The Disney+ documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, which explores the life of Elton John, has garnered even more admiration than the film he was presented with at NYFF.
When you think about his vast life, it’s impossible to cover his entire music career in less than two hours and make every fan happy at the end, so directors R.J. Cutler and David Furnish intended to focus on what was essential by highlighting the John’s support for young artists, such as conversation with The Linda Lindas or showing his affection to his family which he feels complete having kids in his later life.
The film taps into an intelligent structure which is introduced by Cutler and Furnish that alternates between the years when Elton John performed two sold-out shows at Dodger Stadium in 1975 and plans to do so again almost half-a-century later.
The footage starts with young rock star with flamboyant costumes and hammering away at the keys, leaping and bounding on stage. The film also features glimpses of process, including an archival scene where young John acquires the lyrics for ‘Tiny Dancer’ from Bernie Taupin and determines the melody. As a young closeted gay man, he had to keep his own complicated affections in check. He speaks openly about how much he was suffering offstage, at the height of his career, because of his relationship with manager and violent romantic partner John Reid and increasingly dangerous cocaine use.
Sir Elton narrates some of these chapters, giving us an insight into some of his darkest moments, such as his abusive childhood, horrible relationships during his fame, and his descent into addiction. But Elton John’s generosity and contributions to the world have brought viewers to a place of happiness and creativity. The emotional stories that he has created can still inspire him.
©Courtesy of Disney+
Capturing an iconic singer on film can be done in so many ways. The life of the superstar was also captured through a musical biopic in Rocketman, with Taron Egerton portraying the flamboyant performer.
While some people say this documentary is mostly a by-the-numbers documentary, which shines the light on exploration of subject vulnerability about his critical life and his rise to fame. But in this film, some of animated segments, archival footage, and photographs are shown through John’s own words from his memoir interviews, a portrait emerges of the artist. In animated segments: such as Elton John’s first time using cocaine, a wild night spent with John Lennon, and the heartbreak of his first love with Joe Reid, The revelations from John’s past are insightful, giving the breaks to his present-day life a weight that might not otherwise be as underscored.
It brings a smile to the singer’s face when he recalls his time with John Lennon. Their friendship would lead to their shared Thanksgiving concert performance in Madison Square, which was Lennon’s last. But the concert footage is too dark and grainy to be useful, but the film recreates the scene with a succession of still photos unfolding over the concert audio, as if it were emulating the motion and emotions in the moment.
The revelations from Elton John’s past are insightful, giving the breaks to his present-day life a weight that might not otherwise be as underscored. For instance, a FaceTime call with John’s sons feels even more tender and true when you know about the difficult and often abusive childhood Elton John had. His gentle nature and loving approach to his children over this one call is touching, those small moments that speaks volumes despite the difficulties of his upbringing.
The tone of the documentary feels akin to a farewell tour itself. With a comprehensive look at the career of John that creates a throughline between the star’s first show at Dodger Stadium and his final U.S. show at the same venue, it creates a satisfying arc.
Grade : B＋
If you like the review, share your thoughts below!
Check out more of Nobuhiro’s articles.
Here’s the trailer of the film.