Queer Thursdays Cinema – August 8 @ 7:30 PM – ROCKETMAN

ROCKETMAN is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. This inspirational story – set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton – tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

Amid the accolades and craziness at the Cannes Festival, Elton John took a moment to talk to a Variety critic. Thinking back over his unhappy childhood, his dreams of fame, the reality of superstardom, and living as a closeted gay man with multiple addictions for company, he had this to say: “I am a survivor. I survived a lot of things.” In Rocketman, this spirit of gritty toughness brings an authentic truth behind all the outrageous fun, glitzy clothes and over-the-top concerts. Taron Egerton throws down the gauntlet in the competition for best bio-pic performance as the musical genius who – with the help of lyricist Bernie Taupin – combined pop, blues, rock n’ roll, and the pure British ballad to create the soundtrack to so many lives.

ROCKETMAN also stars Jamie Bell as Elton’s longtime lyricist and writing partner Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as Elton’s first manager, John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mother Sheila Farebrother.

“A delightful, sometimes fantastical musical. It is an absolute hoot.” – Donald Clarke, Irish Times.

Director: Dexter Fletcher

2019, USA, 121 minutes, rated R

Cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Gemma Jones, Bryce Dallas Howard