As a fan and admirer of Sir Elton John, I must say that delving into his captivating career is like embarking on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, talent, and sheer showmanship. From his humble beginnings as Reginald Dwight to the flamboyant, larger-than-life persona of Elton Hercules John, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Born on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, Elton John stands tall among today’s musical titans. His meteoric rise to fame began with the release of his first massive hit single, “Your Song,” from the album “Empty Sky.” To his legions of devoted fans, he is not just a musician but also a loving father, husband, exceptional composer, and entertainment powerhouse. It comes as no shock that this influential figure has sparked numerous documentaries and films.
Fervent admirers will be particularly captivated by his line of collectible concert DVDs, whereas documentary enthusiasts will find much to appreciate in the various projects chronicling the tale of his illustrious career, and delving into Elton’s impact on the music industry. The world of music documentaries is a popular one, as demonstrated by the widespread excitement for Timothée Chalamet’s upcoming film A Complete Unknown, set to release on Christmas Day 2025, which centers around the life of guitarist Bob Dylan.
Fans both casual and devoted, as well as everyone in between, can’t help but be captivated by the high-quality films delving into the life of Elton John.
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‘Elton John: Never Too Late’ (2024)
The film titled “Never Too Late,” which debuted on September 6, 2024 at the Toronto International Film Festival, can now be streamed on Disney+. This documentary showcases moments from what is being called John’s “farewell tour,” aptly named “Farewell Yellow Brick Road.” This tour, marking the end of John’s illustrious career, required a film crew to capture its historic milestones given its grand scale.
The Documentary Speaks for Itself
It was initially intended that the film would be called “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances and the Years That Made His Legend,” but this lengthy title was eventually abandoned in favor of a shorter, straightforward one. This simpler title is more fitting as it suggests that Elton John’s legendary greatness requires no further explanation.
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‘If These Walls Could Sing’ (2023)
Similar to Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee, London boasts its own renowned recording site called Abbey Road. Situated within this area is the legendary Abbey Road Studios, a well-known landmark that has played host to the recording sessions of stars like Elton John and even the Beatles, whose eleventh album bears its name. Prior to adopting his globally recognized stage name, Elton John began recording at the studio in the ’60s when he was still known as “Reg Dwight.” The book “If These Walls Could Sing” chronicles the studio’s history, offering unique glimpses behind the scenes.
A Famous Director
The documentary movie was skillfully crafted by Mary McCartney, the daughter of famous Beatles member Paul McCartney. She collaborated with Rihanna and Kanye West on the 2015 hit “FourFiveSeconds,” making a significant impact on younger audiences. The film has earned critical acclaim for valid reasons. Despite its heavy emphasis on the Beatles, every fan can appreciate the narration of the transformation and history of an enchanting location over time.
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‘Rocketman’ (2019)
The 2019 film titled “Rocketman” offers a spectacular portrayal of the extraordinary life and career of a renowned pop star. Upon its debut in cinemas, it garnered widespread acclaim, earning $195 million against its production cost of $40 million. Taron Egerton, an actor from Wales, plays the role of Elton John, delivering a captivating performance that encapsulates the celebrity’s vibrant narrative. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the movie tells the story using music, with electrifying performances that leap out from the screen.
‘Rocketman’ Shows Elton John’s Ups and Downs
The movie, featuring Egerton’s captivating performance, effectively portrays the highs and lows of Elton John’s career. It delves into his troubled periods like his failed marriage to Renate Blauel and struggles with drug addiction, while also showcasing the bright spots, such as when Elton makes a spectacular entrance on stage in his extravagant parrot suit. The film has been lauded for its fun, campy style and expert handling of Elton’s most iconic songs.
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‘Elton John: Music Man’ (2016)
The 2016 documentary, titled “Music Man,” stands out due to its significant focus on Elton John’s impressive accolades throughout his career. This film highlights some of the powerhouse’s major achievements, including his five Grammy awards and 33 platinum-certified or superior records. The movie underscores Elton John’s impact as a musician by showcasing numerous records he has broken, solidifying his status among the most influential artists in history.
‘Music Man’ Break Down Why Elton John is Indisputably On Top
Audience admired director Billy Simpson’s dedication in chronicling the most brilliant moments of Elton’s career. Notably, the film’s title was cleverly chosen from the lyric “You’ll marry a music man” in his popular song “Tiny Dancer.” The IMDb summary labels it as “intellectually stimulating, educational, and motivational,” which accurately reflects the comprehensive exploration of Elton’s achievements.
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‘Elton John: A Life in Song’ (2020)
In this documentary by Director Billy Simpson, historical clips and personal details about Elton John’s life are skillfully blended together. The film primarily explores the early stages of Elton John’s career when he was part of Bluesology, before his rise to solo fame. Additionally, it delves into the significant impact that collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin had on Elton John’s career trajectory, as their creative partnership proved instrumental in propelling him towards success.
Rocketman Is Born
Without much fanfare, it’s common knowledge that Elton John, or as many call him, “Rocketman,” is a globally recognized musician. However, some may not know that he was once called Reginald Dwight. The documentary powerfully illustrates how his name transformation to Elton Hercules John symbolized a career transformation, as Elton’s rise to fame with the new stage name allowed him to conquer new heights and captivate the world.
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‘Elton John and Bernie Taupin Say Goodbye Norma Jean and Other Things’ (1973)
If you’re an Elton John fan eager to delve into his early years, this 1973 documentary is just what you need as it focuses on the making of his iconic album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The title “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a nod to Marilyn Monroe, another star who, like Elton John, transformed a more ordinary birth name into one that reflected their extraordinary success.
A Shoutout to ‘Candle In the Wind’
The documentary’s title symbolizes that Elton John and his lyricist, Bernie Taupin, were bidding farewell to “Norma Jean” (Marilyn Monroe) in a song initially inspired by the blonde icon, which later became more synonymous with Princess Diana following her unexpected, tragic demise. Many productions recognize Bernie Taupin’s significant role in Elton’s achievements, but this particular project highlights him the most.
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‘Born to Boogie’ (1973)
Revisiting the good old days, we find ourselves with “Born to Boogie,” a 1972 music documentary. This British production captures a concert at what was once an Olympic-sized swimming pool transformed into a legendary music venue, the Empire Pool. At this point in his career, Elton John, only 25 years old, is showcased alongside Marc Bolan from T. Rex, Ringo Starr, a former member of The Beatles, and Mickey Finn, a T. Rex percussionist. Additionally, the film includes snippets of live performance music.
Refreshingly Unfiltered
One viewer from Rotten Tomatoes criticized the film as poorly constructed, but many others praised it for its authentic portrayal of Rock n Roll. The movie, filled with nostalgia, is not to be missed by fans of Elton John, who shares the screen with Tutti Frutti in a memorable scene. The exceptional “tea party sequence” is often highlighted as the film’s best moment, offering an unusual blend of live concert footage and staged scenes for an enjoyable outcome.
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‘Elton John: Becoming Rocketman’ (2019)
In the same year as “Rocketman” was unveiled, this documentary delves into how Elton John transitioned from his shy, introverted youth to his flamboyant stage alter ego. The production also explores the process behind creating Elton’s authentic yet carefully crafted musical identity that defined stardom. Furthermore, it underscores Elton’s close friendship with Bernie Taupin, the well-known English lyricist who penned many of his hit songs. Lastly, it offers glimpses into his grand final tour, a fitting climax to his extraordinary career.
A Mesmerizing Look Into Elton John’s Surreal Reality
In 2019, Elton John’s movie “Rocketman” marked a significant high point in a year where he ruled entertainment news, with a biopic and a farewell tour also under his belt. Film analysts are always trying to understand what truly makes a star, and this film provides some clues. Despite some viewers feeling that it repeated earlier footage, the extensive portrayal of Elton’s life and career offers an insightful glimpse into the enigmatic quality that has made him a superstar.
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2024-12-23 07:32