'Elton John is a one-in-a-billion story. Think of all the artists we've lost or never had the chance to experience because they refused to conform. We shouldn't have to be exceptional to be accepted,' writes Clay Cane for CNNOpinion
Clay Cane is a Sirius XM radio host and the author of"Live Through This: Surviving the Intersections of Sexuality, God, and Race." Follow him on Twitter @claycane. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his. View more opinion articles on CNN.
James Baldwin once said,"Artists are here to disturb the peace." And what truly disturbs the peace is being unapologetic in exactly who you are -- especially when it bucks the so-called norm. Whether it's Frida Kahlo imploding the art world with her groundbreaking work; Toni Morrison owning her blackness and never caring about the"mainstream" gaze; or the legendary Elton John, who shook up the music world, with his talent and fearlessness; their impact is undeniable.
Clay CaneThese artists are revolutionaries in their own right and Sir Elton John's biopic"Rocketman," which is in theaters now, holds no punches with nothing sanitized.Directed by Dexter Fletcher and starring an unforgettable Taron Egerton as John, the film smoothly packs the icon's dynamic life and career into two hours. For 50 years, Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947, has put a spell on people.
The story behind the costumes of Elton John biopic 'Rocketman' 01:37As I watched"Rocketman," especially as we go into Pride Month, I thought of the progress we've made and was once again reminded of the delicate nature of our freedoms. Sure, two men kissing or being intimate on screen is nothing new. Oscar winning films from"Brokeback Mountain" to"Moonlight" have broken ground.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia’s version of Elton John biopic censors depictions of gay sex and drug useThe Russian version of 'Rocketman' has been stripped of virtually all gay sex scenes, a censorship move seen as part of a wider crackdown by the Kremlin.
Read more »
'Rocketman' is winning rave reviews, but don't expect Elton John to make a huge comebackIf 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is anything to go by, Elton John's catalog is about to enjoy a new lease on life.
Read more »
Critics, activists angered after Russia cuts gay scenes from Elton John biopicRussian gay rights activists and cultural figures are criticizing the local distributor of a new movie about Elton John for cutting scenes in it depicting homosexual activity and drug use.
Read more »
Robert Hilburn’s 1970 review of Elton John at the Troubadour — ‘new rock talent’Elton John, then just 23, make his U.S. debut at the Troubadour in West Hollywood in August 1970, L.A. Times music critic Robert Hilburn proclaimed him a star.
Read more »
Taron Egerton shines in an oddly dark ‘Rocketman’A strong central performance lifts this uneven Elton John biopic.
Read more »
Telling Elton John’s Life, Without Biopic Clichés‘Rocketman’ director Dexter Fletcher borrowed from musicals for his film about Elton John, which stars Taron Egerton as the performer.
Read more »