Revealing Documentaries About Elton John
Unveiling the Life of a Music Legend
Elton John, a seminal figure in the world of rock and pop, has captivated audiences for decades with his flamboyant stage presence and remarkable musical talents. Through revealing documentaries, fans are offered a unique lens into both his public and private lives, showcasing aspects of his career and personal journey that are often unseen.
Documentaries about Elton John provide an unparalleled window into his experiences, triumphs, and challenges. These films blend concert footage, personal interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses to present a holistic view of the artist's legacy. As audiences explore these documentaries, they gain deeper appreciation for the man behind the music and his impact on the world of entertainment.
1) Rocketman (2019)
Rocketman is a biographical musical film about the life of Elton John. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the film stars Taron Egerton as Elton John and Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin, his longtime lyricist.
The movie presents a dramatized account of John’s rise to fame. It focuses on his breakthrough years, capturing his struggles with addiction, his flamboyant persona, and his relationship with his manager, John Reid.
Notably, Rocketman uses Elton John's iconic songs to narrate parts of his life. This creative choice allows the film to explore his emotional landscape and professional journey.
The film is known for its vibrant musical sequences and the strong performances of the cast, particularly Egerton, who performed all the singing himself.
For further details, see Rocketman on IMDb.
2) Elton John: The Nation's Favourite Song
"Elton John: The Nation's Favourite Song" (2017) dives into the iconic career of Elton John. This documentary is directed by Kerry Allison and Donna Bertaccini.
Elton John shares insights about his successful collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Together, they've created timeless classics like "Rocket Man," "I'm Still Standing," "Your Song," and "Candle in the Wind."
In the film, Elton John speaks with comedian and friend David Walliams. They discuss pivotal moments in his 50-year career. The documentary also features appearances by musicians like James Bay and Jon Bon Jovi.
This film offers viewers an intimate look at the stories behind some of Elton John's most beloved songs. It emphasizes his influence on the music industry.
You can find more information here.
3) Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin (1991)
Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin is a tribute album and documentary film. The album features sixteen songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, interpreted by various artists.
The title references their songwriting process, where they often worked separately. The pair would work in "two rooms," with Bernie writing lyrics and Elton composing the music.
The documentary portion of Two Rooms highlights their successful collaboration. It includes interviews and footage of performances by artists covering the duo's classic songs.
The film provides insight into their unique creative process. It also showcases the duo's influence on other musicians across different genres.
For more details about the film, visit IMDb.
4) The Union (2011)
"The Union" is a 2011 documentary film directed by Cameron Crowe. It provides a detailed look into the collaborative album of the same name by Elton John and Leon Russell. The project highlights the reunion and creative synergy between John and Russell, who had not interacted for several decades.
The documentary captures intimate moments during the album's production, showing the artists' creative process and personal interactions. Elton John and Leon Russell work together with producer T Bone Burnett, revealing the dedication and passion involved in making the album.
Filmed behind the scenes, the documentary sheds light on the challenges and triumphs in reviving the partnership between the two music legends. "The Union" album itself showcases their combined talents, blending various musical styles.
The film aired on HBO, offering viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the lives and creative minds of Elton John and Leon Russell. It includes performances, studio sessions, and personal reflections, making it a significant piece for fans and music enthusiasts.
For more information on "The Union," check out the Wikipedia page.
5) Captain Fantastic: The Story of Elton John
"Captain Fantastic: The Story of Elton John" delves into the iconic musician's life and career.
This documentary offers an intimate look at Elton John's journey, highlighting his early struggles and meteoric rise to fame.
The film extensively covers the impact of the album "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy," released in 1975.
It features interviews with Elton John and Bernie Taupin, providing deep insights into their creative partnership.
Archival footage and personal anecdotes add depth, allowing viewers to appreciate Elton's personal and artistic evolution.
The documentary examines the cultural and musical significance of the album, which was an autobiographical account of Elton and Bernie’s careers.
Attention is given to the album’s immediate success, shooting to the number one spot on the US charts in just two weeks.
Viewing this documentary offers a profound understanding of both the personal and professional aspects of Elton John's life. It's an essential watch for fans and those interested in music history.
More information can be found here.
6) Tantrums & Tiaras (1997)
"Tantrums & Tiaras" is a candid documentary providing a close look at Elton John's life. Directed by his husband, David Furnish, the film offers intimate insights and unfiltered moments.
Shot during the "Made in England" tour of 1995, the documentary highlights both professional and personal aspects of John's life.
The film captures raw and unguarded moments, including Elton John's well-known temper tantrums. It also delves into his relationships and the pressures of fame.
Through behind-the-scenes footage, viewers get a sense of John's personality and his dynamic stage presence.
For more information about the documentary, visit Wikipedia or IMDb.
7) Me, Myself and I
"Me, Myself and I" (2007) is a documentary that chronicles the life of Elton John, offering an intimate look at his personal and professional journey.
Directed by James Strong, this TV movie features candid interviews and reflections from Elton John himself. He talks openly about his struggles and triumphs, including his battles with addiction and the impact of his fame.
The documentary is notable for its use of cutting-edge CGI, depicting Elton John being taken back through his life, revisiting pivotal moments such as his first concert at the Troubadour club in LA.
This 90-minute feature delves into Elton's relationship with close friends, including the profound effect of Princess Diana’s death on his life. His exploration of sexuality and his advocacy for various causes also feature prominently.
"Me, Myself and I" is an engrossing watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities behind one of rock’s most iconic figures. The mix of personal reflections and historical recounts make it a standout documentary in Elton John's storied career.
Learn more about this documentary on IMDb.
8) Elton John: Becoming Rocketman (2019)
"Elton John: Becoming Rocketman" is a documentary that explores the life and career of one of the most prolific musicians of all time. Released in 2019, it delves into the vibrant and often tumultuous journey of Elton John.
The film captures his rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and his ultimate triumph. It provides an intimate look at the man behind the music, highlighting his achievements and challenges.
Featuring interviews and archival footage, the documentary sheds light on Elton John’s 50-year career. It covers his evolution from a young musician to becoming an iconic figure in the pop-rock world.
Through candid interviews, viewers gain insights into his personal and professional life. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in music history.
For more information, visit the IMDb page.
9) Elton John: Uncensored (2019)
The documentary "Elton John: Uncensored" offers an exclusive glimpse into the life of the iconic musician, Sir Elton John. Released in 2019, this 60-minute film features a candid interview conducted by Graham Norton. Elton John discusses his extensive, 50-year career, sharing personal stories and insights.
The interview explores various aspects of Elton John's life, including his childhood and rise to stardom. He opens up about his numerous Grammy and Academy Award wins, shedding light on the experiences that shaped his musical journey.
Elton John also addresses his battles with addiction, providing a raw and honest perspective on the challenges he faced. This adds an emotional depth to the documentary, offering viewers a complete picture of the man behind the music.
Another highlight of the documentary is Elton John's reflections on fatherhood. He discusses how becoming a father has changed his life and influenced his outlook. This personal touch makes the documentary not just informative but also deeply relatable.
For more information about this documentary, visit the IMDb page.
10) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Classic Album
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Classic Album" (2001) is a documentary that dives into the making of Elton John's seminal 1973 album. This film explores the creative process behind one of his most iconic records.
The documentary includes interviews with Elton John and his long-time collaborator, Bernie Taupin. They discuss how the album came together and the inspiration behind its unforgettable tracks.
Featuring rare archival footage, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the recording sessions. The film showcases how the album's diverse range of songs was crafted, from rock anthems to ballads.
Experts and music historians weigh in on the album's impact and legacy. They detail how "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" solidified Elton John's status as a music legend.
The documentary highlights popular tracks like "Bennie and the Jets," "Candle in the Wind," and the titular "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Each song's creation story is presented in the context of its time.
The Early Life of Elton John
Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, overcame a challenging family environment and discovered his profound love for music early on.
Family Background and Childhood
Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, a suburb of London. He was the only child of Stanley and Sheila Dwight. His father, Stanley, was a flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force, a profession that often kept him away from home. This absence and a strained parental relationship created a somewhat tumultuous household.
Elton's parents divorced when he was a teenager. Despite the domestic strife, his mother Sheila remained a supportive figure, encouraging his musical pursuits. Sheila's love for music had a significant impact on young Reginald, shaping his early exposure to a wide range of musical genres.
Discovering Music
From an early age, music captivated Elton. He started playing his grandmother's piano at a very young age, and his talent was evident. By the time he was 11, he had earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, where he was classically trained.
Elton's ability to play music by ear was remarkable, often surprising his teachers. Despite a classical foundation, his interest gravitated more toward rock and roll. His musical journey continued to evolve, eventually leading him to change his name to Elton John, inspired by Blues legends Elton Dean and Long John Baldry.
This early passion and training laid the foundation for his extraordinary career, making him one of the most successful musicians of all time.
Cinematic Portrayals of Elton John's Life
Elton John's storied career and personal life have been captured in various cinematic forms, providing deep insights into his musical evolution, personal struggles, and the impact he has had on the music industry.
Rockumentaries and Biopics
Rockumentaries and biopics have played a significant role in detailing Elton John's multifaceted life. The official documentary, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances," explores his extensive career highlights and the emotional moments of his final tour. This documentary includes rare concert footage and personal anecdotes that shed light on his journey.
Another notable work, "Never Too Late," premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. This film dives into the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour and offers an intimate glance into both his professional milestones and personal battles. Biopic enthusiasts will also remember "Rocketman," a dramatized but compelling narrative of Elton's rise from a musical prodigy to a global icon.
Influence on Contemporary Music Documentaries
Elton John's documentaries have set a high standard and influenced the approach to contemporary music documentaries. These films emphasize authenticity, showcasing musicians' emotional and personal journeys alongside their professional achievements.
Filmmakers now aim to capture the essence of artists by including personal interviews, unseen footage, and behind-the-scenes moments. Elton's collaborations with directors like R.J. Cutler ensure that these stories are told with depth and authenticity. This trend underscores the importance of portraying not just the artist's public persona but also their genuine human experiences.
