But to dismiss the video as merely "bad" is to miss the point entirely. In fact, many film historians argue that the video is a masterclass in .
The video ends where it began. Elton is back in the living room. He is no longer packing a suitcase. Instead, he sits alone at a cluttered kitchen table, staring into the middle distance. His wife (or partner) enters, touches his shoulder, and he doesn’t react. He is home, but he is not present .
: End with a high-energy stage performance where the artist literally "blasts off" like a rocket from a cloud of smoke during the final chorus, a feature often used in the cinematic biopic. Technical Execution Ideas To give your video a professional, cinematic feel: Hand-Drawn Animation
For Elton John, the "Rocket Man" video remains a cherished part of his legacy, a symbol of his creativity, innovation, and enduring appeal. As a musician, a performer, and a cultural icon, Elton John continues to inspire new generations of music fans, and the "Rocket Man" video remains an essential part of his story. rocket man elton john video
The "Rocket Man" video was a key moment in Elton John's career, marking a turning point in his transition from a talented young musician to a global superstar. The song and video's success helped establish Elton John as a major force in popular music, and it paved the way for future hits like "Crocodile Rock," "Bennie and the Jets," and "Candle in the Wind."
But while the song itself is undoubtedly a masterpiece, the music video for "Rocket Man" is equally iconic and has played a significant role in the song's enduring popularity. Directed by John H. Williams and produced by Mike Whitehill, the video features Elton John himself as the "Rocket Man," soaring through space and performing the song in a variety of futuristic and fantastical settings.
The video was filmed in August 1972, just a few months after the song's release. The production team used a combination of live-action and animation techniques to create the video's distinctive look and feel. Elton John himself appeared in several scenes, including the opening shot of him sitting at a piano in a spacesuit, and the closing scene in which he floats through space, surrounded by stars and planets. But to dismiss the video as merely "bad"
For a deep dive into the artistic decisions behind these visual choices:
Today, you can find the video easily on Elton John’s official Vevo channel or various archival uploads. Watch it once for the laughs at the cheap rocket. Watch it a second time for the sadness in his eyes. Watch it a third time to appreciate that, in its own strange, low-budget way, it is the perfect visual companion to one of the greatest songs ever written.
The result was a roughly four-minute short film that defied expectations. Instead of a simple performance video of Elton at a piano, Forbes created a narrative scene that has since been interpreted as everything from a literal space drama to a metaphor for drug addiction and fame. Elton is back in the living room
Here’s a write-up for Elton John’s iconic “Rocket Man” video, suitable for a blog, social media caption, or music retrospective.
For decades, Elton John ’s 1972 masterpiece existed without an official music video. While fans grew up with live performance clips and hazy memories of his iconic "Cosmonaut" suit, it wasn't until 2017 that a definitive visual companion was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. The Story Behind the 2017 Official Video