Do we really need an
entire film about Elton Hercules John?
Bohemian Rhapsody seemed warranted
and obviously went down well, yet is this just a jump on the bandwagon ploy -
shall we expect a Mick Jagger blockbuster in six months’ time? I’m sure a large
percentage of the population hasn’t forgiven Elton for Kingsman 2 yet, but boy
is Rocketman a well needed dose of realism, music and mayhem.
First off, if one were to
cast a young Elton John, Taron Egerton wouldn’t even spring to mind, but a pleasant
surprise is in store. We know this guy can act, we know he fly and now we know
he can sing. Taking on this iconic musician, Egerton’s ‘Eggsy’ is a distant
memory. This man oozes talent and the outfits alone make it tricky to see him
as anything other than the budding rock star that is Elton John. Dexter
Fletcher, director of indie gem Eddie the Eagle takes on this
beast of a musical fantasy and after the mishap with credits for Bohemian
Rhapsody, the care and energy that has gone into this project shines brightly
through every scene. Whilst, Lee Hall writer of Billy Elliot knows exactly how to tug on those heartstrings.
This
isn’t all diamond encrusted pink tinted glasses, sell-out gigs and making
history – this is a deeply insecure individual who spirals into an abyss of
hatred and addiction. As we see an eccentrically dressed fiery orange devil
with spectacularly sparkly horns (not to mention the outrageous red angel
wings) make an 'Aragon' entrance into rehab; dark hefty undertones seep through
therapy sessions tethering this tale into a little neat bow. Mental health is currently
on everyone’s radar and the melancholy moments of this deal with subjects that
you would never even think someone like Sir Elton John ever has to deal with.
Explored in a meaningful
and informative manner (approved by the man himself); Egerton embodies a
self-destructive man with fame and talent that he simply can’t deal with. If you can stomach the obligatory exploration of a child sob story told through high pitched notes, the weighty middle chunk is where it's juicy. It doesn't hold back when it comes to breaking the news he a homosexual, poof, a fairy to his own mother who disregards his feeling like her empty Martini glasses and it's moments such as these that drive this man to drugs and drink. Aspects are spelled out a tad too much with an odd 'eye roll' line yet this doesn't take away from the crowd pleasing performances. Kudos to the entire crew of supporting actors here; Madden is stunning, juxtaposed to his brut of a man in Bodyguard and Bell brings his a-game. Watch out for the laughs a plenty when Stephen Graham pops on screen too.
Jam
packed with themes, strains of stories, ripples of romances and passionate
performances, Rocketman sores above the stars bringing an explosive cinematic
feature to the screen. Under all the glitter, gems and extravagant attire, there is a deeply lonely man who had to fall to rock bottom until he truly saw how talented he was and of course - he's still standing. Copious amounts of quirky symbolism are disappointingly diluted by too many moments of realisation; however it serves its purpose aiding Elton as he transforms into his true self. Magnetic choreography makes way for euphoric sequences making it near impossible not to tap your foot through these fabulous renditions.
It’s
insanely difficult not to compare this to Bohemian Rhapsody, albeit this takes
flight to a different tune shedding light on a man and his life that we thought
we knew. Even if you aren’t an Elton fan, familiar tunes invade your brain
whilst your eyes are subjected to a visual feast of colour and sequins galore.
Directed by Dexter Fletcher
121 mins, 15 (2019)
