Rocketman Biographical Film

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Lore & Background

The film had been in development since the 2000s before it was announced in 2013 that Focus Features acquired the rights and director Michael Gracey was attached with Tom Hardy set to star. After both left the project following creative differences between Focus and John that halted an initial production start in autumn 2014, the project languished for several years until Paramount Pictures and New Republic Pictures took over in April 2018, where Taron Egerton and Dexter Fletcher signed on. Principal photography began in August 2018 and was completed later that year. John served as executive producer, while his husband David Furnish produced through their Rocket Pictures, alongside Matthew Vaughn's Marv Films. The film was the first by a major studio to include a gay male sex scene.

In Their Own Story

Dressed in a flamboyant devil's outfit, Elton John enters an addiction rehabilitation session, recounting his life in a series of flashbacks. Shy boy Reginald Dwight grows up in the suburbs of 1950s Britain, raised by his unaffectionate mother Sheila and his more loving grandmother Ivy. He begins piano lessons, making his way into the Royal Academy of Music. Stanley abandons his family after Sheila has an affair. As an adult, Reginald joins the band Bluesology, which is hired to play backup for touring American bands the Isley Brothers and Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles. Ronald Isley recommends that he write songs and put his old life behind him. Reginald changes his name to Elton John, taking his first name from Elton Dean, the saxophonist of Bluesology, and 'John' from John Lennon. Elton writes music and tries to find success with Dick James' record label DJM Records under the management of Ray Williams. Williams introduces Elton to lyricist Bernie Taupin; they become friends and move into a flat to compose their songs. James sets up a performance for them at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. Elton is nervous before his debut, but the audience embraces his performance. Elton's success overjoys him, but he feels abandoned when Bernie leaves him at a party to spend time with a woman. He is approached by music manager John Reid and, after hitting it off, they have sex. Reid's influence launches Elton into a downward spiral of a life of debauchery, while his career rises to new heights. He develops a flamboyant stage persona and becomes one of the most successful and iconic figures in rock and roll of the 1970s. Reid becomes Elton's manager and insists Elton tell his parents he is gay, so he reconnects with his father, who displays no interest in him. Distraught, Elton calls his mother to tell her he is gay. She already knew, but says he will be forever unloved. Devastated by his parents' rejection, as well as Reid's increasing physical and emotional abuse, Elton becomes addicted to alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, shopping, and sex. His addictions, mood swings, and short temper alienate his friends. Elton catches Reid cheating on him and ends their relationship, but Reid continues as his manager. During a party, he overdoses on pills 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 close female friend Renate Blauel, but his homosexuality dooms their relationship. He falls out with his mother and Bernie. Elton's dependence on prescription pills and alcohol results in a heart attack. Realizing his life is out of control, Elton leaves a concert without warning and checks into a rehab center. Elton realizes he no longer needs approval from his parents or Reid. He also 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. Title cards state that Elton has been sober for over 28 years. He remains good friends and song-writing partners with Bernie and is happily married to David Furnish, with whom he has two children.

Reader's Guide

The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for Taron Egerton's performance. For his performance, Egerton received numerous nominations, including the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. John and Taupin also won Best Original Song at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, Best Song at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards, and Best Original Song at the 92nd Academy Awards for '(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again', and earned four nominations at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards, including Outstanding British Film.

Did You Know?

• The film is titled after John's 1972 song 'Rocket Man'.
• The film was the first by a major studio to include a gay male sex scene.
• Taron Egerton sang the songs in the film himself, with music produced by Giles Martin.
• Elton John's stage name comes from Elton Dean (saxophonist of Bluesology) and John Lennon.
• The film grossed $195 million worldwide against its $40 million budget.