Words and music

Rating: 5/10 (1 June 2019)

What seems to be forgotten in much of the talk about this film is that the words didn't come from Elton John but rather they came from his collaborator. Sometimes the songs are about Elton John as viewed by Bernie Taupin, and sometimes they are only about Taupin. Elton John put the words to music and he delivered them in a unique style, but the real "personal" side to the music is Bernie Taupin, not Elton John.
That being said, this film makes it very clear that the words and thoughts are from Taupin so it's a wonder that very little is revealed about Taupin.
Putting aside the neglect for the song writer, the film itself has some wonderful performances and some wonderful moments. But the attempt to turn it into a musical, albeit understandable, failed for me. Some of the musical numbers are just plain silly. I think the film would have been better as a bio with lots of music and the occasional musical freelance scene. Less would be more for my tastes.