Rocketman (Review)
Rocketman Flys High, But Never Comes Down for a Landing.
With how incredibly successful Bohemium Rhapsody was last year, it’s hard not to compare Rocketman to it. There are some obvious similarities when it comes to the subject matter since both are about gay British musicians who revolutionized the music industry during the 70s and 80s. In fact, it’s pretty safe to say that these could have been eerily similar movies. However, writer Lee Hall and director Dexter Fletcher take some artistic liberties that make Rocketman into more of a musical experience than a simple biopic. This makes Rocketman as unique and extravagant as the man it’s based on.
I find it fitting that Taron Egerton was cast to play Elton John since the two both appeared together in Kingsman: The Golden Circle. This time though Taron is playing Elton in the story of his life. Rocketman is a far cry from a traditional biopic and instead treats itself more like a musical in a lot of ways. Of course, almost all the music in the film is actually by Elton John (which is, of course, incredibly fitting) and used quite well to reflect the emotions Elton is experiencing during some of the more defining moments along his journey to becoming one of the most influential and incredible musical icons of all time. It’s definitely an emotional one as well. We get a good look at the struggles and tribulations Elton goes through over the course of his life. There are plenty who take advantage of the singer’s desperation to be loved and accepted (something it seems many LGBT performers went through during that time period). It turns out that over the years, Elton’s electric smile hid tremendous pain and suffer, which causes Rocketman to pack a poignant punch.
Egerton delivers the best performance of his career (not hard considering his last film was so… meh). In my opinion, Elton John is very much the reigning King of Camp. However, there’s a lot more to him than his extravagant showmanship. Over the course of Rocketman, we see first hand how incredibly toxic his parents were growing up (played by Bryce Dallas Howard and Steven Mackintosh) and how that shaped him into someone who would do anything to feel love. Alas, love wasn’t in the cards for Elton during his early days in the music industry, and like so many others he turned to drink and drugs in order to numb himself while still being able to put on a good show for the audience. Egerton puts his all into his playing the part, which isn’t easy considering how the character hides his vulnerability only exposing his true pain in fits where he lashes out at himself and others. Still, his performance sports a number of layers to it that makes it easy to fall (even more) in love with Elton John.
As good as Rocketman is, I was a bit less than impressed when it came to some of its musical numbers. Egerton definitely has a voice on him, but it lacks the infectious energy that Elton John is so well known for. When one of his songs comes on the radio, it’s hard to fight the urge to dance along to it. Of course, expecting someone to embody the very essence of Elton John is an impossible task, so it’s easy to let that slide considering how good Egerton is. However, Rocketman feels as though it’s holding back or simply has no idea how to reach the level of outrageousness that Elton John is known for. There are a lot of dance sequences in the film, but a lot of the musical numbers are more focused on Elton John’s introspection as he wanders through scenes trying to get a handle on his life. Because of that, they lack the razzle-dazzle of classic musicals from the likes of Bob Fosse. Still, these numbers are what help Rocketman separate itself from the pack of musician biopics out there.
One thing that Rocketman gets right is the incredible absurdity that Elton John has mastered over the years when it comes to his showmanship. The film carefully recreates some of his more memorable costumes and even starts with Egerton going to an AA meeting wearing a sequenced devil outfit. Of course, we all know where Elton John eventually ended up when it came to his unique method of self-expression, but getting to watch the evolution of it is truly a sight to behold. This is especially effective given that it reflects Elton’s penchant for excess in all things, especially in all the wrong things. This is all just an attempt to fill the emptiness inside him. Fletcher uses the incredible costuming as an effective visual metaphor for Elton’s journey in life. As he sheds his protective layers Elton slowly abandons his flamboyant outfits (though never gives up the iconic glasses that he wears) and soon ends up in nothing more than a track suit (though it has a touch of sequences to it), and it’s here that we finally get to see his character make some serious inner breakthroughs.
Despite being underwhelming during certain moments, Rocketman tells its tale in a manner truly worthy of its star. At times it feels a bit rushed, but that’s simply because it has so much story to tell. At the end of the day the films impressive performances, heartfelt story, and awe-filled visuals make it one that fans of Elton John can’t afford to miss. Of course, let’s be honest, Elton John is one of the most likable musicians of all time, so who isn’t a fan?
