Rocketman Edit

A fairy.

A millionaire rock star who lives at home with his mum.

A poofter.

A queen.

A rising star in rock and roll.

A what?

Actually, I think I'm okay with "strange."

After all these years?

Afternoon.

Ah! I love 'em.

All I ever wanted to be was a cowboy, you see.

All of them.

All right, all done.

All right, don't break your neck sucking your own cock.

All right, Elton John the piano player.

All right, you're good to go.

All right.

All right. Enough of this bullshit.

Always have, always will.

Always knew you boys could do it.

America, man.

An apple pie, and a raspberry fool, please.

And a bulimic.

And a cocaine addict.

And a sex addict.

And all those legends who were welcoming us in.

And anger management.

And be okay with it.

And be rid of you and this bloody house!

And Elton's got himself a girlfriend now.

And fly them over for the gig.

And half the fucking Beach Boys. Huh?

And how people perceive him as he ascends into the heavens.

And I do not want your fucked up, frigid ideas about anything.

And I got you a couple of nights at the Troubadour.

And I have the biggest headdress known to man.

And I hope you can forgive me.

And I played roadside joints for ten years...

And I promised if I was ever in town, I'd look you up.

And I'm an alcoholic.

And I'm the one who suffers.

And I've got two new American acts doing a tour of England,

And I've taken every drug known to man.

And it's gonna be a wild ride.

And just don't kill yourself with drugs.

And my client is quite entitled

And now I've finally got a reason to leave

And now it's me that can't walk down the streets.

And now, ladies and gentlemen,

And open.

And people keep asking. They're, like, "Who's that singing on the demos?" And I...

And rock 'n' roll.

And takes the piss day after day!

And that's what's important.

And there were people lined around the block.

And they all need backup.

And this is one of yours.

And what a shy little boy you were.

And what a shy little boy you were.

And what I have to go through.

And wiping your arse.

And you fuck up and I'll kill ya.

And you know what? I should've sacked you when you left me.

And you. You're happy with this arrangement, are ya?

And you're gonna have to talk to your parents.

And you're incapable of it.

And, boy, their arms are tired.

Any dinner left?

Anyway, here's one for all the sober people.

Anyway, I took his advice, told Arabella.

Anyway...

Apparently Dylan's here somewhere.

Apparently, the Queen Mother is a big fan.

Arabella, our new landlady. Yep.

Are we going again or shall we go for a pint?

Are you gonna be scared of her your whole life?

Are you insane? He could've died.

Are you?

Arranging 250 gigs in 26 different countries.

As a child?

Baby!

Back inside.

Be brave. Think big.

Be totally packed. You're gonna love it.

Beautiful girls.

Because I've realized that's what we need to do now.

Because you fucking stink.

Before I realized what I had to do.

Believed I'd never be loved.

Bernie betrayed me. The way everyone does.

Bernie, you are under reacting.

Bernie.

Best of luck to you, Elton.

Better get you the proper haircut, eh?

Better. Number one. You can do that, can't you?

Bloody hell, I'm gonna shoot the next piano player

Bloody hell, Sheila.

Bloody hell. Have you got a fag?

Boss?

Both hands, two octaves.

Both of you. Stop.

Boy... There's a boy there.

Break a leg.

But for me, rock 'n' roll is an 87 million dollar a year industry.

But I can write more for you, though, Elton.

But I'd rather you keep that sort of thing to yourself.

But Mum says I'll never...

But next time I'm there, I'll look you up. Promise.

But Ray knows fuck all.

But Ray'll go, too. He'll keep an eye on you.

But something makes me think you'll get used to it.

But that's my name.

But we'll go another time, though.

But whatever it is, you're not invited.

But you can't just spring the Troubadour on me.

But you've an awful lot of work to do.

Buy yourself some new clothes. Get something flashy.

Bye.

Campaign to kill yourself is going well.

Can you even play the piano in those?

Cheers.

Chewing on the end of a fucking pencil.

Come on, Bernie!

Come on, Ray.

Come on, Reg!

Come on.

Come on. You're letting in a draft.

Congratulations to Dave. He's won four pork chops,

Cool. Yeah, that sounds like a cowboy name.

Couldn't we have kept on Ray? He's such a lovely guy.

Crumbs! That was energetic!

Dad, is it true you play piano?

Dad, there's a Rolls Royce outside.

Darling, I've been thinking, maybe we should quit the booze

Darling, why don't you clean yourself up,

Day in, day out, for years.

Depressing. Another one.

Dick wants us back in London to start the new album.

Dick, I don't wanna appear ungrateful,

Dick's paid your fucking airfare!

Did being married make you happy?

Did you not bring something to play?

Did... You said four shows?

Dinner with you.

Divorce can be so painful.

Do me good. Collaborate with other people.

Do that, and I'll put you on ten quid a week.

Do you ever get anything like that?

Do you know how disappointing it is to be your mother?

Do you know what?

Do you know, I don't actually know.

Do you know, in 20 years,

Do you like country and western music?

Do your worst. In fact, take me to court.

Does it matter?

Dom Perignon. '63. It's a good vintage.

Don't be a bummer.

Don't be so dramatic. Coward!

Don't be soft.

Don't be soft.

Don't blame me. He'd have been strange, regardless.

Don't ever put me in this position again.

Don't ever put your hands on me.

Don't ever tell me how to do my fucking job!

Don't go.

Don't know.

Don't make me beg.

Don't worry, it's business. Dick's a big boy, he'll be fine.

Drive 'round, Denis.

Each.

Easy, tiger.

Elton feels things will run more smoothly if he has personal management.

Elton John.

Elton John.

Elton John.

Elton what?

Elton, darling, you remember the Andersons

Elton, time for bed.

Elton, what's going on?

Elton, you must give them a tour.

Elton.

Elton.

Elton.

Elton.

Elton. Elton!

Elton. This is the band.

Ever since you first dangled your fat little legs

Every night is sold out.

Every time we open a paper,

Everybody's frightened at the beginning.

Everyone, Elton is giving a tour.

Excuse me.

Family and music.

Fight!

Find a place to work together, and write me tunes

First thing I'm gonna do is put you on a three album deal.

For a couple of days, take some quality time together...

For a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music.

For as long as I can remember, I've hated myself.

For everything.

For my next trick,

Forgive each other.

Four shows you owe me.

Friends of Dick!

From Detroit...

Fuck off!

Fuck.

Get in the studio and make some music or don't.

Get out of my fucking house!

Get the money arranged. Can't risk losing this one.

Get to be a soul man, then, eh?

Give me a chance.

Go on, boy.

Go on, play it again.

Go on.

Go on. Pop up, say hello.

Go out there and sing without this ridiculous paraphernalia?

God. Not him.

Good show tonight, boys.

Good to see you, Doug.

Good to see you.

Good, thank you.

Got the number one album in America. Again.

Got to get this done before I go out.

Granted, America's a bit of a gamble,

Great.

Guys, we're gonna stop there.

Half a pound of prime mince and a string of sausages.

Half brother.

Hands off the table, Reginald. Stop making that noise.

Hang on, hang on, don't you wanna just

Hang on. Don't bother with that one. That wasn't supposed to be in there.

Hang on. Now, let's not be hasty, because the thing is,

Hates my fucking guts.

Have a good show.

Have you heard "Streets of Laredo" by Marty Robbins?

Haven't decided yet.

He didn't even give me a hug goodbye.

He doesn't know who he is.

He was always hugging me.

He'd talk for hours about jazz.

He'll be bald as an egg by the time he's 20.

He's Englishman Elton John, a 23 year old,

He's like my side of the family.

He's no good at showing affection.

He's one of the blokes from work.

He's the good looking one. We'll make him the singer.

He's very unreliable and very selfish.

Heartbroken.

Hello, hello, Australia. G'day.

Hello, Nan.

Hello, son. I'm Fred. I'm a friend of your mum's.

Hello.

Hello.

Here he is!

Here we go. Come here, come here. Excited?

Here you go, Dave.

Here's for a bag of chips and your bus fare home.

Hey, Doug. Bernie. Nice to meet you.

Hey, I've opened the fucking house.

Hey!

Hey! Where are you going?

Hi, Mum.

Hmm?

Hmm? I pay, John.

Hmm.

How are you? So good to see you, man.

How could we forget the Andersons?

How long is this gonna take?

How long you back?

How long you staying?

How was that?

How you doing?

How'd you like to make two quid a week?

I always get him back on his feet, don't I?

I always thought you was an introverted extrovert.

I am glad I left you. It means I can maintain some objectivity

I brought you something.

I can't do everything. I can't cook and clean and wash.

I can't go out there in front of that lot!

I can't, but, uh...

I could get you some tickets to my next concert.

I do feel ashamed.

I do, but...

I don't care.

I dragged her into all my madness.

I enjoyed every last minute of it.

I gave everything to keep something

I have worked my balls off to get us out of the shit.

I haven't been Reggie Dwight for years.

I haven't even got a backing band yet.

I heard that it was a heart attack.

I just don't know if I'm...

I just forgot to stop.

I just hope you realize you're choosing a life

I just hope you realize you're choosing a life

I knew you'd be back.

I know how this bit goes.

I know it all seems a bit overwhelming at first,

I know you like him. He's quite a dish.

I know.

I know.

I like this one, Dad.

I love it. Best thing I've heard since "Let It Be."

I love you, man.

I mean, America. Wide open spaces.

I never told you how much I need you.

I see. Well...

I send it down to him, and then he adds the music.

I should be going.

I should never have had children.

I sing, too.

I think it's a really good idea.

I think that I just need to go and sort myself out a bit.

I think, fuck off!

I thought maybe once I'm back from touring,

I thought this seemed like a good alternative.

I thought you were Reggie Dwight.

I want to be by myself,

I want to play it for Dad.

I was a kid.

I was actually a very happy child.

I was saying that I think I need a break.

I was very lucky.

I wrote a tune to it.

I...

I'd better go take a shave, I think.

I'd discovered records.

I'll make you a cup of tea then, shall I...

I'll need to know by tomorrow, lunchtime.

I'll not have a doss house around here.

I'll put some coffee on.

I'll see him tomorrow.

I'm a skinny black kid...

I'm a soul promoter.

I'm about to embark on the highest grossing tour in rock history.

I'm also a shopaholic, who has problems with weed...

I'm Elton Hercules John.

I'm getting the bill, am I?

I'm going home... for a while.

I'm going home... for a while.

I'm gonna fucking kill myself.

I'm gonna go and fetch them a drink.

I'm gonna go to the teepee with Heather.

I'm gonna have a massage.

I'm gonna watch out front.

I'm here because I want to get better.

I'm just gonna check they know what they're doing.

I'm listening to my music.

I'm not going to allow you to talk to me like this anymore.

I'm not having you moping around here all day.

I'm not on telly yet, am I? I'm talking to you.

I'm personally responsible for five percent

I'm saving to get lessons.

I'm scared, Bernie.

I'm so drunk, and Doug's just lent me his car.

I'm sorry.

I'm thinking of changing it to Elton Dean.

I'm thinking of changing my name.

I'm thinking of getting someone in as your girlfriend.

I'm... a homosexual.

I've been hearing your songs everywhere.

I've got a couple of weeks' leave.

I've had that looked into,

I've had to throw your dinner in the bin! Get inside.

I've watched you play many times, and your music is always so...

If our sleeping arrangements get out...

If you don't care about yourself, how do you expect anyone else to?

If you took the slightest bit of interest in me or this family.

If you want to sit in here, you'll have to be quiet.

Impressed you know how to use one of those.

In fact, I predict you could be the best selling artist in America if you desire.

In fact, why am I apologizing for it?

In front of a piano, you've been lucky.

In here, talking about your feelings.

In order to become the person you wanna be.

In your self indulgent, myopic little world.

Including this house, which I'd like you to leave now.

Insurance, copyright indemnity,

Is gonna sing us a couple of songs on the piano.

Is he back?

Is it true you're worth 25 million pound?

Is you have never understood me...

It all just comes to you. You don't do anything.

It has a nice ring to it.

It has to be done whether you like it or not.

It is a lovely place. You should see it.

It must be lonely sometimes.

It used to just be the two of us.

It was all there, I could see all the notes, and I just had to get it out.

It was like my fingers couldn't work fast enough to keep up with my brain.

It'd be good if you would talk to John today,

It'll break her heart.

It'll get knocked off.

It's a bit different from what I expected.

It's a chest infection, Mike. He'll be fine.

It's a dream come true.

It's about time you said that.

It's all his father's fault.

It's always important to rely on the kindness of strangers.

It's gonna blow your mind.

It's happening, guys.

It's me who doesn't have a life.

It's nice and tidy, and that's how I want it to stay.

It's not just your name.

It's nothing personal, Dick.

It's on me hands.

It's the one percent I'm interested in.

It's time for you to be out front.

It's what everyone else seems to be doing at the moment.

Jesus, shit, Bernie!

John Reid.

John.

John.

Just let me take care of things, Mike.

Just now?

Just remember, when you get back...

Just taking a meeting.

Just talking about poor Renate.

Kiki, would you mind giving me five minutes?

Known for years.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Ladies, Elton.

Learning.

Let 'em know who you are.

Let me deal with the rest.

Let's just enjoy it while we can.

Let's start with the C major scale,

Let's stay here forever.

Liberace!

Life gives you very few chances, Reggie,

Life gives you very few chances, Reggie,

Like we used to.

Like you care.

Listen, the songs are great.

Look at you now.

Look at you now.

Look at you.

Look, I'm in music management, and let me tell you,

Look, it's time to do something bold, Elton.

Look, shut up, Mum!

Look, there's loads of work and commitments, tours, etcetera.

Love to. Get him out from under my feet.

Lovely.

Magic into the night sky.

Make sure they know what to say.

Makes it very hard to stop thinking about you.

Man, it was just... It was the best night ever.

Managed to drag yourself home then.

Mary?

Maybe I just play the piano, but you know what else I do?

Maybe I should've tried to be more ordinary.

Maybe we could put these two into a little beat combo.

Maybe we should get him some lessons.

Me and John, we...

Might matter to Arabella, though.

Miserable bastard.

Mmm.

Monday night at the Troubadour, man.

Mr. Reid, Lord Grade's office have called about the Royal Variety Performance.

Mr. Reid.

Mum, I have fucked everything that moves.

Mum, I know it was never easy.

Mum, I've got to go.

Mum? My piano teacher thinks I'm good enough

My dad was passionate about...

My loyal subjects.

My name is Elton Hercules John...

My problem was I believed you loved me.

My ranch.

My real name's Reg Dwight.

My stage gear.

My wonderful new lodgers!

Neil Diamond is at the bar. He's talking to Leon Russell

Neil Young played here last week

Never has been.

Never, ever touch my collection without asking.

No idea who he is. Of course.

No one's getting phased out, Dick.

No worries. Come on.

No, I've got a girlfriend.

No, I've sorted the backup band, don't worry.

No, no, no, I love you, man.

No, no, please. After you.

No, not to me.

No, the problem...

No, we absolutely should. No, I'm telling you...

No, we live with our mums.

No, you should go.

Nobody hates you, Elton.

Not actually called Reggie anymore.

Not got anything stronger?

Not in that way.

Not in the right place for that just now.

Not quite as much as the singer.

Not really my thing.

Not really. I'm gay.

Not sure she has one.

Not too sure.

Not with some asshole who doesn't give a shit about me

Not yet.

Now get out there and play, you little twat.

Now there's busloads of people just to do the music.

Now we can all see you shooting light and color and...

Now you come back to lecture me?

Now, don't worry about me. Go and enjoy your moment.

Now, Sheila and Fred's boy

Number 11 in Italy.

Of all record sales on the entire planet,

Of being alone forever.

Of being alone forever.

Of course, he has. But you'd know that

Of running away from who I am.

Oh, for God's sake, I know that.

Oh, no, hold on. I'm tone deaf. Elton is... He sings the songs.

Oh, no, I just made that up.

Oh, no, thanks.

Oh, no. Would you make it out to Arthur?

Oh, yeah? Looks like it's going well.

Oh, yeah.

Oh. Yeah.

Okay, okay. Then we'll tell Doug to refund everyone's ticket,

Okay.

Okay. Thanks so much for your time.

Okay. Well, I'll see you soon.

Okay...

One day, you might have enough for an album.

One frothy coffee, no froth.

One, two, three, four!

Or have you fed it all to that boy?

Our review from the LA Times has been syndicated.

People don't care though, do they?

People don't pay to see Reginald Dwight.

Perfect.

Personal and honest...

Piano players I've got. Ten a penny, mate.

Pinner nine, seven, double five.

Play another one.

Play another one.

Please welcome Elton John!

Please welcome, all the way from London, England,

Prescription drugs...

Put on a great fucking show,

Ray says you're an investment.

Ray.

Real love's hard to come by.

Really?

Really?

Reconnect.

Reg, Reg, play the one I like.

Reggie Dwight!

Reggie, we're gonna miss the bit of the show with you on.

Reggie! Move!

Reggie! You're late!

Reggie?

Reggie. What you doing?

Reggie's not long gone to bed.

Reggie's piano teacher thinks he's good enough for a scholarship.

Reginald Dwight?

Rely upon me to do everything. It's not fair.

Renate didn't deserve that.

Renegotiating your previously insane contracts

Right, stop the car.

Right, then.

Right?

Right.

Right.

Right.

Right.

Right. Got to go.

Right. I will not have a mess in this house.

Rock 'n' roll is getting you out of your bed in the morning.

Rock 'n' roll is not shagging your secretary in front of the pool boys!

Rock 'n' roll's actually 112 employment contracts,

Rock music has a new star.

Rock, soul, country and western.

Rubbish!

Same as always! Leaving me when things get too real!

Scissors.

See if there's anything interesting in this one and set it to music.

She said I'll never be loved.

She took it very well, actually.

She's a good person.

She's killed my piano.

Sheila! It's been too long.

Shh! You, shh!

Shit, or New York?

Shows progress to take responsibility for your actions.

So get over yourself and do the show.

So how does a fat boy from Pinner...

So I can get a sense of where you're up to?

So I do the writing,

So I'll still be collecting my 20% long after you've killed yourself.

So quit that backing band nonsense,

So she can go buy a new one.

So we still gonna go to Tower Records tomorrow, then?

So what about rock 'n' roll?

So what are your plans now... Elton?

So you find a way to cope without it.

So you like the song then?

So, can you show me anything

So, wrists and back straight.

So, yeah, I think I'm okay, Bernie.

So, you want something to drink? Get these guys whatever they want.

So...

Some days are tougher than others, but I feel good.

Some dessert, sir?

Some girl was more important to you than me

Sorry, sorry, sorry.

Sorry.

Sounds like 99% of 'em are shit!

Spent so long feeling resentful for things that just don't matter.

Stephen, Geoff...

Stop looking at that. You're not a girl.

Such a lovely woman.

Sure. Thanks, Dad.

Sure. Thanks, Dad.

Sweet. How are you?

Swindon. Or wherever the hell we are.

Take your coat off.

Tell them I'm indisposed, breaking my mother's heart!

Tell you what, I'll write you a check. Hmm?

Thank you all! Thank you!

Thank you for coming in. Will I hear from you, or...

Thank you so much for coming in.

Thank you, Bernie.

Thank you.

Thanks for breakfast.

Thanks, Mum. It's fantastic.

Thanks.

That gray haired old tramps'll whistle in the street.

That I never even had in the first place.

That was a test!

That was absolutely horrible.

That was good. I mean, it could do with some words.

That's as far as you got.

That's good.

That's really up to you.

That's what I'll be doing, personal management.

That's what you think.

The "Moonlight Sonata," Reggie.

The boys loved meeting a real life pop star.

The boys loved meeting a real life pop star.

The boys.

The brother I never had.

The record's coked out MOR shit.

The Royal Academy of Music?

The song doesn't work, that's the problem.

Then we're back here for two more shows, and then...

Then who gives a shit, Bernie?

There are moments in a rock star's life that define who he is

There are other writers I'd like to work with anyway.

There is one that's perfect for Lulu.

There is something special that happens...

There's egg on this.

There's nothing wrong with success. Or pleasure.

There's so much that we gotta do. There's worlds to conquer.

There's something about you and the booze or the drugs, and...

These are extremely stylish boots of my own design.

These guys are special. I've got an instinct for these things.

These... need music.

They are the geniuses of American music.

They are writing a lot of great tunes, Dick.

They got a piano here?

They just flew in from England

They pay to see Elton John!

They won't bite. Have a word.

They're really proud of you. Mmm.

Things are serious now.

This is a crucial time, Elton.

This is the part you gotta do on your own.

This is your brother, Reggie.

This is your career and our business at stake.

This is your life.

Those are the first doors reporters knock on.

To take on outside representation.

Tower Records.

Trans fucking Atlantic!

Turn off the light. Go to sleep.

Typical that you'd say something like that about me,

Uh, well, I write stuff, too.

Uh, well, she's talking about going to some place called Paradise Cove tomorrow.

Uh...

Uh...

Uh... not really, no.

Um... all right.

Watch that, mate.

We became inseparable after that.

We can write like we did.

We can't give them anything to speculate on.

We found a lovely villa by the sea.

We have never had a single argument. Not once.

We should get a drink.

We should go home, Elton.

We'll be in touch. We'll be in touch. Thank you.

We'll go to my ranch, we'll hide away.

We're in San Francisco tomorrow for three nights.

We're running a business here, you fucking idiot.

We're songwriting.

Well, add five more nights then.

Well, anything.

Well, anyway, all of these are great.

Well, as long as all the fun isn't missing me,

Well, come on in.

Well, come on then.

Well, how do you think I felt?

Well, I'm not sure. That depends.

Well, I've got something to tell you.

Well, if you don't like it, go home.

Well, looks like things worked out really well second time around, Dad.

Well, my dealer was out of town.

Well, say something.

Well, size is everything, my friend.

Well, that's my stage name.

Well, that's nice for you.

Well, the thing is...

Well, those are very fancy shoes.

Well, you will when your money runs out.

Well...

Well...

What a waste of time.

What about fame and fortune?

What about hot chicks and cocaine orgies?

What about the fact that you're a fag?

What am I gonna do?

What am I? Thin air?

What are they doing here?

What are you doing here, Bernie?

What are you doing in my office?

What are you doing on your own up here?

What are you doing without your shoes on?

What are you still doing up?

What did you say your name was again?

What do you really want?

What do you really want?

What do you want to go there for?

What do you want, Elton?

What do you want? I'm busy.

What have you given up for me?

What have you got to do to get a fucking drink around here, eh?

What if I'm not as good...

What is it now?

What sort of stuff?

What the fuck's that about?

What they're looking for.

What were you like as a child, Elton?

What you looking at me for?

What, are you taking the piss?

What, change your name?

What?