User reviews

So many good memories about this one, back when it was released as one of the two Elton John singles released from "Songs from the West Coast" (with the other being "I Want Love" starring an incredible Robert Downey Jr.). For some time I kept thinking that it was some unreleased archive footage of Elton John or something, then cuts to years later and I find out that Justin Timberlake was playing Elton. It was incredibly similar to Elton in the 1970's, very uncanny and the whole art-direction, the long stages and sets were all detailed and perfectly made. The song is incredible all the way, Elton is pure heart and soul in this one, but it's Timberlake's masterful performance and tribute to the singer that makes it a spetacle to be seen time and again.

The video shows the up's and down's to fame as experienced by someone who had it all during his musical career, both as an artist/performer and also as a person. As Timberlake's Elton walks through a series of hallways he encounters countless people, the press, the fans, young men and women who admire the man in all of his ways, and he's escorted by his manager John Reid (a fun performance by Paul Reubens, of Pee-Wee Herman's fame). While there are many joyful encounters and Elton pleases everybody, takes pictures, signs autographs and such, there's always some small introspective moments where you can feel some pain and loneliness - mostly when Justin's is dubbing the song chorus. He's alone in the crowd and you can feel it, his expressions behind the huge glasses tell everything. It's no wonder that Timberlake got a Hollywood career after this, playing on countless films from many different genres (from crime thriller "Alpha Dog" to the drama blockbuster "The Social Network").

And he never disappointed, there's always quality work from him. And his transformation into Elton in this clip can be considered his very best.

David LaChapelle made an outstanding cinematic video filled with style and rhythm - gotta love that the whole experience is played out in a controlled slow-motion that gives the impression of being shown each action in a natural way and also giving the impression that the whole walk of Justin/Elton through the hallways and rooms are done in a unique take (but it's not). I'm blown away by the level of details brought on to this, everytime I watch it there's something new hidden there or some forgotten reference related to Elton John. It's magnificent! 10/10.