Because comparisons to last year’s Bohemian Rhapsody are all but unavoidable, let me just say this: Rocketman is the movie Bohemian Rhapsody could have been, perhaps should have been. And with Dexter Fletcher directing Rocketman, it really makes you wonder what he could have done had he directed Bohemian Rhapsody from the beginning (he was brought in later to finish the film, replacing Bryan Singer, who retained the director credit). That rings especially true when you look at the beautiful movie that is Rocketman.
First and foremost, there’s Taron Egerton’s performance as Elton John. He digs deep and gives an absolutely wonderful performance. He disappears into the character in a way that allows you to really feel every emotion along with him. It’s exactly the performance you want of someone portraying an over-the-top personality like Elton John. Plus, Egerton sings all his own songs. And he nails that part too. It’s definitely an Oscar-worthy performance, and it will be interesting to see what kind of attention he gets come award season.
Another obvious big factor in the movie’s success is how the music is incorporated. To begin with, every musical number is wonderfully shot and choreographed. But there’s more to them than simply looking cool. They’re structured within the narrative as symbolism for the current point in John’s story. Some may not like that, as the songs could feel more like a music video dropped in the middle of a movie. But I thought it was a very creative way to use the songs. Rather than relying on the acting or script to tell us what he’s going through, the songs show us the same information. It might sound like a cliche, but you know what they say, “show don’t tell.” And Rocketman does an extraordinary job putting that mindset to use.
I don’t want to get into too deep of a comparison between Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody, but there is one specific area where Rhapsody fell short that Rocketman does not shy away from: their authenticity. Freddie Mercury and Elton John’s stories do share some similarities. They both had their fair share of troubles throughout their lives. But while Rhapsody chickened out when it came to showing the rougher parts of Mercury’s life. Rocketman does not shy away from John’s battle with his demons. And there are plenty, to be sure.
Whether it’s struggles with his sexuality, his problems with drugs and alcohol, or anything else, the movie make sure to incorporate them into the story. And it only serves to make the story better. It feels real, more authentic that way. Rhapsody felt like someone’s idealized version of Freddie and Queen’s story. Elton John, who was very involved in the production, insisted on an honest portrayal of his life. And by all accounts, that’s what we got. And everyone is better off for it. Directors take note. This is what a music biopic should look like.
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