The Elton John movie Rocketman manages to avoid many of the classic biopic pitfalls
The Elton John movie Rocketman manages to avoid many of the classic biopic pitfalls

by specifically setting out to be an "epic musical fantasy," meaning it's happy to take
by specifically setting out to be an "epic musical fantasy," meaning it's happy to take

some liberties with the singer's real story.
some liberties with the singer's real story.

Still, even this playful portrayal misses the mark on a few key aspects of Elton's life.
Still, even this playful portrayal misses the mark on a few key aspects of Elton's life.

Rocketman portrays Elton John's early manager Dick James in a less than flattering light.
Rocketman portrays Elton John's early manager Dick James in a less than flattering light.

The movie's James is a stereotypical Cockney thug with a nasty, rude facade that only serves
The movie's James is a stereotypical Cockney thug with a nasty, rude facade that only serves

to hide even more crudeness underneath.
to hide even more crudeness underneath.

Although he ultimately offers a glimpse of a golden heart when it becomes evident that
Although he ultimately offers a glimpse of a golden heart when it becomes evident that

Elton and Bernie Taupin have some legitimately great tunes in their back pocket, he still
Elton and Bernie Taupin have some legitimately great tunes in their back pocket, he still

spends the majority of his screen time insulting every other character in the room.
spends the majority of his screen time insulting every other character in the room.

The real Dick James, on the other hand, was pretty much everything his Rocketman counterpart
The real Dick James, on the other hand, was pretty much everything his Rocketman counterpart

is not.
is not.

According to Billboard, the real James was a disarmingly humble and honest man who constantly
According to Billboard, the real James was a disarmingly humble and honest man who constantly

praised his associates.
praised his associates.

What's more, the people who knew the man said the secret of his success was his utmost integrity
What's more, the people who knew the man said the secret of his success was his utmost integrity

and solid principles, not to mention his considerable personal charm.
and solid principles, not to mention his considerable personal charm.

His movie counterpart displays basically none of those things, and the movie even downplays
His movie counterpart displays basically none of those things, and the movie even downplays

his famous ear for a hit song.
his famous ear for a hit song.

When Elton tries to play some of his future classics to him, the movie version of James
When Elton tries to play some of his future classics to him, the movie version of James

scoffs at each and every one of them.
scoffs at each and every one of them.

It's kind of a shame such a seemingly decent man was presented in such an unflattering
It's kind of a shame such a seemingly decent man was presented in such an unflattering

light.
light.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin never fight.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin never fight.

In fact, Elton considers the fact that they've never had an argument an important and wondrous
In fact, Elton considers the fact that they've never had an argument an important and wondrous

part of the pair's relationship, and the movie doubles down on this message by straight up
part of the pair's relationship, and the movie doubles down on this message by straight up

stating it twice.
stating it twice.

Which is somewhat ironic, because the Rocketman versions of Elton and Taupin spend several
Which is somewhat ironic, because the Rocketman versions of Elton and Taupin spend several

scenes arguing, whining and lashing out at each other.
scenes arguing, whining and lashing out at each other.

"Sorry."
"Sorry."

"I know."
"I know."

Though the movie goes to great lengths in portraying the duo's relationship as a friendly,
Though the movie goes to great lengths in portraying the duo's relationship as a friendly,

brotherly one that's filled with love and respect despite life's ups and downs, it's
brotherly one that's filled with love and respect despite life's ups and downs, it's

simply not true to say they never fight.
simply not true to say they never fight.

Later in the movie, the two have a tense discussion about Elton's downward spiral of a personal
Later in the movie, the two have a tense discussion about Elton's downward spiral of a personal

life at a restaurant table, at which point Taupin walks out of Elton's life, almost for
life at a restaurant table, at which point Taupin walks out of Elton's life, almost for

good.
good.

And that's about as heated and serious as an argument can get.
And that's about as heated and serious as an argument can get.

Since it's essentially a musical, Rocketman plays understandably fast and loose with the
Since it's essentially a musical, Rocketman plays understandably fast and loose with the

timeline of its songs.
timeline of its songs.

Instead of placing the chronologically apt Elton John song at the right moment in the
Instead of placing the chronologically apt Elton John song at the right moment in the

singer's story, the film opts for the dramatic route and cherry picks the hits it feels it
singer's story, the film opts for the dramatic route and cherry picks the hits it feels it

needs to drive the plot forward.
needs to drive the plot forward.

Arguably the most glaring example is the early performance of 1973's "Saturday Night's Alright
Arguably the most glaring example is the early performance of 1973's "Saturday Night's Alright

for Fighting", which covers the span between Elton's childhood and early adulthood.
for Fighting", which covers the span between Elton's childhood and early adulthood.

The song ends with him rocking the house while fronting his 1960s band, Bluesology.
The song ends with him rocking the house while fronting his 1960s band, Bluesology.

This makes it seem like Elton was the frontman for Bluesology, and it would be extremely
This makes it seem like Elton was the frontman for Bluesology, and it would be extremely

easy for a casual viewer to assume that "Saturday Night" was a Bluesology song.
easy for a casual viewer to assume that "Saturday Night" was a Bluesology song.

It wasn't.
It wasn't.

Another example is Elton's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" duet with Kiki Dee, a song which
Another example is Elton's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" duet with Kiki Dee, a song which

is actually from 1976.
is actually from 1976.

However, the movie places it pretty specifically during the early stages of Elton's relationship
However, the movie places it pretty specifically during the early stages of Elton's relationship

with John Reid, which would place it around 1970 to 1971.
with John Reid, which would place it around 1970 to 1971.

Finally, during the movie's climax, Rocketman heavily insinuates that 1983's anthemic "I'm
Finally, during the movie's climax, Rocketman heavily insinuates that 1983's anthemic "I'm

Still Standing" was the first song Elton wrote after getting sober in the early 1990s.
Still Standing" was the first song Elton wrote after getting sober in the early 1990s.

Many Elton John aficionados most likely found themselves taken aback during the scene in
Many Elton John aficionados most likely found themselves taken aback during the scene in

which Ray Williams asks Elton what his name is.
which Ray Williams asks Elton what his name is.

At this point of Rocketman, the boy named Reggie Dwight only has the first half of his
At this point of Rocketman, the boy named Reggie Dwight only has the first half of his

new name down, because his former bandmate Elton Dean had objected to Elton's attempt
new name down, because his former bandmate Elton Dean had objected to Elton's attempt

to steal his entire name.
to steal his entire name.

Elton quickly solves the problem when he spots a picture of the Beatles hanging on the wall,
Elton quickly solves the problem when he spots a picture of the Beatles hanging on the wall,

which of course implies that the "John" comes from John Lennon.
which of course implies that the "John" comes from John Lennon.

And while this might suggest that Elton blew a perfect opportunity to call himself Elton
And while this might suggest that Elton blew a perfect opportunity to call himself Elton

Ringo, it's also patently untrue.
Ringo, it's also patently untrue.

The movie identifies the inspiration for "Elton" correctly, but the name "John" actually came
The movie identifies the inspiration for "Elton" correctly, but the name "John" actually came

from Long John Baldry, a popular British rhythm and blues musician.
from Long John Baldry, a popular British rhythm and blues musician.

Bluesology spent some time as a backing band for Baldry, who became something of a mentor
Bluesology spent some time as a backing band for Baldry, who became something of a mentor

figure to his young organist.
figure to his young organist.

Unfortunately, Rocketman chooses to pretend Baldry doesn't exist in more ways than one.
Unfortunately, Rocketman chooses to pretend Baldry doesn't exist in more ways than one.

Baldry actually once helped young Elton by encouraging him to get out of a hopeless early
Baldry actually once helped young Elton by encouraging him to get out of a hopeless early

relationship with a female housemate.
relationship with a female housemate.

The movie also depicts these events, but removes Baldry from the equation, giving his role
The movie also depicts these events, but removes Baldry from the equation, giving his role

to Bernie Taupin instead.
to Bernie Taupin instead.

Rocketman quite correctly depicts Bernie Taupin as having been a constant presence in Elton
Rocketman quite correctly depicts Bernie Taupin as having been a constant presence in Elton

John's life, but when it comes to the actual timeline around their first meeting, the waters
John's life, but when it comes to the actual timeline around their first meeting, the waters

get a little muddier.
get a little muddier.

Early in the movie, Elton hangs out at a bar with the American musicians his band Bluesology
Early in the movie, Elton hangs out at a bar with the American musicians his band Bluesology

is backing, and his writing partner and flatmate Taupin is there having some beers with the
is backing, and his writing partner and flatmate Taupin is there having some beers with the

crew.
crew.

When Elton receives some tough-love advice from the Americans, who out him as gay in
When Elton receives some tough-love advice from the Americans, who out him as gay in

the process, Taupin proves to be a loyal companion by being thoroughly unfazed and accepting.
the process, Taupin proves to be a loyal companion by being thoroughly unfazed and accepting.

It's a nice scene.
It's a nice scene.

Unfortunately, it doesn't quite fit the real-world timeline.
Unfortunately, it doesn't quite fit the real-world timeline.

Bluesology's stint as a backup band for some American R&B stars took place in 1965, and
Bluesology's stint as a backup band for some American R&B stars took place in 1965, and

Elton didn't even meet Taupin until two years later, by which point the band was backing
Elton didn't even meet Taupin until two years later, by which point the band was backing

Long John Baldry full-time.
Long John Baldry full-time.

In all fairness, though, the American musicians may be intended as composite characters that
In all fairness, though, the American musicians may be intended as composite characters that

combine the many great artists Bluesology worked with over the years.
combine the many great artists Bluesology worked with over the years.

After all, that table would've had to be a good deal larger if they'd tried to fit Baldry,
After all, that table would've had to be a good deal larger if they'd tried to fit Baldry,

the Isley Brothers, Patti LaBelle and the Blue Bells, and Lee Dorsey around it.
the Isley Brothers, Patti LaBelle and the Blue Bells, and Lee Dorsey around it.

At the very beginning of the movie, Elton storms into rehab wearing an elaborate, winged
At the very beginning of the movie, Elton storms into rehab wearing an elaborate, winged

devil costume.
devil costume.

The rest of the story is told through flashbacks that he experiences during his counseling,
The rest of the story is told through flashbacks that he experiences during his counseling,

and as the plot progresses he gradually sheds the outfit in favor of more subdued, standard
and as the plot progresses he gradually sheds the outfit in favor of more subdued, standard

clothing.
clothing.

As a neat twist, the costume is ultimately revealed to be his stage outfit for a major
As a neat twist, the costume is ultimately revealed to be his stage outfit for a major

concert at Madison Square Garden.
concert at Madison Square Garden.

Having finally decided that enough is enough, the weary Elton had stormed out of the building,
Having finally decided that enough is enough, the weary Elton had stormed out of the building,

leaving his menagerie of handlers behind and making a beeline for a cleaner life.
leaving his menagerie of handlers behind and making a beeline for a cleaner life.

Unfortunately, this is little more than a useful narrative device.
Unfortunately, this is little more than a useful narrative device.

In reality, Elton's rehab trip was inspired by his friendship with Ryan White, a hemophiliac
In reality, Elton's rehab trip was inspired by his friendship with Ryan White, a hemophiliac

teenager who had contracted HIV via a blood transfusion.
teenager who had contracted HIV via a blood transfusion.

White's sickness and untimely death made Elton realize what a mess his life had become, and
White's sickness and untimely death made Elton realize what a mess his life had become, and

the artist says knowing White and his family was a deciding factor in him making the resolution
the artist says knowing White and his family was a deciding factor in him making the resolution

to get sober.
to get sober.

"And I just knew at that point that my life was out of whack, I knew beforehand but that
"And I just knew at that point that my life was out of whack, I knew beforehand but that

was the point I really realized it, and a month after that I got sober and clean."
was the point I really realized it, and a month after that I got sober and clean."

The movie doesn't even get Elton's costume right.
The movie doesn't even get Elton's costume right.

Funnily enough, the superstar did enter rehab wearing an outlandish costume…but it was
Funnily enough, the superstar did enter rehab wearing an outlandish costume…but it was

a decidedly less metaphorical chicken-themed outfit instead.
a decidedly less metaphorical chicken-themed outfit instead.

Rocketman presents Elton John's record company contact and personal manager Ray Williams
Rocketman presents Elton John's record company contact and personal manager Ray Williams

as a wet-behind-the-ears kid whose defining characteristics are being a nice guy and loving
as a wet-behind-the-ears kid whose defining characteristics are being a nice guy and loving

to drink.
to drink.

When John Reid takes over, Williams sadly exits stage left and fades into obscurity.
When John Reid takes over, Williams sadly exits stage left and fades into obscurity.

But the real Williams was an entirely different beast.
But the real Williams was an entirely different beast.

For one, he had already worked for a popular music TV show and as a press agent for high-profile
For one, he had already worked for a popular music TV show and as a press agent for high-profile

artists like Sonny & Cher and the Kinks, so rather than being the snot-nosed kid depicted
artists like Sonny & Cher and the Kinks, so rather than being the snot-nosed kid depicted

in the movie, he was actually an industry veteran.
in the movie, he was actually an industry veteran.

While the movie Williams is a relatively young kid who meets young Elton at a large office
While the movie Williams is a relatively young kid who meets young Elton at a large office

that actually belonged to his boss, the real man was the head of artists and repertoire
that actually belonged to his boss, the real man was the head of artists and repertoire

for Liberty Records when Elton came knocking.
for Liberty Records when Elton came knocking.

When John Reid takes over Elton's managerial duties, the ex-manager finishes his role in
When John Reid takes over Elton's managerial duties, the ex-manager finishes his role in

the film looking like the physical equivalent of the "sad trombone" sound.
the film looking like the physical equivalent of the "sad trombone" sound.

(sad trombone sound)
(sad trombone sound)

The real Williams, on the other hand, went on to achieve further success as a musical
The real Williams, on the other hand, went on to achieve further success as a musical

supervisor for the film industry and the owner of Crumbs Music Media.
supervisor for the film industry and the owner of Crumbs Music Media.

Bohemian Rhapsody might have portrayed John Reid as a lovely band manager who is coldly
Bohemian Rhapsody might have portrayed John Reid as a lovely band manager who is coldly

manipulated and betrayed by the villainous Paul Prenter, but Reid gets the Prenter treatment
manipulated and betrayed by the villainous Paul Prenter, but Reid gets the Prenter treatment

for Elton John's movie.
for Elton John's movie.

Rocketman reimagines Reid as a suave, calculating monster who Richard Madden plays as an emotionless
Rocketman reimagines Reid as a suave, calculating monster who Richard Madden plays as an emotionless

business beast.
business beast.

The Rocketman Reid manipulates Elton John into a relationship and becomes his personal
The Rocketman Reid manipulates Elton John into a relationship and becomes his personal

manager, then coldly abuses, ignores, and even physically assaults the artist.
manager, then coldly abuses, ignores, and even physically assaults the artist.

When Elton attempts to break his hold, Reid coldly taunts him with ironclad contracts
When Elton attempts to break his hold, Reid coldly taunts him with ironclad contracts

and absolute contempt.
and absolute contempt.

"You've signed contracts with me years ago so, I’ll still be collecting my 20% long
"You've signed contracts with me years ago so, I’ll still be collecting my 20% long

after you've killed yourself."
after you've killed yourself."

It's true that the two were argumentative, and Reid has been known to punch a journalist
It's true that the two were argumentative, and Reid has been known to punch a journalist

or two in his day.
or two in his day.

However, the real Reid was a small, neat man rather than a physically imposing force of
However, the real Reid was a small, neat man rather than a physically imposing force of

evil.
evil.

Although he was definitely the businessman of the duo, his relationship with Elton John
Although he was definitely the businessman of the duo, his relationship with Elton John

was not exactly that of a struggling, abused artist and a villainous, calculating manager.
was not exactly that of a struggling, abused artist and a villainous, calculating manager.

Even after their five-year love affair, they had a near-symbiotic relationship for close
Even after their five-year love affair, they had a near-symbiotic relationship for close

to three decades, and they were even said to resemble a married couple.
to three decades, and they were even said to resemble a married couple.

While they did eventually part ways on bad terms, it was for economic reasons.
While they did eventually part ways on bad terms, it was for economic reasons.

Elton had started to suspect Reid was abusing his funds, and finally took his longtime manager
Elton had started to suspect Reid was abusing his funds, and finally took his longtime manager

to court.
to court.

Rocketman portrays Elton John's mother, Sheila Farebrother, as a complex person who straddles
Rocketman portrays Elton John's mother, Sheila Farebrother, as a complex person who straddles

the line between her motherly responsibilities and her own instincts and impulses.
the line between her motherly responsibilities and her own instincts and impulses.

Because of her nasty comments about Elton's sexuality, fame, and many personal issues,
Because of her nasty comments about Elton's sexuality, fame, and many personal issues,

their relationship is cordial at best, and strained to the breaking point at worst.
their relationship is cordial at best, and strained to the breaking point at worst.

Despite this, however, they eventually reconcile when Elton gets sober and apologizes for his
Despite this, however, they eventually reconcile when Elton gets sober and apologizes for his

behavior, in a rehab-based fantasy sequence, at least.
behavior, in a rehab-based fantasy sequence, at least.

Those who have paid attention to showbiz gossip within the last decade may be aware that Elton
Those who have paid attention to showbiz gossip within the last decade may be aware that Elton

has indeed had his fair share of issues with his mother.
has indeed had his fair share of issues with his mother.

But these issues appear to be have taken place far more recently than the era depicted in
But these issues appear to be have taken place far more recently than the era depicted in

the movie.
the movie.

The two started feuding in 2008, in the aftermath of Elton's reshuffling of his organization
The two started feuding in 2008, in the aftermath of Elton's reshuffling of his organization

and his cutting ties with several old employees, including manager John Reid and personal assistant
and his cutting ties with several old employees, including manager John Reid and personal assistant

Bob Halley.
Bob Halley.

Farebrother took offense when Elton asked her to sever her ties with the men as well.
Farebrother took offense when Elton asked her to sever her ties with the men as well.

The petty argument escalated into an eight-year-long catastrophe, and the two didn't reconcile
The petty argument escalated into an eight-year-long catastrophe, and the two didn't reconcile

until 2017, which was the same year Farebrother died.
until 2017, which was the same year Farebrother died.

One of Rocketman's most powerful moments is a scene based on Elton John's real-life 1975
One of Rocketman's most powerful moments is a scene based on Elton John's real-life 1975

suicide attempt.
suicide attempt.

The movie's version has the drunk and evidently depressed Elton downing a handful of pills,
The movie's version has the drunk and evidently depressed Elton downing a handful of pills,

stumbling onto the diving board of his mansion's pool, and declaring his intention to take
stumbling onto the diving board of his mansion's pool, and declaring his intention to take

his own life.
his own life.

Cue a fantastical performance of the movie's namesake tune, complete with a choreographed
Cue a fantastical performance of the movie's namesake tune, complete with a choreographed

ambulance trip and a recreation of Elton's iconic 1975 Dodger Stadium performance.
ambulance trip and a recreation of Elton's iconic 1975 Dodger Stadium performance.

Elaborate underwater visions and hospital-themed dance sequences aside, this is actually a
Elaborate underwater visions and hospital-themed dance sequences aside, this is actually a

slightly less strange reading of the real story.
slightly less strange reading of the real story.

The real Elton theatrically announced to his friends and family that he had taken 85 Valium
The real Elton theatrically announced to his friends and family that he had taken 85 Valium

pills and would be dead within the hour.
pills and would be dead within the hour.

He then jumped into the water and struggled to come to the surface.
He then jumped into the water and struggled to come to the surface.

The aftermath of this attempt was an unceremonious stomach pumping, and to show just how sick
The aftermath of this attempt was an unceremonious stomach pumping, and to show just how sick

of his antics some of his loved ones were, his grandmother simply lamented:
of his antics some of his loved ones were, his grandmother simply lamented:

"I suppose we've all got to go home now."
"I suppose we've all got to go home now."

Even Elton himself has admitted that this was the perfect line for the occasion.
Even Elton himself has admitted that this was the perfect line for the occasion.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).