This year’s story is about the power of a gift. And how that gift inspired, changed and influenced the course of a little boy’s life.
That little boy just happens to be Elton John. The film begins in present day and works backwards chronologically through Elton’s life right until the moment on Christmas morning when he received the special gift that changed his life.
James Corden summed it up best on Twitter: “Holy s–t. This commercial.”
Overnight, John Lewis & Partners released a Christmas commercial starring Elton John. Titled “The Boy and the Piano,” this year’s story “is about the power of a gift,” the company said in a statement. “And how that gift inspired, changed and influenced the course of a little boy’s life. The film begins in present day and works backwards chronologically through Elton’s life right until the moment on Christmas morning when he received the special gift that changed his life.”
Lasting a little over two minutes, the commercial begins with the 71-year-old living legend playing the piano at home. It follows him as he plays his smash “Your Song” at various points in his life—in stadium arenas, private planes, recording studios, school auditoriums and other venues. Each era features a different recording, so fans can appreciate his musical evolution.
It’s a very sweet commercial with a very simple message. According to The Guardian though it is probably too hearwarming.
Just a few weeks ago, the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody was heavily criticised for its toothless portrayal of Freddie Mercury’s worst excesses, and the same could be said for the John Lewis commerical. Elton John isn’t a great pop star because he sings songs about little dancers, crocodiles that rock and being able to stand up. No, Elton John is a great pop star because he is knotty and complicated.
If the John Lewis Christmas ad is going to go down as a lasting tribute to Elton’s career – and, boy, there’s a sentence I never thought I’d write – then it should have picked some better memories for him to have. Luckily for you, I have written a new version. There is still time to make this before Christmas, John Lewis.
What are your thoughts? Sweet or too sweet.
(Excerpts) Read More at: EOnline.com and TheGuardian.com
