Elton John's Life Unveiled in New Documentary at Toronto Film Festival
A new documentary about Elton John premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, offering an intimate look at the music icon's life and career. The film, co-directed by his husband, reveals personal insights and career highlights.
The Toronto International Film Festival recently hosted the world premiere of "Elton John: Never Too Late," a documentary offering an intimate glimpse into the life and career of the renowned musician. The film, co-directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish, Elton John's husband, focuses on the artist's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which concluded in 2022 at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium.
Furnish described the experience of creating a documentary about his spouse as both "exciting and terrifying." The film reveals personal insights, including a surprising conversation from 1976 where Elton expressed his desire to start a family, contrasting with his later stance on the matter. This revelation particularly struck Furnish, who noted, "In the early days of our relationship, he said he never wanted to have children. And then, of course, we have children, so that was like a really nice surprise."
The documentary traces Elton John's journey from his beginnings as Reginald Dwight to his rise to stardom in 1967 when he partnered with lyricist Bernie Taupin. It highlights the artist's prolific period from 1970 to 1975, during which he released an impressive 13 albums, with seven reaching number one on the charts.
"If you grew up with his music as I did, you're going to recognize this era, this remarkable five-year period from 1970 to 1975, where Elton released 13 albums, seven of which went to number one on the charts. If you've come to Elton's music in recent years, you're going to learn about that period in a way that you probably didn't even imagine."
Elton John's career has been marked by numerous achievements. He has sold over 300 million records worldwide and performed more than 4,000 times in over 80 countries. His accolades include 5 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Legend Award, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1998, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to music and charity.
The artist's influence extends beyond music. He established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992 and has been open about his personal struggles with drug addiction and bulimia. His composition work for musicals like "The Lion King" and "Billy Elliot" has further cemented his legacy in the entertainment industry.
"Elton John: Never Too Late" is set to be available on Disney+ later this year, offering fans and newcomers alike a comprehensive look at the life of this music icon. Despite a recent eye infection, Elton John attended the premiere, with Furnish assuring that he was on the path to recovery.
