I didn't see Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) because it looked cheap. While I love Queen's music, I didn't find the movie absolute viewing. I can, after all, turn on a Queen record at any time and just live in that music.
But after I saw the first trailer for Rocket Man (2019), I knew I had to get out and see it. The moment Elton, at The Troubador, lifts off the ground, his hands anchored to the keys on the piano, and his audience slowly floats into space with him, I knew that the movie was headed into the realm of the fantastic, and that I would enjoy it. And that's the right tack to take with Elton John's music, that leans into the fantastical and celebrates magicality.
So how was it?
I. What Is It?
This is the story a the rise of a genuine rock and roll icon, Elton John. The film travels from his early years as an awkward boy raised in an emotionally abusive home, to the height of his musical stardom.II. Pure Magic
There were multiple times in this movie where I found myself tapping my feet, unconsciously singing along, and sprouting goosebumps all over my arms. When this movie is on, it is fucking on. The music numbers lean into absurdity and magical realism and come to vibrant life. The film allows the songs to breathe and exist in new contexts, either slowed down to a capella, or sped up into showman fever dreams. All of the cast get little moments to shine and sing, but the film finds its heart in Taron Egerton's madcap, soulful lead performance.
The movie isn't always firing on all cylinders, but the magic it evokes at its heights are more than enough to make up for the times where it misses the mark.
Shout out to the costuming, gorgeously rendered by Julian Day: Elton John was known for visual bombast and Day's designs spare no expense. The hair and makeup, also, are working overtime. The way the team subtly ages Egerton over the course of the film is wonderfully nuanced: his hair begins to thin, the bags form under his eyes, and his cheeks start to become a little more hollow as a life of sex, drugs and rock and roll take their toll.
- If you love Elton's music, this movie is a celebration; if you are wondering why people love Elton John, this movie will act as a nice primer to get you into his world.The movie isn't always firing on all cylinders, but the magic it evokes at its heights are more than enough to make up for the times where it misses the mark.
Shout out to the costuming, gorgeously rendered by Julian Day: Elton John was known for visual bombast and Day's designs spare no expense. The hair and makeup, also, are working overtime. The way the team subtly ages Egerton over the course of the film is wonderfully nuanced: his hair begins to thin, the bags form under his eyes, and his cheeks start to become a little more hollow as a life of sex, drugs and rock and roll take their toll.
III. A Great Sampling From a Master
I didn't get all of my favorite Elton tunes (no "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," which is a bit of a missed opportunity), but the film does, indeed, reach deep into the master's catalogue and serves up a nice sampler of just how versatile and genius the man is.
IV. A Star Studded Cast
Taron Egerton is quickly emerging as one of my favorite actors. His turn as Elton is pure magic. He embodies the excess and the absurdity, but nimbly walks the quieter, more tragic moments with soul. There are moments where his dialect work is pitch perfect, where he channels Elton's rictus smile with absolute commitment, and where he imbues the legend with delicate vulnerability.
Props also to Jamie Bell who makes the most out of a relatively limited screentime as Elton's lyricist and best friend, Bernie Taupin. I'd also like to note Richard Madden's delightfully smarmy John Reid: the man looks like a Scottish Neil Diamond and has a voice like warm caramel. Oomf.
Props also to Jamie Bell who makes the most out of a relatively limited screentime as Elton's lyricist and best friend, Bernie Taupin. I'd also like to note Richard Madden's delightfully smarmy John Reid: the man looks like a Scottish Neil Diamond and has a voice like warm caramel. Oomf.
V. A Bit Disjointed
The story tries so hard to push in so much that the film feels, at times, disjointed and hurried. Elton's wife gets all of maybe a few minutes of screentime, which is a waste. And as good as the child actors are, the movie really hits its stride when Egerton strolls on screen. I would have loved more time with Jamie Bell's Bernie Taupin, as well. One of the movie's quiet victories is when Elton sings "Your Song" to Bernie: it is a wonderful expression of real friendship and love.
The movie is at once too long, 121 minutes, and too short. It falls prey to many of the traps of the boilerplate musical biopic. But, as I said earlier: when it soars, it fucking flies, and more than makes up for its short-comings.
The movie is at once too long, 121 minutes, and too short. It falls prey to many of the traps of the boilerplate musical biopic. But, as I said earlier: when it soars, it fucking flies, and more than makes up for its short-comings.
Why You Should See It
- Taron Egerton is a star, and his performance is electric.
- The visuals are lush, magical, and well constructed.
Why You Shouldn't See It
A Special Note
There are people who have noted how "explicit" the movie is. Some people have remarked how "unnecessary" the love scene is.
Fuck those people.
The movie doesn't shy away from Elton's excess, but doesn't indulge in lurid details. The love scene, and it is a love scene, is consensual, tasteful, and, dare I say, sweet. Ultimately, Reid and Elton's relationship takes a decidedly nasty turn, but the love scene they share is handled with care. I applaud both Egerton and Madden for delivering us such a lovely moment.
Miscellany
- Taron Egerton does all of his own singing. Elton John told Egerton to make the songs his own, and not do a carbon copy of him: I think that was the right decision, and it allows the music to shine.- Elton John struggled to sell an R-rated film version of his life. He responded to critics by saying, "I have not lived a PG-13 life."
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