Rocketman Soars

I nearly missed out on learning about the fascinating if not always easy to witness, story of Reginald Kenneth Dwight, better known to millions, as Elton John, as Rocketman, put on the small screen during Shelter-in-Place by my wife, but while he first appeared onscreen in a highly disturbing outfit, it was hard to resist watching a true story about a tortured young musical prodigy, especially as portrayed by the excellent Taron Egerton (“Eggsy” Unwin of the brilliant if disturbing Kingsman movie series).

(mild spoiler alert)

Despite misgivings and discomfort, I am glad to have watched the film. The trials and torment that Reggie experienced were awful, but the kindness and support of his close friend and lyricist, Bernie Taupin, was extraordinary and touching. Taupin was not homosexual as was his friend, but he was unafraid to be Reggie’s best ally amongst what are portrayed as respectively spiteful and cruel distant parents, and a manipulative manager, only significantly offset by a mercifully supportive grandmother.

It is tragic that Reggie’s Mom and Stepdad only came to him when they needed money, and that when he visited his Dad’s new family replete with 2 youngish son’s, the three were disdainful of Reggie, and his Dad called him “strange”. Reggie replies, “Actually, I think I’m okay with strange.” While Elton John’s brand of strange is not really my cup of brew, his Dad’s attitude towards his son was to me, wholly unacceptable. We all fall short, but his parents and manager are portrayed as pretty low on the spectrum.

I can’t unequivocally recommend Rocketman due to the sheer lurid nature of content, but the story if accurate, is compelling. Reggie, at his lowest point, encouraged by his steadfast friend Bernie, confronts his inner demons and makes peace with himself. It was worth the lurid content to witness the conclusion, but again, the journey was pretty rough.

 

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