ROCKETMAN was not at all what I had imagined and more than I could have hoped for

Rating: Null/10 (2 August 2019)

I saw the ELTON JOHN biopic ROCKETMAN as soon as I could. It is a musical, a biography, a creative re-imagining and a tribute to a musical prodigy who became a household name. It was not at all what I had imagined and more than I could have hoped for. It is a revealing of childhood trauma, business manipulation, romantic abuse, substance abuse and finally a man at peace with himself and his talent and in control of his demons. And the music is simply amazing.
Young Elton - then named Reggie Dwight - is a musical prodigy. He can instantly play any song he hears, even complex classical pieces. Thanks to his supportive grandmother, he is accepted into the Royal Academy and wows his teacher.
The film leads us on fantasy musical journey as he is transformed from the meek and abused Reggie to the flamboyant Elton John. The scene where he chooses his new name made a lot of audience members say, "oh" and "cool" out loud.
I recently read a snarky review where the reviewer wrote that ROCKETMAN is no BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. It's true that the two films are both music bios but that's where the similarity ends. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY is wonderful as a straightforward biopic. ROCKETMAN is a fantasy musical autobiography with a very artistic approach. They are wonderful but completely different films.
In ROCKETMAN, we first meet Elton John as he enters a rehab meeting dressed in a ridiculous outfit but admitting that he is an alcohol, drug and sex addict. Soon after, we flash back to his childhood where we learn of his horrific upbringing by a selfish mother and a heartless father.
A pivotal early life lesson comes when a vocalist tells backing pianist Reggie that, "You gotta kill the person you were born to be in order to become the person you want to be."
There are several moments that brought tears to my eyes in Reggie's emotionally abusive childhood. More tears came when Reggie - now world famous and successful Elton John - returns to visit his father hoping for some hint of love. Instead, his father treats Elton like a nuisance then hugs his new sons in front of Elton showing them the love he purposely withheld from Reggie / Elton.
My eyes filled with tears again in a heartbreaking yet therapeutically healthy scene where Elton imagines himself taking young Reggie into his own arms and hugging him tight.
Don't think this is all sadness. It is also amazing music and moments of pure joy.
That is just like life, after all, isn't it? Days of sadness and days of joy with some wonderful music weaving its way throughout.
I loved the scene explaining how it was only a split second of fortune that put the legendary lyrics of then unknown Bernie Taupin in struggling pianist Elton's hands.
We also learn how Reggie / Elton's struggle to accept his homosexuality played an important part in his life, loves and self awareness.
ROCKETMAN was not at all what I had imagined and more than I could have hoped for. I enjoyed every moment of ROCKETMAN. I think you will too.