This documentary is about gay musical composer Sir Elton John during 1996. With unprecedented access to the star, it's a fascinating, funny, and honest fly on the wall look at the temperamental artist directed by his civil partner David Furnish. Excellent concert and behind the scenes footage leaves nothing to the imagination. Foul language abounds, but it all adds to the magic of this fascinating insight into one of Rock's most successful solo artists. Elton's tantrums are abundant, his performances on this film are great, and there is never a dull moment. There are only two major tantrums. In the first Elton becomes upset during a video shoot for "Believe", saying he hates making music videos. His second tantrum occurs when he is playing tennis and is recognized by a fan. Throwing the racket, he stomps off court, returns to his hotel, and makes arrangements to fly home. Later, we find out Elton had calmed down and canceled his plans to leave.
One interesting scene in the film comes when Elton John's mother sits down with her son to discuss his career. When she begins to recall his drug use in the 1970's, she asks that the camera be turned off. After Elton reminds her they agreed to do this in front of the camera, she continues the story and starts to cry. We are also briefly introduced to his very elderly grandmother. Elton is very open about his addictions to drugs, food, and shopping. He talks about his contract with his record company and the fact that his relationship with them is very good. The DVD has a 2008 audio commentary by Elton and David Furnish reflecting on the changes since 1996. There are also 11 deleted scenes, and they are all good. This made for TV documentary is a fine portrait of a legendary rock star. David Furnish directed.
