Expected a deeper insight into Elton John's life! 4/10

Rating: 4/10 (30 January 2020)

Review:
When I heard that they were making an Elton John biopic, I thought that they were going to give the audience a deep insight into his flamboyant life, but we ended up with a weak musical, which didn't really tell us anything new. As soon as the "Guys & Dolls" type musical numbers began, I cringed in disbelief, and the way that the director only touched on the interesting things about his life, was disappointing. As Elton John is still alive, and he was the executive producer of the film, I thought that we were going to get a really deep movie that will make us want to go out and find out more about the musical genius like I did when I first watched the Doors, but I was left feeling empty and uneducated. Also, if I want to hear a classic Elton John song, I wouldn't want to hear a Taron Egerton version, so I found all of the musical numbers a bit pointless. That's not to say that he didn't put in an excellent performance, which he will be remembered for, but I was more interested in the drama than the music. Anyway, the movie kicks off with Elton John (Taron Egerton) dressed in a flamboyant devil's outfit, as he enters an addiction rehabilitation session, recounting his life in a flashback. Young Reginald Dwight grows up in 1950's Britain, raised by his unaffectionate mother, Sheila (Bryce Dallas Howard), and more loving grandmother Ivy (Gemma Jones). Reginald is interested in music and hopes to perform for his father, Stanley (Steven Mackintosh), who takes no interest in his son nor his talent. Reginald begins piano lessons, making his way into the Royal Academy of Music. Stanley abandons his family after Sheila has an affair. Reginald develops an interest in rock music and begins performing in local pubs. As an adult, Reginald joins the band Bluesology, which is hired to play backup for touring American soul bands, The Isley Brothers and Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles. Isley Brothers lead singer Ronald Isley recommends that Reginald writes songs and puts his old life behind him if he wants to become a famous artist. This inspires Reginald to change his name to Elton John. Elton is the name of the saxophonist of Bluesology and John being adapted from the Beatle's John Lennon. Elton begins writing music and tries finding success with Dick James label, DJM Records under the management of Ray Williams. Williams introduces Elton to lyricist Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and they form a friendship and move into a flat together to work on their songs. When Elton admits he is homosexual, he ends his romantic relationship with their landlady, and he and Bernie are evicted. Elton and Bernie move in with Elton's grandmother, his mother and her significant other where they continue writing and create "Your Song". James sets up a performance for them at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. Elton is nervous before his Troubadour debut, but the audience eagerly embraces his performance. Elton is overjoyed by his success but feels abandoned when Bernie leaves him at a party to spend time with a woman. He is approached by John Reid (Richard Madden), a music manager. They sleep together and reunite later. Reid's influence over Elton launches a downward spiral into a life of debauchery even as his career rises to high heights. Elton develops a flamboyant, over-the-top stage persona and becomes one of the most successful artists of the 1970s. Reid's manipulation increases into outright abuse after becoming Elton's manager. Reid insists that Elton come out to his parents as gay, so Elton reconnects with his father, who has a new family but still displays no interest in Elton. Unhappy and hurt, Elton calls his mother and tells her he is gay. She informs him that she already knew, but tells Elton he will be forever unloved. Struggling with parental issues as well as Reid's increasing physical and emotional abuse, Elton becomes addicted to alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, shopping and sex. His mood swings and short temper alienate his friends, and he catches Reid cheating on him with another man and breaks off their relationship. During a party, Elton binges on drugs and alcohol and attempts suicide by jumping into his pool. He is rushed to the hospital, then thrust on stage at Dodger Stadium to perform. Elton descends further into a life of drugs, alcohol and loneliness. He has a short-lived marriage with a close female friend, Renate, but his homosexuality dooms his relationship. He falls out with his mother and Bernie. Elton's dependence on prescription pills and alcohol result in a heart attack. Realising his life is out of control, Elton seeks help. He enters rehabilitation and realises he no longer needs support from his parents or Reid. Elton rekindles his friendship with Bernie, who brings him new lyrics. Elton is worried that he cannot perform or compose without alcohol or drugs but writes "I'm Still Standing" and returns to a successful career. After the success of Bohemian Rhapsody, which was a proper biopic without the pathetic singing and dancing numbers, I thought the director would have taken a leaf out of Bryan Singer's book, but he chose to concentrate on matters that are well known. In terms of entertainment, it wasn't a bad watch because it showed what he was going through whilst releasing some of his most popular work, but I can't help thinking that it was way too safe. Oliver Stone pushed the boundaries with the Doors, even though Jim Morrison isn't alive, so he used his imagination to come up with his interpretation of how Jim was feeling while he was intoxicated on drugs and alcohol. This director didn't even try to show Elton's point of view when he was totally out of it, so I felt a bit cheated. Anyway, it's worth a watch for Taron's performance but I think another director needs to tell Elton's true-life story, from a deeper point of view. Average!
Round-Up:
This movie was directed by Dexter Fletcher, who brought you Wild Bill in 2011, Sunshine on Leith and Eddie the Eagle, which also starred Taron Egerton. He's due to direct the next Sherlock Holmes movie, taking over from Guy Ritchie, which I personally don't think is a good idea. I haven't been that impressed with his movies so far, so he wouldn't have been my first choice to make a biopic about such an iconic genius. He's not totally to blame for this film because Elton John didn't want a "full-out" biopic about his life. He wanted people to see a lighter version of his life story, so I can't wait to see a deeper version. As long as Dexter Fletcher doesn't return as the director.
Budget: $40million
Worldwide Gross: $195million
Genre: Biography, Drama, Music, Musical
Cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones, Steven Mackintosh, Tom Bennett, Charlie Rowe, Tate Donovan, Harriet Walter and Stephen Graham. 4/10