In New York, Nov. 7. Village East Cinema –
October 16, 2019 – Taron Egerton may not have been the obvious choice to play the pop star, but through movies like “The Kingsmen,” he has proven he has a particular charm and charisma that make him ideal. And factoring in his singing and dancing skills, his performance becomes something truly special. Belting out such well known tunes as “Crocodile Rock” and “Saturday Night’s Alright,” Egerton gives one of the best performances in recent memory. His Elton John isn’t simply a musical genius who loves cocaine and shopping. He is emotional, lonely, lost. He struggles to find his place in a world that doesn’t understand him—or perhaps they do, and too well. Even with big, boisterous roles, we have never seen Taron Egerton like this before. Though this type of part comes once in a lifetime, it feels like we’re witnessing the tipping point in his career.
Equally impressive is Jamie Bell as Elton’s writing partner, Bernie Taupin. Bernie is the rock in Elton’s life and their bond is portrayed with care and grace by Bell and Egerton. Bernie is the one person who can tell Elton what he needs to hear in the way he needs to hear it. Bell’s role is far less ostentatious, and he shows a songwriter with exceptional humility. Bell can accomplish so much with a simple look in his eye or a wave of the hand. He deserves a place in the Oscar conversation as much as Egerton does. Together, they share the type of loving male friendship we don’t see enough of on screen.
One particularly intriguing piece of the cast is Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mother, Sheila. In his real life, Elton John had an infamous falling out with his mother, Sheila Farebrother, who passed away in 2017. The stories of their feuds are legendary and she was known for being an exceptionally critical person.
