Rocketman

After their initial collaboration in the sports biopic Eddie the Eagle, Director Dexter Fletcher forges his cinematic partnership with actor Taron Egerton ahead to capture yet another extraordinary figure of the world, Elton John.

The resurgence of the musical genre over the last few years has introduced an array of real and fictional music personalities to the big screen treatment — some remarkable and some less. Critics and audiences have surely made their complaints of the genre’s garden-variety entries — “if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all” — known. In the case of Rocketman, audiences can rest assure that Fletcher and Egerton have wasted no time to put their own mark on the genre.

In Rocketman, every swirl and sweep of the camera, every uproarious dance move and every melodic tune come together splendidly make a bona fide of a film to respectfully honour its inspiration. Even with Elton John’s personal stamp of approval and producing role, the film does not feel like a watered down version of the real story which serves as a testament to Fletcher’s directorial instincts. Fletcher makes no attempt to shy away from the singer’s sexuality and addiction struggles. Still, the triumphant moments roar just as intensely to dazzle its audience and to counteract the darkness. In this character-centric piece, the centerpiece of the film is rightfully the inspired casting of Egerton who not only oozes charisma and talent every second he is on screen but also in the recording studio belting out every note. Egerton is clearly aware of the responsibilities in delivering a career-defining performance in this career-defining role.

Rocketman firmly stands as one of the more noteworthy efforts among its peers within the genre. It’s a must-see for all Elton John fans and even casual filmgoers, and if Fletcher and Egerton want to team up again in the future, you will hear no complaints from me.

(Originally posted on 24 June 2019 @projectunwrapped)