Forget Bohemian Rhapsody; Rocketman is what you want to see
It was the hit of last year, had won an Oscar of course, (almost) everyone was raving about it: Bohemian Rhapsody. Now I was also happily sitting in the cinema during this film, holding myself back from bursting into song. Unfortunately, that is still not fully accepted (something a group during my visit to Aladdin this weekend didn't understand; ‘A whole new world’ sounds off-key, I can tell you). Because yes, it was – and is – of course just a good film. But, there’s always a but: the most important but is that Rocketman is now out and yes, sorry, I’m going to say it: it’s better. Elton beats Freddie.
Let's start with the lead role, mister Elton: Taron Egerton. Now I’m not so old that I fully experienced Elton in his heyday, but wow, does he look like him. And those outfits in the film, love it. An abundance of wings, glitter, and over-the-top suits, but it’s really just amazing. You can Rami Malek give him a set of dentures and he can mimic a concert move for move, but for me, Taron Egerton was just Sir Elton John. And before that, Reginald Kenneth Dwight, which as a stage name really doesn’t sound good. I completely understand the choice for the stage name.
What both films, or rather both artists, deal with is the loneliness (and drugs, a lot of drugs) that comes with that fame. Oh yes, and the sex of course, let’s not forget that. A fun fact is that Sir Elton John himself passionately advocated for the sex and drugs to be shown in the film. Still an important part of his life and as he said himself, he ‘should have actually been dead after the amount of drugs‘. Call me naive, but Elton as a heavy drug user was not something I immediately pictured.
Anyway, you want to see this film à la minute in the cinema. I predict you’re going to have a hard time keeping your inner nightingale in check when ‘Your Song’ is being composed. Yes, sorry, but that song just calls for a over-the-top sing-along? I definitely had a tough time in any case. And in terms of tissues and watery eyes, you’re also good here. That Taron can portray that flamboyant side so well, but also the sensitive side, the side that struggles with himself, that longs for his father's acceptance and that loses himself quite a bit. Well, I can’t say anything else: this film has it, you know. Elton John Last fun fact: I got to see Elton John live in the Ziggo Dome when I worked there. I had to work on the VIP deck and set everything up, you know how it is. Normally, you see the artists walking around a bit, soundchecking, but not Elton. And there was a bit of panic afterwards, just before the show started. What turned out? Elton John had been napping all afternoon and they didn’t dare to wake him up. A little morning mood issue. Recognizable, recognizable. Ah, with this film it’s for sure: the bitch is back.
elton john in the rocketman, new film that is now playing in theaters.
