Musical biography films are abundant, ranging from accounts of Johnny Cash to Cornelis Vreeswijk, and notably, Queen. However, true musicals within this genre are less common, a somewhat surprising fact. Rocketman distinguishes itself as a fully realized musical, and excels in this regard.
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The film begins in 1947, with the birth of Reginald Kenneth Dwight (Taron Egerton) in London. His prodigious musical talent is evident from a young age, displaying perfect pitch and the ability to replicate any melody. Despite his gift, Reginald’s home life is characterized by a lack of parental affection. His grandmother provides crucial support, enabling him to pursue piano lessons. While a brilliant musician, Reginald struggles with lyricism. His encounter with Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell) marks a turning point, leading to his transformation into the iconic superstar, Elton John.
Rocketman establishes a compelling narrative from the outset. The film’s musical nature, initially unexpected, proves to be a masterstroke. Drawing parallels to “jukebox musicals” like Mamma Mia, the film uniquely centers on a real-life figure. The filmmakers do not shy away from the darker aspects of Elton John’s life, depicting his suicide attempt with both visual impact and emotional depth. Director Dexter Fletcher (who completed Bohemian Rhapsody after Bryan Singer’s departure) skillfully balances these darker elements with moments of levity and triumph, resulting in a compelling and high-quality cinematic experience.
Taron Egerton’s portrayal of Elton John is exceptional. Beyond an accurate depiction, he performs all of the singing himself. While Tom Hardy was previously considered for the role, Egerton proves to be an ideal fit. Although the emotionally charged scenes occasionally feel somewhat restrained, perhaps a consequence of the musical format lending a slightly polished feel, this is a minor issue. This observation may stem from a personal pursuit of perfection.
Jamie Bell, with his background in musicals (Billy Elliot), demonstrates his versatility in a supporting role. His charisma and charm are well-suited to the character, and his on-screen relationship with Egerton appears authentic and believable.
Richard Madden also deserves recognition for his portrayal of John Reid, Elton John’s manager and first love, capturing the character’s complex nature with a balance of charm and underlying ruthlessness. Bryce Dallas Howard delivers a powerful performance as Elton’s emotionally distant mother. While her coldness may seem exaggerated, accounts suggest that her behavior mirrored the on-screen depiction, including reportedly hiring an Elton John impersonator for her 90th birthday due to their estrangement.
The UHD in 4K format elevates films like this, offering exceptional image quality and vibrant colors. A particular scene showcases Elton John in full color against a more muted backdrop, creating an almost three-dimensional effect. Similarly, the intricate details of his sequined baseball suit are rendered with remarkable clarity. The Dolby Atmos sound design provides an immersive audio experience, enhancing the musical numbers and creating an engaging atmosphere. The bonus material extends beyond mere promotion, providing valuable insights into the making of Rocketman. Extended, uncut versions of several musical scenes and a collection of deleted scenes are also included.
In conclusion, Rocketman is a visually stunning film that combines a compelling narrative with strong performances, making it a highly recommended viewing experience and a near-perfect achievement.
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