TIFF 2024:Elton John: Never Too Late (With Movie Trailer)
TIFF 2024: Elton John: Never Too Late – A Candid Look at a Music Legend’s Life and Legacy
Elton John has been a musical icon for decades, but there’s still much of his life story that remains behind the scenes. Enter Elton John: Never Too Late, the latest documentary premiering at TIFF 2024, co-directed by R.J. Cutler and Elton’s husband, David Furnish. This film offers a rare, intimate look at Sir Elton John’s journey, with candid interviews, archival footage, and a reflection on his life, career, and the legacy he’s built.
The Story: A Look Behind the Sequins
Elton John: Never Too Late isn’t just another documentary about the Rocketman—it’s a deep dive into Elton’s personal world, from the highs of superstardom to the struggles behind the scenes. The film opens at a pivotal moment in Elton’s career: his iconic 1975 performance at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, where he played for over 100,000 fans. But while the world saw a glittering showman, Elton reflects on a different reality, saying, “There was an emptiness within me.”
The film expertly weaves together personal interviews with never-before-seen archival footage and photos, giving fans and newcomers alike a more complete picture of Elton’s life. We follow his journey from a prodigious talent in his childhood to becoming a worldwide sensation, all while wrestling with self-doubt, addiction, and the pressure of fame.
The Emotional Heart: Love and Family
While much of Elton’s story is known, especially through his autobiography and the Rocketman biopic, Never Too Late goes deeper, offering viewers an emotional perspective. The film explores not just the music and the fame, but also the love that transformed Elton’s life. His relationship with David Furnish and their journey to creating a family is the film’s emotional core. Through this lens, we see a softer, more vulnerable side of the superstar.
At 77, Elton reflects on his legacy and mortality, saying, “This is where you start to think about mortality,” which adds a layer of poignancy to the film. The documentary captures Elton taking stock of his life, not just as a music legend, but as a father, a partner, and a man who found love and purpose beyond the stage.
Why You Should Watch It
Elton John: Never Too Late is a must-watch for fans of Elton John, but it’s more than just a fan film. It’s a personal, revealing look at a man who has lived life in the public eye for decades while keeping much of his personal struggles and triumphs private. The rare archival footage and candid interviews give the film a depth and authenticity that goes beyond the glitz and glamor we often associate with Elton.
If you’ve followed Elton’s career or even just enjoyed his music over the years, this documentary will offer fresh insights into the man behind the music, his journey of self-discovery, and the love that ultimately helped him find peace.
Showtimes at TIFF 2024
Catch Elton John: Never Too Late at TIFF 2024 during these showtimes:
- Friday, September 6 – 9:30 pm (Roy Thomson Hall)
- Saturday, September 7 – 8:45 am (Press & Industry, Scotiabank Theatre)
- Saturday, September 7 – 1:30 pm (Scotiabank Theatre)
- Friday, September 13 – 1:15 pm (Scotiabank Theatre)
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about one of the greatest music legends of our time, Elton John: Never Too Late is an intimate and moving portrait of a man whose impact on the world goes far beyond his music.
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