Elton John objects to 'Rocketman' scene deletions in Russia

scenes featuring gay sex and drug use 

One big reason why Bohemian Rhapsody became such a success with all-time box office records for the biopic and drama genres.

If the film makers of BR told of Freddie’s true escapades, it probably wouldn’t be being sold on the counter of every single convenience store in Japan.

Was listening to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road yesterday for the drive home. 1st album I ever bought after getting Rock of the Westies as a gift.

Despite the fact that such major cultural figures as Tchaikovsky and Nijinsky were gay, and with Russia presumably having the same percentage of gays in their population as any other country, there just isn't the same acceptance of homosexuality in Russia, or Eastern Europe, or many other parts of the world, as there is in the West. People in the West tend to assume all Europeans think like they do, so hence the shock when something like this happens.

Some people are so prudish. They might as well call for all sex scenes in all films to be censored if it upsets them so much.

Remember the fuss over tatu? Yet with some major Russian icons like Tchaikovsky and Nijinsky being gay you would think that after Communism fell there that there would be some tolerance and more acceptance in the post-Soviet era but nooooooooooooo.......

Putin has to find someone to pick on because it makes him feel good. Many people don't understand homosexuality (I don't because I'm not one) but it's stupid to censor and persecute something that you don't understand.

starpunk,

I don't think the ongoing prejudice against gays is so much Putin and the political process as it is social factors, particularly the influence of the very conservative Russian Orthodox Church, which the vast majority of the people believe in. Putin being a political animal can see the benefit in going along with that.

Gee - who would've thought a church would be leading the resistance to change (he asked sarcastically)?

Many people don't understand homosexuality (I don't because I'm not one)

It's pretty much like heterosexuality but with better music ;-)

I know people that have seen this film and really enjoyed it. Much better than the awful Bohemian Rhapsody.

When does it open in Japan?

Assuming Elton John is okay with the scenes, then there is no reason to censor it. I ill pass on the movie, myself. National Geographic is reporting Leonardo da Vinci was homosexual. Still a genius.

konjo4u,

Many artists were (and are) gay, Leonardo included. If censorship were in their hands, there'd be no problem, at least not as far as gay sex scenes are concerned.

It's only in the past 40-50 years or so censorship has become less of a problem in the West - and there are always those who would like to turn back the clock.

Toasted:

Thanks, but I'll take the Beatles, Dylan and Springsteen's music over Queen, Rufus Wainwright and even Elton, any day.

BigYenJune 1 06:08 pm JSTToasted:

Thanks, but I'll take the Beatles, Dylan and Springsteen's music over Queen, Rufus Wainwright and even Elton, any day.

I'm pretty much in the same league of opinion. I've seen Springsteen 4X, and plenty of other artists - most of them are 'straight' but some are not. For instance, all of the B-52s are gay except one member. I've seen Joan Jett in concert too - 3X and I don't care what her sexuality is, she rocks! I also grew up with and like Culture Club, REM and other bands that have gay members. All I care about is 'Can they rock it and do it good?'

Thanks, but I'll take the Beatles, Dylan and Springsteen's music over Queen, Rufus Wainwright and even Elton, any day.

I was kidding. I don't care what their sexuality is/was. It's the music that matters. I'll just as happily listen to Lou Reed, Bowie, Sylvester, George Michael as I would Prince, Nirvana, NWA, Pixies and Ministry.

As for The Beatles, Lennon may have had a relationship with Brian Epstein.

Everyone is fluid.