Vertigo

Vertigo
Vertigo

Monday, June 17, 2019

ROCKETMAN and the Search for Love


Told in a stream of consciousness format, Rocketman takes off as a personal biography of rock music legend, Elton John, and showcases a rich, transformative performance by Taron Egerton (Kingsman:The Secret Service). Director Dexter Fletcher (who finished Bohemian Rhapsody,) has an eye for recreating pop icons, and this film presents John’s life as not only a musical fantasy, but one grounded in a gritty reality with its unflinching portrait of his sexuality and personal demons.


Flashing back and forth from his lonely childhood to key moments in his life, Reginald Dwight demonstrates an ear for music and playing the piano. Renaming himself Elton John, he exploits his musical acumen during a chance meeting with songwriter Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and so  begins a remarkable run of hit songs (and increasingly flamboyant stage presence) and worldwide fame. Yet plagued by distant parents and questioning his sexual identity, he yearns for real love and sinks further into a life of excess and addiction to alcohol, drugs, and destructive relationships. At a crossroads in his life, his search for his authentic self begins a long road to recovery and triumph.   


It’s fascinating to experience so many of John’s catalogue of classic songs, which anchor the narrative, brought to the screen imaginatively. Egerton actually sings these himself, and it works beautifully; it’s an Oscar worthy performance. Special mention should go to Richard Madden and Bryce Dallas Howard in effective, supporting roles.


While it has a more fanciful approach than a standard drama, it compares favorably to Bohemian Rhapsody particularly in the end where it culminates with powerful, emotional heft. It leaves you wanting a bit more and compelled to go out and listen to all those tunes again.

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½* for Elton John fans)

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