The Censoring of 'Rocketman'

by Haleigh Smith

‘Rocketman' (2019) is the musical fantasy following the story of Elton John when he rose to fame. By combining Elton’s music and the story of his early life, director Dexter Fletcher was able to present Elton’s story to the world like never before. The movie touches on topics like family life, sexuality and of course his music and passion. The movie allows the audience to see Elton John in a new light, discussing topics that were and in some cases still are controversial and allows a unique understanding of Elton’s struggle and as a viewer it allowed me to find a new love for him as an individual and for his music.

The film was released worldwide on Wednesday 22nd June 2019 where it received love internationally. However, upon its release in Russia, it was discovered that the movie had been censored to remove the homosexual connotations and drug use. Many people, myself included were disappointed by this news, including actor Taron Egerton who took to social media to express his upset“I am crestfallen that the decision was made to censor our movie for the Russian market...Love is love. No compromises” Elton John also expressed himself saying“The local distributor has found it necessary to edit out certain scenes, denying the audience the opportunity to see the film as it was intended is a sad reflection of the divided world”.

‘Rocketman’ was made to tell the story of Elton John and his rise to fame, and to be able to tell the story the movie must, rightfully, touch on Elton’s sexuality, adversities and the origins of his music. For Russia to censor such crucial parts of the movie it deprives the audience of the story that Elton wants to be told, removing the truth behind Elton and his story, removing the more emotional and biographical aspects of the longly anticipated biopic. We are in the 21st Century and us as people should be able to accept people for whomever they are, whether they be homosexual, heterosexual, Muslim, Christian, black or white. It is truly disappointing to see a country manipulate a story because it touches on topics they deem taboo and disgraceful. Stories should be left untouched so we can grow as people and build bridges to reconnect such a conflicted and fragmented society and gain an understanding of its inevitable diversity.

“We believe in building bridges and open dialogue, and will continue to push for the breaking down of barriers until all people are heard equally across the world”  - Elton John (2019)