Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies
NEVER TOO LATE is an excellent ROCKUMENTARY about the man and the MUSIC LEGEND.
As Elton John fans we both absolutely loved this doc. Co-directed by Elton’s husband, David Furnish, it shows us an intimate glimpse into Elton’s private life. Furnish is originally from Toronto, so deciding to hold the world premiere at TIFF was a perfect choice. R.J. Cutler co-directed this fabulous documentary alongside Furnish. They were all here in Toronto for the opening.
My first EJ concert was many moons ago at the Montreal Forum – it was the “GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD” performance. And, an all-encompassing performance it was. I was already hooked; but my parents finally stepped in and asked me to please stop playing that album for a while. They were so sick of hearing it played so loud. I just turned down the volume.
Some people think that the movie “Becoming Rocketman” was a documentary. It’s more of a fantasy musical that Elton gave his approval to take creative license with. This one is nothing like that. It shows all his sides. We were moved to say the least.
“NEVER TOO LATE” chronicles Elton throughout the years; from a humble beginning, to present time. It shows his upbringing with strict and sometimes abusive parents, his complicated love life, the drugs, the struggles, the loneliness, the success. The highs, the lows, and finally, finding love and family…the reason for his decision to finally retire once and for all. We’ll see about that.
There are a few surprises that most of the public might not know. One giveaway is his relationship with the late, great John Lennon. How he was able to coerce a reluctant Lennon into coming on stage at Dodger Stadium (the first time) to sing “WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT,” the old Beatles song, while Yoko sat secretly in the audience. Lennon did not want Ono to be there for fear that he would not be able to get on that stage following their two year breakup. However; Yoko did go backstage after, they got together again and the rest is (was) history. I don’t like giving too much away. Okay; one more…
There’s also a scene where Elton + Lennon are drinking up a storm and doing lines in Elton’s hotel room, when all of a sudden someone knocks on the door. Elton looks through the peephole to see Andy Warhol standing there. He and Lennon look at each other, decide not to open the door. I mean; the polaroids might not be such a good idea at this time. They just laugh it off.
The one thing I was hoping for was a nod to the late, great Long-John Baldry; the musician who discovered Elton and who Elton took his last name from. Long-John was a neighbour of mine and the information is well documented, although not mentioned in the doc.
The enduring pop star has done it all. He’s even added his name to the history books. On January 15,2024, he become an EGOT—as the winner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—as his live-streamed concert Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium captured an Emmy Award. Oh; thanks for clearing up my misunderstanding. I always thought the recipient of that award meant that they were EGOTistical! (kidding).
We laughed, we cried and we realized…what a major talent and humanitarian this man is! Wonderful, wonderful documentary.
Photo: d. king
TIFF might be almost over, but there’s always next year. I’ll be posting more movie reviews on here daily until I’m done. I’m sure that most of these movies and documentaries will be coming to a theatre near you by, or before Christmas. Christmas isn’t that far away.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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