05-25-2019, 04:48 PM
Rocketman (2019)
As this is by Dexter Fletcher, the same co-Director (after Bryan Singer left) as the Queen biopic, I was expecting something similarly straight forward and fun from this Elton John film. This is a much more risk-taking kaleidoscope of dream sequences, framing devices, fantasy dance numbers and trippy visuals. The highlights include kid Elton shining a torch in his bedroom upon an imaginary orchestra, a musical pub punch-up and a strangely beautiful balletic dance by doctors and nurses as overdosed Elton is being wheeled into hospital. Countless songs are seamlessly intermingled to tell his life story through music and lyrics.
Film Critic Mark Kermode mentioned the heavy influence of Ken Russell's style (in his ecstatic review above) and that's a great guide for understanding what Fletcher is going for. Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton's mum has one of the most convincing London-area accents I've heard from a Hollywood actor and the whole physical performance is spot on (It's like she's channeling Adele). Taron Egerton and Jamie Bell have great chemistry as Elton and Bernie Taupin. I read on Wikipedia that "It is the first major Hollywood production to show a gay male sex scene on-screen". Really? in 2019? That's kinda pathetic Hollywood. I wasn't expecting this film to be as good, as daring, or as creative as it is. Plus I can't stop humming the music.
As this is by Dexter Fletcher, the same co-Director (after Bryan Singer left) as the Queen biopic, I was expecting something similarly straight forward and fun from this Elton John film. This is a much more risk-taking kaleidoscope of dream sequences, framing devices, fantasy dance numbers and trippy visuals. The highlights include kid Elton shining a torch in his bedroom upon an imaginary orchestra, a musical pub punch-up and a strangely beautiful balletic dance by doctors and nurses as overdosed Elton is being wheeled into hospital. Countless songs are seamlessly intermingled to tell his life story through music and lyrics.
Film Critic Mark Kermode mentioned the heavy influence of Ken Russell's style (in his ecstatic review above) and that's a great guide for understanding what Fletcher is going for. Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton's mum has one of the most convincing London-area accents I've heard from a Hollywood actor and the whole physical performance is spot on (It's like she's channeling Adele). Taron Egerton and Jamie Bell have great chemistry as Elton and Bernie Taupin. I read on Wikipedia that "It is the first major Hollywood production to show a gay male sex scene on-screen". Really? in 2019? That's kinda pathetic Hollywood. I wasn't expecting this film to be as good, as daring, or as creative as it is. Plus I can't stop humming the music.
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