly surprised by this documentary.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
“Elton John: Never Too Late” Plot Summary:
After 50 years of performing, Elton John, now 77, has made the decision to hang up his sparkly hat and diamante glasses and stop touring for good. This documentary, co-directed by his husband David Furnish, overviews Reg Dwight’s life story showing the run up to his farewell concert in 2022 at the place it all started: the Dodger’s stadium in Los Angeles.
Certification:
UK: NR; US: PG-13. (At the time of writing, this had not been reviewed by the BBFC. I would expect it to be a ’12A’ based on discussions of drugs, sex and a suicide attempt.)
Talent:
Directed by: R.J. Cutler & David Furnish.
Running Time: 1h 42m.
“Elton John: Never Too Late” Summary:
Positives:
- A really well made, cleverly edited piece covering Elton’s life, clearly with access to a lot of personal artifacts.
- The finale, with Elton’s farewell to the concert, I found to be surprisingly moving.
- The film doesn’t feature just ‘Greatest Hits’: there is a wide range of his music featured.
- There are a range of really lovely ‘moments’ in this.
Negatives:
- The film references Elton’s downfall in relation to drugs and abuse at various hands… but it feels quite sanitised as a story.
Review of “Elton John: Never Too Late”:
Cleverly put together.
Most of us are pretty well aware of the story of Reginald Dwight, aka Elton John. In 2019 we saw Taron Egerton strut his stuff in “Rocketman” which, although wrapped up in fantasy elements, didn’t shy away from the darker aspects of his life. This documentary retreads that but adds a lot of personal details that are quite shocking: for example, that young Dwight was terrified of physical abuse from both of his parents; that his manager and first-lover John Reid had such a temper that he would beat and potentially glass someone who annoyed him.
Where no live footage is available, scenes are dramatised through the use of simple animations and this works well. Other animations used are the ‘writing’ of diary entries about recordings he’s made or concerts he’s played out. I assume (hope) these are the original notes.
Another thing to praise the film for is its editing. We flash backwards from the current day US tour to periods of his history using a ‘rolodex’ sort of approach. It’s all pretty impressive.
A lot of great anecdotes and incidents.
The man has had a memorable career and some elements of the story are highly entertaining. Particular elements that I noted down were:
- Getting thrown together with Bernie Taupin purely by accident… by the passing on of a sight-unseen envelope containing details of “a lyricist”
- Composing the music to Taupin’s “Tiny Dancer” lyrics.
- Watching a record producer’s face as Elton says “I think some piano would add value” behind his “Cold Heart” remix with Dua Lipa then effortlessly sitting down and adding a brilliant backing by what ‘feels right’. The mark of a true musician.
- The sad revelation that his Dad never accepted his career or even saw him play live.
- Getting a terrified John Lennon a to come back on stage with him.
- Him and Lennon hiding from Andy Warhol!
- The interview to “Rolling Stone” magazine where he, almost on a whim, comes out.
- Seeing what a lovely family he has.
Surprisingly moving.
Against all of my expectations, I found the final concert performance to be extremely moving. There was clearly suddenly a lot of dust floating around the cinema when he said his goodbyes and performed a fabulous version of “Your Song” as his swan song.
Sanitised.
The obvious danger of having a documentary made of your life by your own team is the lack of cricicality in the content. And I felt that here to a degree. It has the same feel for me as the recent “Bob Marley: One Love“, also made by the family. Yes, obviously, Elton’s drug taking, drinking and general debauchery is mentioned, but we never really get to see the effects of that damaging behaviour on other people. I know today, by all accounts, he seems to be a lovely person, giving back to society through charity work and, as shown quite sweetly in the film, supporting and encouraging hidden new talent. But I don’t think the record would be fully complete without some of his tantrums and bullying behaviours when he was under the influence.
Summary Thoughts on “Elton John: Never Too Late”
From a film that I was really so-so about on going in, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this glimpse into Elton John’s career. It’s not just a fascinating tale, but a really well made film as well. Bravo!
Where to Watch it (Powered by Justwatch)
At the time of writing, this had not yet been added to the Justwatch database.
Trailer for “Elton John: Never Too Late”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQGf_nJ1E9w .
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