Rocketman

How long is this gonna take?

That's really up to you.

Right, then.

I know how this bit goes.

My name is Elton Hercules John...

and I'm an alcoholic.

And a cocaine addict.

And a sex addict.

And a bulimic.

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

prescription drugs...

and anger management.

Why are you here now?

Well, my dealer was out of town.

I thought this seemed like a good alternative.

I'm here because I want to get better.

What were you like as a child, Elton?

As a child?

I was justified when I was five

Raising Cain I'll spit in your eye

Times are changing Now the poor get fat

But the fever's gonna catch you When the bitch gets back

Eat meat on a Friday

-That's all right -That's all right

-Even like steak on a Saturday night -Saturday night

-I can bitch the best at your social dos -Social dos

I get high in the evening Sniffing pots of glue

I'm a bitch, I'm a bitch Oh, the bitch is back!

Stone-cold sober As a matter of fact

I can bitch, I can bitch 'Cause I'm better than you

It's the way that I move The things that I do

Reggie! You're late!

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

Is he back?

What am I? Thin air?

Wouldn't get your hopes up.

He's very unreliable and very selfish.

But will you send him up if I'm already in bed?

Reggie! Move!

Got to get this done before I go out.

All right, all done.

Put it away before you go out.

Mum, I've got to go.

Where's my cardigan?

What? Did I do something wrong?

Bloody hell, Sheila.

Maybe we should get him some lessons.

Love to. Get him out from under my feet.

Go on, play it again.

I want to play it for Dad.

Managed to drag yourself home then.

-Hello, Stanley. -How are you, Ivy?

Like you care.

Come on. You're letting in a draft.

How long you back?

I've got a couple of weeks leave.

Reggie's not long gone to bed.

Go on. Pop up, say hello.

I'll see him tomorrow.

Any dinner left?

Or have you fed it all to that boy?

My dad was passionate about...

family and music.

He'd talk for hours about jazz.

He was always hugging me.

I was very lucky.

I was actually a very happy child.

Dad, is it true you play piano?

I'm saving to get lessons.

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

I'm listening to my music.

I like this one, Dad.

Never, ever touch my collection without asking.

When are you going to hug me?

Don't be soft.

What are you still doing up?

Learning.

Turn off the light. Go to sleep.

Crumbs! That was energetic!

Play another one.

The "Moonlight Sonata," Reggie.

Mum? My piano teacher thinks I'm good enough

for a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music.

The Royal Academy of Music?

It has a nice ring to it.

"Royal."

Scissors.

-What do you think? -The red one's good.

-It's only on Saturdays. -I've things to do on weekends.

-Can't just drop everything. -I'll take you.

-Where are you off to? -Don't know.

Haven't decided yet.

But whatever it is, you're not invited.

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

Really?

You think he's got that kind of talent?

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

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

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

-Can we go home? -Home? No going home.

This is your life.

You have to get over that silly shyness.

But Mum says I'll never...

Everybody's frightened at the beginning.

You play at being confident.

Life gives you very few chances, Reggie,

and this is one of yours.

You show 'em you can be as good as they are.

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

-Yeah, I suppose. -Good. Go on then. Here.

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

Reginald Dwight?

-Yes. -Hi. How do you do?

Good, thank you.

Take your coat off.

Did you not bring something to play?

Didn't know I had to.

I see. Well...

So, can you show me anything

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

Why have you stopped?

That's as far as you got.

You might have a good memory, and a good ear,

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

So, wrists and back straight.

Let's start with the C-major scale,

both hands, two octaves.

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

What you looking at me for?

I want love

But it's impossible

A man like him

So irresponsible

A man like him

Is dead in places

Other men feel liberated

I can't love

Shot full of holes

Don't feel nothing

I just feel cold

Don't feel nothing

Just old scars

Toughening up

Around my heart

I want love

On my own terms

After everything I have learned

Me, I carry too much baggage

Oh, God, I've seen

So much traffic

But I want love

Just a different kind

-I want love -Won't break me down

Won't brick me up Won't fence me in

I want a love That'll mean something

That's the love I want

I want love

Boy-- There's a boy there.

Reggie. What you doing?

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

You tied me down with that kid years ago,

and now I've finally got a reason to leave

and be rid of you and this bloody house!

He didn't even give me a hug goodbye.

He's no good at showing affection.

Never has been.

-I wish I was someone else. -Oh, don't be silly.

Well, how do you think I felt?

I was a kid.

Heartbroken.

People don't care though, do they?

Anyway...

I'd discovered records.

And rock 'n' roll.

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

-I would. -Oh, Mum!

Thanks, Mum. It's fantastic.

You serious about wanting to be a rock 'n' roller?

Yeah. Of course.

Better get you the proper haircut, eh?

-Can I get it cut like Elvis? -Enjoy it while it lasts.

He's like my side of the family.

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

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

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

Thank you all! Thank you!

Now, Sheila and Fred's boy

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

Reggie Dwight!

Come on, Reg!

Go on, boy.

Hello.

Bloody hell. Have you got a fag?

Rubbish!

Reg, Reg, play the one I like.

Excuse me.

-You can't put that there. -Why not?

It'll get knocked off.

It's getting late Have you seen my mates?

Ma, tell me when the boys get here