What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedRocketman
Dexter Fletcher · Film · 2019
If you loved Rocketman, start with Scattershot (Bernie Taupin) — a book on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Rocketman across media.
If Rocketman captivated you, it is because you are drawn to the volatile intersection of iconic musical genius and personal transformation.
Books on the same thread
Dear Boy: The Life of Keith Moon
Tony Fletcher · Book · 2010
Shares a thread with Rocketman: Fame and Addiction.
Like the darker turns in Rocketman, this biography explores the harrowing cost of fame and the self-destructive patterns that often shadow the lives of legendary music icons.
Scattershot
Bernie Taupin · Book
Explores: artistic collaboration, fame and legacy, creative process.
You witnessed the magic of the Elton and Bernie partnership in Rocketman; now, read the firsthand account of that creative bond directly from the legendary lyricist himself.
Daisy Jones and The Six
Taylor Jenkins Reid · Book · 2019
Explores: Band dynamics, Creative collaboration, Fame and its consequences.
This novel captures the same intoxicating rise and complicated band dynamics that defined the musical journey of the protagonist in Rocketman, focusing on the price of stardom.
Dylan Goes Electric!
Elijah Wald · Book
Explores: Artistic Evolution, Counterculture, Legacy.
Much like the pivotal career moments portrayed in Rocketman, this book examines a transformative turning point in music history that forever altered the trajectory of a legendary artist.
Series on the same thread
Fosse/Verdon
Steven Levenson · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Rocketman: Creative Partnership.
This series mirrors the intense, complex creative partnership and toxic relationship dynamics seen in Rocketman, highlighting how personal intimacy and artistic genius are often inextricably and painfully linked.
Sex Education
Laurie Nunn · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Rocketman: Self-Discovery.
If the coming-of-age themes in Rocketman resonated with you, this show offers a similarly poignant and humorous look at the messy, formative years of self-discovery and teenage angst.
The Defiant Ones
Series · 2017
Explores: Partnership, Mentorship, Cultural Impact.
The collaborative spirit at the heart of Rocketman finds a parallel here, as this documentary tracks the unlikely and powerful professional partnership between two music industry titans.
The New Edition Story
Series · 2017
Shares a thread with Rocketman: Coming of Age.
This series echoes the narrative arc of Rocketman by detailing the highs and lows of navigating fame and group dynamics within the pressure-filled world of professional music.
Podcasts on the same thread
Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives
Podcast
Explores: queer identity, self-expression, music analysis.
This podcast explores the intersection of queer identity and musical legacy, themes that were central to the personal journey of the main character in Rocketman.
The Big Picture
Podcast
Explores: Hollywood, Awards Season, Film Criticism.
For a deeper look at the cinematic craft behind biographical films like Rocketman, turn to this podcast for expert analysis on the movies that define modern culture.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Rocketman a documentary about Elton John?
Rocketman is a 2019 biographical film directed by Dexter Fletcher. It tells the story of Elton John's life, tracing his journey from his time as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music through his long-term musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.
What part of Elton John's life does Rocketman cover?
Rocketman covers the life of Elton John starting from his early years as a musical prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music. The film focuses on his development as an artist and his influential creative partnership with Bernie Taupin.
Who directed the 2019 film Rocketman?
The film Rocketman, which depicts the life and musical career of Elton John, was directed by Dexter Fletcher. It explores his rise as a musician and his enduring professional collaboration with Bernie Taupin.
Does Rocketman feature the partnership with Bernie Taupin?
Yes, Rocketman specifically highlights the influential and enduring musical partnership between Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The film frames this relationship as a central component of Elton John's life story, spanning from his early days at the Royal Academy of Music.