Review by John M. Delia, Jr.
Sex, drugs, and alcohol are the theme of any rock artist during the 60’s through current time. This story is not any different from any other musician’s sad addiction to fame and what it can bring to their stardom. Except that this man, expresses his true self to the world and comes out a winner in the end.
The story of Reginald Kenneth Dwight (Taron Egerton), better known as Elton Hercules John, begins with a man who has reached his limits and seeks help. Going back to his childhood, Elton struggled with the proper love a young boy should receive from his parents, Sheila (Bryce Dallas Howard) and Stanley (Steven Mackintosh). This plays a big toll on his later life for which he must find a solution or perish.
One thing Elton did possess however, was his excellent ear for music and was a born prodigy as a piano player. At an early age he began playing the piano and quickly mimicked anything he heard. Some say he was a natural, but others were certain he was a genius when it came to musical notes. His stardom actually began from there and he was given some of the best education to help further his skills.
He eventually got his break when he met his longtime partner, song writer Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and together they made history. Discovered by Dick James (Stephen Graham) and Ray Williams (Charlie Rowe), they found their way to America to begin their career. There they met John Reid (Richard Madden) and Doug Weston (Tate Donovan), who helped start them on their way.
Time flew by as well as we all know it, and many hits were put together for all of us to hear. Â This fame and fortune hit both of them hard and Elton was forced to realize that he had another secret, but this one he had to let out for everyone to see.
Director Dexter Fletcher lets everything out of the bag for this masterpiece. He expresses Elton’s true sexual life and even includes scenes of some of his and others experiences. His drug use is evident throughout the picture, but Dexter also shows the mental illness that John carries for most of his life. The musical score, as well as the songs, are spectacular and placed well and actually tell most of the tale. The film is more of a musical tribute than just a biography.
This remarkable story about a musical wonder that rocked our hearts for the past fifty years, truly tells us the torment he went through trying to understand his childhood. An outstanding depiction that shows us everything we ever wanted to know about Elton John.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the excellent historical storyline of one of the greatest rock and roll artists of all time, the fantastic musical score of his greatest hits that is sung by his younger self as well as others throughout, and keeping the story as true as historically possible. 4 out of 5 Stars
Additional Film Information
Cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Charlie Rowe, Tate Donovan, and Stephen Graham.
Directed by: Dexter Fletcher
Genre: Biography, Drama, Music, and Musical
MPAA Rating: Rated R for language throughout, some drug use and sexual content.
Running Time: 2 hours and 1 minute
Release Date: May 31, 2019
Distributed By: Paramount Pictures
Release In: Standard, Digital, and Dolby Surround