Rocketman has received critical acclaim for good reason but one scene stands out above the others, and its the moment that Elton John performs at the Troubador for the first time.
As he performs Crocodile Rock, the moment overwhelms Elton and we see him and the crowd float off the ground on a swell of a emotion.
But now director Dexter Fletcher has revealed how the nature of who Elton is allowed him to indulge in fantasy and imaginative, leading to the now epic scene.
Star Taron Egerton, who plays Elton, can be seen during filming with wires attached to his knees, pulling him up and allowing him to hang suspended in the air.
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The Troubador, where he has this defining moment, how do we elevate this? And thats where I came up with an idea of making everyone fly… I watch it and everytime I think “this is amazing!”, added Dexter.
Rocketman has gone down a storm with audiences and critics alike, and received a standing ovation after its first showing in Cannes.
It hasnt been all plain sailing, however, as there was an initial backlash against casting Taron – a straight man – as a gay icon.
Luckily Elton himself quickly squashed the negativity, calling the whole thing bulls***.
Rocketman doesnt shy away from showing Eltons sexuality and is considered the first main studio feature film to feature a gay sex scene.
However, the scenes featuring Tarons Elton falling in love with, kissing and having sex with manager John Reid, played by Richard Madden, were cut from the Russian version of the film thanks to laws that ban homosexual propaganda.
Taron took to Instagram to express his upset at the removal of the gay scenes, writing: I am crestfallen that the decision was made to censor our movie for the Russian market.
I in no way condone this decision and feel disappointed I wasnt made aware and given the chance to fight this move. Love is love. No compromises.
