Must See Movies: Rocketman

In the hands of actor turned director Dexter Fletcher Rocketman – with Elton John’s approval – has become a musical fantasy that carries the essence of the singer’s life and career.

The film is based on the story of shy pianist Reginald Dwight, who transforms into a flamboyant showman on stage – a Rocketman – and goes from success to success under the name Elton John. It is also the story of an upbringing in a dysfunctional family, about the challenge of having to stand by your sexuality, of having to work with a supremely talented songwriter, to be driven to the edge by an ambitious impresario and to maintain the glittering facade mostly fuelled by various substances.

In the role of Reginald Dwight / Elton John, Taron Egerton sings his own versions of Elton John’s classics, the songs in fact wrap around the story and propel it forward in true Golden Age of Hollywood fashion.

Elton’s mother Sheila Farebrother is played by Bryce Dallas Howard, best friend and songwriter Bernie Taupin is played by Jamie Bell and Richard Madden of bodyguard fame plays Elton’s manager John Reid.

cast
Taron Egerton as Elton John
Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin
Richard Madden as John Reid
Bryce Dallas Howard as Sheila
Gemma Jones as Ivy
Steven Mackintosh as Stanley
Tom Bennett as Fred
Matthew Illesley as Young Reggie
Kit Connor as Older Reggie
Charlie Rowe as Ray Williams
Stephen Graham as Dick James
Tate Donovan as Doug Weston
Harriet Walter as Helen Piena
Jason Pennycooke as Wilson
Ophelia Lovibond as Arabella
Jimmy Vee as Arthur
Celinde Schoenmaker as Renate Blauel

crew
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Script: Lee Hall

UK | 121 minutes | 2019