The Elton John biopic Rocketman took the Cannes film festival by storm Thursday, with the warts-and-all movie about his wild rock 'n' roll years wowing critics.
The extended standing ovation for the film brought its director Dexter Fletcher and star Taron Egerton — who plays the singer — to tears.
With some critics saying it was among the most searingly honest biopic in years, Variety 's Stuart Oldham tweeted minutes after the end that “ 'Rocketman is fantastic, a musical drama that hits all the right notes, especially the sad ones.”
Indiewire predicted a box office smash for this “ambitious full-on bio musical with 20 songs”.
Elton could not hide his joy at the reception, hugging the cast and his longtime lyricist and friend Bernie Taupin, who is a major character the film.
The 72-year-old British musical megastar seemed to have difficulty walking as he posed for the paparazzi on the red carpet before the premiere. He did not perform at the premiere.
