Strong 2.5 // Breathing Room

Rating: 5/10 (11 August 2019)

I'm no expert on Elton John, but in learning what I have about him through this film I've come to realize that two hours really just doesn't cut it. To do a story like his justice you need time, time to develop his character, sculpt the family dynamics, probe the internal and external conflicts, and, most importantly, time for the audience to digest such a meteoric rise and devastating fall. There's so much ground to cover and so many moments to address that the film feels like a highlight reel rather than the character portrait it seems to be striving for. Friendships, relationships, and conflicts are introduced and left behind at a speed that ultimately distanced me. It's not without its charms, though. There are some resonant tunes and flashy setpieces that manage to entertain, though other musical numbers fall decidedly flat with somewhat sluggish camerawork. It'd be interesting to see what a more visionary director like Damien Chazelle could've done with the material. As is, it's a mildly pleasant experience with a strong central performance that does a lot to carry the weight. The compact narrative just really lacked the breathing room it needed to resonate.
Strong 2.5/5