Fresh from its outing at Cannes, Rocketman opens this week in Aix with showers of sparkle, terrific choreography and of course some great music. Director Dexter Fletcher took over (rescued?) the production of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody, which has been a massive success, and was also responsible for the enchanting ‘Sunshine on Leith’, another film which weaves music into the narrative.
Rocketman follows lonely unloved little Reggie Dwight, from his fractured family in Pinner, to superstardom as Elton John, one of the best-selling musical artists in the world, with 300 million records sold. I do think it’s important to know that Elton himself was the driver behind the production of this film, and an executive producer of the final product. So what we see on screen is clearly how he interprets his trajectory and sees, for instance, his parents and their impact on his psyche.
Choosing Taron Egerton (Eddie the Eagle) as lead was a stroke of genius – he becomes Elton John and his vocals are amazing. The costumes dazzle too. Click here for a short insight into the design – and a taste of the music: https://www.lescinemasaixois.com/films/alaffiche
And what music! I had forgotten how many songs he had written over the years. Colourful, uplifting and diverting – a recommended two-hour respite from daily life!
Here’s Mark Kermode’s view: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/may/26/rocketman-review-right-spectacle-elton-john
At the Cézanne from Wednesday 29th May
on Wednesday 29th May
aixcentric 
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