Rocketman (2019)
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A musical drama follows the rise of British musician Elton John as he navigates fame, identity, and personal struggles.
The story
The film follows the life, music, and career of British musician Elton John. It begins by focusing on his early days in England as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music and his formative musical partnership with Bernie Taupin. The narrative explores his journey from a shy boy in the 1950s to a global superstar, told through the lens of his iconic music. The story captures his transition from a local performer to a world-renowned artist, highlighting the complexities of his early career and the development of his distinct stage persona.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Dressed in a flamboyant outfit, Elton John enters a rehabilitation session and recounts his life through a series of flashbacks. The story begins with his childhood in 1950s Britain as Reginald Dwight, a shy boy raised by an unaffectionate mother and a loving grandmother. He finds solace in music and eventually attends the Royal Academy of Music. After his father leaves the family, he begins performing in local pubs and joins the band Bluesology. Encouraged by a peer, he changes his name to Elton John. He meets lyricist Bernie Taupin, and the two move in together to write music. After being evicted for his honesty about his sexuality, they move in with his family. Elton's career takes off in Los Angeles, but his relationship with manager John Reid leads him into a spiral of fame, substance abuse, and personal turmoil. He faces rejection from his parents and eventually suffers a health crisis. The film concludes with Elton finding clarity, reconciling with Bernie, and embracing a sober life as a successful artist.
- First release year
- 2019
- Runtime (minutes)
- 121
- Production countries
- United Kingdom; United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Dexter Fletcher
- Writers
- Lee Hall · writer
- Cast and characters
- Taron Egerton · Elton John (Reginald Dwight); Jamie Bell · Bernie Taupin; Richard Madden · John Reid; Bryce Dallas Howard · Sheila Eileen, John's mother
- Genres
- biographical; jukebox musical; drama
- Themes
- Identity; Addiction; Fame; Friendship
- Tone and mood
- Musical fantasy; Heartfelt
- Premise and plot tags
- Biographical; Musical; Rock; LGBTQ+
- Source material / true-story basis
- Based on the life, music, and career of British musician Elton John.
- Content notes
- Sex scene
- Reception
- The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for Taron Egerton's performance.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 69 · scale: 100 · review count: 49; PostTrak · score: 4 · scale: 5
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Globe Award · Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy · Won; Golden Globe Awards · Best Original Song · Won; Critics' Choice Awards · Best Song · Won; Academy Awards · Best Original Song · Won; BAFTA Award · Best Actor in a Leading Role · Nominated; Screen Actors Guild Award · Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role · Nominated; British Academy Film Awards · Outstanding British Film · Nominated
- Production trivia
- The film was the first by a major studio to include a gay male sex scene.; The film was produced by a consortium including New Republic Pictures, Marv Films, and Rocket Pictures.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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