MOVIE DISCUSSION GUIDE

Rocketman Chronicling the life of Elton John, “Rocketman” is a mixture of biopic, fantasy and musical melded into an incredible film experience. Taron Egerton provides a powerful performance as Reginald Dwight, aka Elton John. From his upbringing in a loveless home to his rise as a rock star, this film provides a glimpse into the complicated world and life of Elton John. Growing up a shy musical prodigy, Elton finds his voice in his music only to find himself more isolated and lonely than ever. Family, friendships and personal and professional relationships strain Elton’s emotional and physical wellbeing. “Rocketman” is a rollercoaster film, both sad and triumphant, all the while celebrating the music of a true musical genius.

© 2019 Paramount Pictures

Programming Suggestions

This discussion guide is designed to assist educational programming after viewing the film “Rocketman.” Its purpose is to generate discussion based on social issues found within the movie and for program participants to reflect on themes that might be pertinent to them. Therefore, there are no “right” or Issues “wrong” answers to questions in this guide.

The discussion facilitator may choose to utilize one of the following activities Substance Abuse as a means of developing discussion: Family • Invite a faculty member from the Sociology department at your local community college to come and discuss how family dynamics shapes self- Friendship identity. Include in the discussion the topic of sexual orientation and how family dynamics impact LGBTQ youth. Self-Identity • Create a bulletin board focusing on LGBTQ issues. Include information Sexual about resources at your library, history of LGBTQ movement/rights in the Orientation United States and ways to support the LGBTQ community at your library. • Hold a fundraiser for Elton John’s nonprofit, The Elton John Aids Foundation, which provides funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS. Discussion Questions

1. Can you sympathize with someone that seems to have it all? Do you think Elton has it all? Why or why not? 2. Discuss Elton’s family life growing up. Why do you think his father and mother were the way they were? How do you think this influenced the man he became? 3. What impact do you think it has on a child to be told they are a disappointment or a parent wishes they had never been born? Have you or someone you loved said something in anger that you didn’t mean or shouldn’t have said? How did those words influence the relationship? 4. Growing up Elton/Reginald found support in his grandmother. How did she provide the emotional support that he needed/craved from his parents? 5. How do your parents support you? Do you or someone you know have a special relationship with another family member, someone that supported you when you needed it most? 6. As Elton grows as a musician he becomes friends with songwriter Bernie Taupin. Discuss their relationship and how it evolves over time. How does Bernie support Elton during the ups and downs of his life? 7. Discuss a special relationship/friendship you have had in your life. How do you and your friend support each other in good and bad times? 8. What happens when Elton, shy by nature, gets on stage? What is your stage? Where do you shine? 9. As Elton finds greater and greater fame, he sinks into substance abuse and loneliness. Discuss why you think this happens. Was it recreational or was he “self-medicating?” 10. Have you ever felt lonely surrounded by people? How do you cope with your negative feelings toward yourself, feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, etc? 11. Discuss when Elton goes to visit his father and his new family. What happens? What does Elton want from his father? Why can’t his father give him what he wants? Why do you think his father was so different with his second family? 12. How does Elton’s upbringing/childhood impact his self-identity? 13. Elton switches management to his boyfriend John Reid. Discuss their relationship. Do you think John ever cared for Elton or did he see the relationship as a business transaction? Discuss. 14. Why do you think Elton could not break his connection with John? Have you ever had a toxic person in your life that you could not completely break from? Discuss. 15. At one point Bernie asks Elton why he can’t perform without the crazy costumes. Elton responds, “People don’t pay to see Reg Dwight! They pay to see ELTON JOHN!” Do you think people would pay to see Reg Dwight? Do you think the pageantry is necessary? 16. Why do you think Elton chose to have the stage persona that he did? Do we wear costumes/uniforms in our lives to help us be the person we want others to see? Discuss. 17. Elton is told early on “You got to kill the person you were born to be in order to become the person you want to be.” Do you agree with this statement? Do you think Elton John does this? Why or why not? 18. At one point Elton tells his former younger self, he has not been Reginald Dwight for some time. Do you ever feel that you are not the person you were in the past? Is it possible to regain that connection? 19. Elton checks himself into rehab, albeit reluctantly. What happens in rehab that allows Elton to accept and love himself? How can we come to terms with our past so we can move forward with our lives? 20. How does music tell the story of Elton John’s life? How do the filmmakers weave his songs into the narrative of the story? 21. How will you tell your story? What will be your legacy, your story?

1.888.267.2658 | swank.com/public-libraries