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The movie, starring Taron Egerton, tracks the
singer's first steps in the music business, from his tentative
tryouts on the piano as a child to his explosion onto the U.S.
scene and its drug and alcohol-fueled party world.
Although not competing for awards, it was still one of the most
anticipated screenings of the film festival on the French
Riviera. Actresses including Julianne Moore and Priyanka Chopra
lined up on the Croisette's famous steps to see the movie, an
all-singing, all-dancing depiction of John's most famous hits.
Accompanied by his husband David Furnish, John posed for
photographers alongside the cast in heart-shaped,
jewel-encrusted sunglasses.
Directed by Dexter Fletcher, who also worked with Egerton on
"Eddie The Eagle", the biopic has echoes of traditional
Hollywood musicals, with dance scenes set in a fairground or
down the local pub during flashbacks to John's teenage years.
Born Reginald Dwight in Middlesex, England, Elton John - whose
stage name is half stolen from a friend, and half from John
Lennon of the Beatles - went on to become one of the world's
best-selling artists.
The film delves into the "Crocodile Rock" singer's uneasy
relationship with an unfeeling father and a harsh mother, as
well as a toxic early relationship which contributes to the
singer's descent into addiction.
But it also celebrates some of John's enduring friendships,
including with Bernie Taupin, who penned the lyrics to his
greatest hits, including "Your Song", which helped propel the
singer into superstardom.
Taupin was also present at the screening, where crowds -
including actors Eva Longoria and Shailene Woodley - erupted
into applause as it drew to a close, while an emotional Egerton
was in tears.
(Reporting by Sarah White in Cannes; Editing by Kevin Liffey and
Matthew Lewis)
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