Rocket Man- Loved this one
Rocket Man, the bio pic of Elton John is a musical that really works and has the audiences singing, crying, and cheering aloud. I have a friend that has seen it three times already! The Rocket Man opening at Cannes Film Festival brought together Elton John and the actor, Taron Egerton, who portrays him in Rocket Man showing the support and approval of the story and the actor's portrayal. In the true sense of a musical, the story line followed the songs or in some cases - vice versa and honestly relays the hard journey of a singer whose personal identity acceptance and rise to stardom were a struggle.
Here's a MyReelWorld video from the screening and Q&A. Thanks to the Arclight for such a great screening and presentation.
No one can doubt how talented Elton John is and hearing the songs develop along with the story line was informative and a tough story to hear at times- Taron Egerton did it great justice. GREAT FILM, and not just because we love the music or the man behind the songs, the blend of songs with the story just worked so well. Admittedly, I am not a big musical person; however, I loved the way this one 'told the story' effectively and was easy to follow. The costumes were wonderful as well and yes, they had to be extravagant to match the Elton John tradition to shock and impress on stage.
Taron Egerton did an excellent job in recreating the singer from his singing to his mannerisms, he had me sold. HIs work and preparation with coach, Micheal L.Roberts really paid off after training two hours a day for six weeks preparing for this role.
Kudos also to Bryce Dallas Howard as his mum- her accent and
tough attitude makes one "dislike" the mother of the poor child. Jamie Hall as Bernie Taupin, Elton's life long friend and creative writer, portrayed a kindred spirit that eased the pains. Director David Flincher deserves a high five for he pulled it all off in directing this cast to create a musical that is highly acclaimed and will be awarded. A difficult task as it's very hard to do with such a well known and living person -but from what we hear, Elton John approved and enjoyed. He was a producer on the project and gave Taron confidence that projected in his character portrayal.
I was fortunate to be at a screening in Hollywood with an audience that can relate to the music as well as the local spots portrayed that mean so much to The Elton John. Two or which include included the Troubadour nightclub in West Hollywood where he launched his U.S. to stardom singing, "Your Song" in 1970. Another beloved spot was Tower Records. Elton John returns to LA every year for his benefit Oscar party and a few years ago- I was lucky to see him play in the Tower Records , West Hollywood lot with his special guest star, Lady Gaga. A free Elton John concert on Saturday at noon in Weho was pretty special and yes, drew a huge crowd. It was his way of saying thank you for the support he has gotten over the years for his benefits parties in West Hollywood at the Pacific Design Center raising over $300 million in the past two and half decades.
As you can tell, I really enjoyed Rocketman and look forward to seeing it again.
Hope you find the joy too!
Here's the trailer for the film.