Movie Review: Rocketman

Like I mentioned in one of my earlier posts with The Greatest Showman, if you haven't seen Rocketman, you really should. The biopic of multi-millionaire Elton John was an eye-opening, emotional rollercoaster, filled with many highs and just as many lows. This review may contain spoilers.

Starting as a young boy, Reginald Dwight lives with his mother, father and nan. Throughout his younger years, Reggie's nan seems to be the only person who believes in his talent and persuades him to follow his dreams of becoming a rock and roll star. Like many celebrity stories however, life is not always sunshine and rainbows for the poor budding star. His parents clearly do not like each other, and his father is incredibly emotionally distant- which has an obvious effect on Reggie for his whole life.

As fame creeps up on the young star, now named Elton John, he begins to start out on the journey of celebrity that many people before have taken: drugs, alcohol and partying become a big part of Elton's life, which ultimately leads to him almost losing his career forever. Along with an abusive partnership with his manager and lover, John Reed, Elton's life quickly descends into depression and a long list of addictions and issues.

When Elton finally decides enough is enough, one of many breakthrough moments in the film, he takes himself to seek professional help, not staying to place the concert he was supposed to. He finally realises that in order to save his professional career, he must first save himself.

Taron Egerton, who plays Elton in his older years, plays a fantastic performance in the film, showing raw and believable emotions from ecstasy to the depths of sadness. Much like The Greatest Showman, there is a lot to learn from this film, which inspired me when creating characters and their back stories:

- You never know what someone is really going through, be kind, always.

- Life has its ups and downs. Never ever give up on yourself. There will always be someone to catch you when you fall.

- It's important to look after yourself, no matter the situation.

- I want several pairs of Elton John's boots.