Rocketman: biopic celebrates ups and downs of Elton John's career

Elton John was not ordinary. And he knew it. The same goes for his biopic: Rocketman. Much more than just biographical, the film brings to life the musical fantasy alive in the singer's works, giving way to an optimistic and charming narrative, not afraid to be extravagant when necessary, nor does it avoid showing the darkest sides of its protagonist.

The film is a true musical journey and follows the singer's every step from his childhood as the shy Reginald Dwight, to his longtime partnership with Bernie Taupin, to his iconic performance at the Troubador club in Los Angeles. Nor is his sexuality avoided when portraying his relationship with John Reid, his first love and manager.

Nor is his addiction to cocaine, his tendency to glamorous parties and also the desire to recover when he hit rock bottom. There is room for redemption too, and forgiveness.

There is indeed a true deference to Elton John throughout the 121 minutes of the feature, after all, it has the same executive producer in the production. But there's something great about Elton's choices for the film: he allowed himself to be vulnerable. And behind all the visual paraphernalia and epoch-making music, there was a person whose story was worth sharing.

Rocketman vs Bohemian Rhpasody: Inevitable Comparisons

Since the release of the first trailer, Rocketman is doomed to comparisons with another biopic: Bohemian Rhapsody. the movie about Freddie Mercury and his career with Queen was a real commercial and critical hit, taking thousands of people to theaters to revisit his protagonist's collection, as well as earning actor Rami Malek the status of Hollywood darling, with a Oscar for Best Actor at the end of the awards season.

Rocketman inherits the difficult task of trying to stand out in the shadow of its predecessor, even more so because they both share the same director. The biopic project came from the mind of Dexter Fletcher, but due to creative conflicts, it was replaced by Bryan Singer. Dexter took up the mantle again following the expulsion of the other, after a series of sexual harassment allegations, only to finish the project. So much so that he is not credited as a director in the work.

Em Rocketman he gives vent to all his creative frustration, and all his visionary ambition gains strength and life on screen. if there is something that Rocketman What triumphs over his predecessor is his ability to accept that Taron Egerton is not Elton John, and yet he sings, dances, plays, and moves in the film. His performance received a standing ovation at Cannes and could be the kick-off for an Oscar walk along the lines of Malek.

But if there's any big coincidence in the movie, it's called John Reid. That's because the character appears in both the Queen movie and Rocketman. Reid has been the manager of both artists, and is played by two direct actors from Game of Thrones: Aidan Gillen, the Littlefinger, stars in Bohemian Rhapsody, while Richard Madden, aka Robb Stark, plays the entrepreneur in his younger version in Elton's musical biopic.

What is worth remembering is that, in addition to the comparisons, Mercury was Elton John's friend until his death from AIDS in the 90's. vocalist. The music The Show Must Go On, was the last song recorded by Mercury. After that, bassist John Deacon retired from the stage, claiming it was difficult to go on without Freddie. Queen continues performing with Brian May and Roger Taylor alongside Adam Lambert on vocals.

unmissable performances

When it was announced that Taron Egerton had been cast as Elton John, the decision felt natural and organic; for others, even obvious. Best known for his role in the action franchise The Kingsman, unanimity came with Egerton's performance of I'm Still Standing in the animation Sing, which went viral and came to the attention of Sir Elton himself.

As a kindness, the singer participated in the second film of the franchise Kingsman. From then on, it was impossible to speak Taron without linking him to Elton. Confirmation of the actor as the protagonist of Rocketman came as a real gift to fans of both.

What the Welsh actor delivers, however, goes far beyond expectations. Even without Elton's voice, Taron doesn't hesitate to deliver truly emotional performances of classics like Tiny Dancer e Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. And the unanimity came once again: what Taron Egerton does in Rocketman is enough gas to elevate his name to star status and, on top of that, grab some nominations in the awards season next year.

Another who doesn't look bad and who will also have his share of celebration at the awards next year is Jamie Bell, who plays Bernie Taupin, Elton John's musical partner. Another perfectly natural choice, Bell gained notoriety when he starred as a child in the musical Billy Elliot, making us wonder how he would have done had he been cast in the lead.

The name that closes our star trio is Richard Madden, who has shone his post-Game of Thrones career. The former King in the North was already drawing attention with his participation in the live action of Cinderella and award-winning in the series The Bodyguard. In The Rocketman, it seems natural that he also competes for some awards, vying for a supporting role with Jamie Bell.

Rocketman arrives as the kick-off to a propitious year for everyone involved, but especially its honoree. The film had its premiere at the Cannes festival, just in time for the live action Lion King, another film that will celebrate the music of Elton John, this time in the voices of Donald Glover, Childish Gambino, and Beyoncé.

But more than that, it's an opportunity for a whole new generation to get to know their discography and, who knows, enjoy it for the last time. Rocketman live in all its grandeur. Sir Elton John announced his retirement with a battery of shows on a tour that could pass through Brazil called Farewell Yellow Brick Road.

Rocketman debut on the day May 30.