By Lana Sterling
Elton John is a name synonymous with musical greatness, flamboyant performances and a career spanning five decades. The documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish, offers an authentic look at the legendary musician’s life and career, with a special focus on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road concert tour. The film aims to capture the essence of Elton John while offering a glimpse into his personal journey.
R.J. Cutler, known for his compelling storytelling in documentaries such as The War Room and The September Issue, and David Furnish, a talented producer, director and John’s husband, bring their unique perspectives to the project. Combining their skills, they create an atmosphere that allows viewers to feel part of Elton’s amazing story and gain a deeper understanding of not only his career but also his personal life.
The documentary is structured around conversations with music critic Alexis Petridis, who ghostwrote John’s memoir, Me. These discussions provide a framework for exploring John’s prolific career from 1970 to 1975, when he released an astonishing 13 albums – seven of which reached number one on the Billboard charts. The juxtaposition of past triumphs with the farewell concert at Dodger Stadium in 2022 serves as a poignant reminder of John’s remarkable journey.
Key moments in John’s life, such as his chance meeting with lyricist Bernie Taupin, are also explored in the documentary. Their collaboration produced timeless classics such as ‘Your Song’, ‘Crocodile Rock’ and ‘Rocket Man’ and showcased John’s evolution as a performer, seamlessly blending pop ballads with rock compositions. The film also explores John’s relationships, particularly his friendship and collaboration with John Lennon in the 1970s, and John’s marriage to sound engineer Renate Blauel in 1984.
The impact of a 1976 Rolling Stone article in which John openly discussed his search for love amid his struggles with sexuality is briefly explored. He recalls the backlash he faced, but acknowledges that this partial liberation gave him a newfound sense of freedom. This theme of liberation resonates throughout the documentary.
Elton John: Never Too Late ultimately serves as a tribute to an iconic artist whose influence is undeniable, and a celebration of an extraordinary career. Through his music, personal struggles and triumphs, the film captures the essence of resilience and creativity, reminding us that it is never too late to pursue our passions and embrace our true selves.
