‘Elton John: Never Too Late’ documents highs (and lows) in EGOT champ’s life

The New York Film Festival screening of the acclaimed documentary “Elton John: Never Too Late” on Oct. 1 concluded with a surprise performance by the film’s subject. Elton John took to the stage to sing one of his all-time classics, “Tiny Dancer.” Not surprisingly, he had the packed house roaring its approval.

The film is co-directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish (John’s husband). The pair first worked together on the concert film “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium,” which bagged them both Emmys in 2023. That final concert in Los Angeles serves as the backdrop of this documentary.

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John reflects on the highs and lows of his life and speaks movingly of overcoming adversity, abuse and addiction. The film is packed full of rare footage, including the late John Lennon joining him onstage in New York back in 1974 to sing three songs. It makes use of both his written word (with lots of excerpts from his candid diaries) and spoken (including audiotapes of his landmark 1973 interview with Rolling Stone).

As John was also a producer of that 2023 variety special, he too collected an Emmy and finally completed his EGOT. Sir Elton was already a five-time Grammy champ for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle in the Wind” (1998) and “Aida” (2001). He has a pair of Best Original Song Oscars (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019).  And he won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000.

“Elton John: Never Too Late” is getting a theatrical release on both sides of the pond on Nov. 15, which will make it eligible at the Oscars for Best Documentary Feature. And, as it features a new tune by John, he could well reap another Oscar bid. It debuts on Disney+ on Dec. 13.

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