Rocketman: A Story of Songs, Sunglasses, and Elton John’s Onstage Charisma
After its release in 2019, Rocketman has quickly cemented itself as one of the most celebrated biopics of recent years, immersing audiences in the whirlwind world of 77-year-old Elton John.
With Sir Elton John’s surprise return to the stage in October 2024 alongside Dua Lipa — more than a year after his farewell tour— it’s clear that this electrifying artist continues to captivate fans old and new. The two celebrities dueted Cold Heart, combining four of Elton John’s old hits, including Sacrifice and Rocket Man.
Today, as Elton John’s star shines as brightly as ever, Rocketman (2019) offers both longtime admirers and younger fans an intimate, imaginative dive into the man behind the sequins and spectacles. Let’s take a closer look at the biopic below.
A kaleidoscope of emotion in Rocketman
At its core, Rocketman is a musical journey through Elton John’s highs and lows, showing his journey from shy piano prodigy to global superstar. Rather than strictly adhering to historical accuracy, the filmmakers opted for a fantastical approach, creating vibrant, musical sequences that capture the emotional truth of Elton’s experiences.
This approach led to liberties, such as depicting “Crocodile Rock” during his 1970 Troubadour concert (though the song was released in 1972) and showing Elton entering rehab after a canceled Madison Square Garden performance (when he actually sought treatment in 1990, years after a similar cancellation).
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Key relationships are also adjusted for thematic effect. For instance, the film dramatizes his first encounters with manager and lover John Reid, presenting their initial meeting at a 1970 party rather than the actual event later that year. Additionally, the film portrays Elton’s connection with longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin as one of Elton’s most stable relationships, contrasting it with the singer’s complicated family dynamics and tumultuous romantic life. Scenes like the heartfelt duet between Elton and Bernie on “Your Song” highlight the trust and camaraderie that grounded him through the peaks and valleys of fame. This focus on emotional resonance over factual precision, according to director Dexter Fletcher, allows audiences to connect with Elton’s humanity in ways that a strictly historical portrayal might not capture.
Spectacle and style in Rocketman’s production
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Rocketman was a long-awaited project, having been in development since the early 2000s. By 2013, the film was finally on track, setting out not only to tell Elton’s story but also to capture his unique visual flair.
Replicating Elton’s distinct fashion sense was a crucial aspect of Rocketman’s production. The film recreated some of his most memorable looks, including his iconic eyewear. Elton’s flamboyant rhinestone-studded frames and aviator-style lenses are still popular, with the styles ranking among the best-selling prescription sunglasses sold today, from the SK7011 and SK7023 of Swarovski to the RB3735 Bain Bridge of Ray-Ban. These modern pieces carry and fuel the legacy of Elton, who, at 77 years old, continues to add to his rumored collection of over 200,000 glasses.
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Fans wanting a piece of this collection can await another of Elton’s charity auctions. In June 2024, Elton launched the “Rocket Man Resale” event, which auctioned off items from Elton’s own closet. These included the aforementioned eyewear alongside more luxurious apparel featured in Rocketman, from bespoke Gucci jackets and Versace robes to customized Prada loafers. Charis Marquez from eBay explains that Elton John’s wardrobe is decades in the making, hence “to own something worn by him is to own a piece of music and fashion history.” By making the extra effort to replicate Elton’s fashion, Rocketman emphasized Elton’s cultural impact on both music and style.
The enduring impact of Elton John
Rocketman stands as a testament to the legacy of one of the century’s most celebrated artists. Elton John’s influence on the music industry is monumental, with album sales rivaling those of The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The latter had his own biopic released in 2022, with Elvis offering a stylized look at Presley’s life in a similar spirit to Rocketman. Immortalizing the lives of musical legends like Elton and Elvis allows audiences to appreciate not only their artistic contributions but also their complex personal journeys.
Ultimately, Rocketman is more than just a film. It’s a vibrant celebration of Elton John’s onstage charisma, his impact on music and fashion, and the deeply human story of a man who found his voice.
For more on music and film, check out our other write-ups at Opening Night, including New York Singers You Should Know, Notturno: Late Night Vibes in Classical Music, and Mozart’s String Quartet No. 19 “Dissonance” and Experimental Pop.