Baz Luhrmann returns to feature-film directing for the first time since 2013’s The Great Gatsby. This filmmaker has long been known for his cinematic flair and inventive camera movements. Regardless of the subject matter he covers, each of his features has his slick polish. Enter Elvis…
Elvis follows the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll throughout his life. Whether it’s from his youth in Mississippi, his quick rise to stardom, to captivating the world with his music, and finally his sad descent.
This film depicts Elvis Presley as one of the rare human beings that was truly born for something and found his calling. Having been surrounded by early southern blues, R&B, and gospel music – he felt a higher calling that lead him to give reverence to these musical styles and musicians he held so dear. He combined these musical genres with a country rock style and delivered songs that the world would never forget.
Austin Butler portrays Elvis from his late teen years till the end of his all-too-short life. General audiences may not be familiar with Butler and the movie is stronger for it. He plays the role with the energy of a firework that’s waiting to go off. He is aware of his unique talent and is very comfortable with it. All the while, he’s uncomfortable with how others try to frame his music and stage presence.
The movie starts off with a strange framing choice that I’m not entirely confident was the right choice. Luhrmann takes us immediately to the seeming deathbed confession of Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). At this point in history, we can all see him for the villain he is, but Luhrmann puts the narrative in his control. It’s an interesting spin because it shows Parker doing his best to defend his reputation and make himself out to be the good guy of the story. However, cinematically Luhrmann shows a decrepit Parker sitting at a blackjack table through a distorted fish-eye lens that is meant to make viewers uncomfortable. Thematically, being part of Parker’s manipulative games is perfect. But, anytime the film jumps back to his commentary, I wished it would just stay in the chronological events of Elvis instead.
I doubted whether a movie that depicts the rise and fall of the quintessential rock star could keep my attention. Elvis’s life is the template for what we’ve seen for decades since. Yet, Luhrmann brings in so much style and heart, that I had no issue with the nearly two hour 40 minute runtime. This is truly one of those stories that make you want to grab the main character by the shoulders and tell them to escape their current situation in hopes that his story might change this time.
Acting in Elvis is a mixed-to-positive bag. Austin Butler is fantastic and truly disappears into the role in every way. I wanted a few more personal moments behind the scenes, but he gives his all to what the script requires of him. While there are so many amazing character actors that are too numerous to mention, I have to give praise to Olivia DeJonge, who plays Priscilla. Her line delivery, charisma, and instant chemistry with Butler bring so much to the movie. The aspect that drags the movie down for me is its biggest star, Tom Hanks. He plays Parker as the cigar-smoking grifter that has little to no nuance. In a movie that allows audiences to escape into a production with many unknown actors, I struggle with the decision to add Tom Hanks in a bulky body suit. It’s still always Tom Hanks and took me out of the movie.
A creative decision that took me a few minutes to love is the addition of modern R&B takes on classic Elvis songs. It felt like a way to bring in younger audiences, but the scenes with a modern spin actually do more to make the scenes exciting and relevant to the style and vibe of what those historical moments felt like at the time. Don’t fret if that’s a bother. This is still an Elvis movie through and through and you’ll hear everything you want to and more.
I judge musician bio-pics on whether I care to explore their discography after I see the movie. I had previously considered Elvis to be a true icon, but never connected to his music. Now, I’ve been sinking into the music that changed the world. Elvis tells a tragic story, but does it tastefully and with an emphasis on the sacrifices some make in the pursuit of stardom and with the wrong people in their lives. I’d recommend Elvis, but with the runtime, it might be better suited for home viewing. Yet, still Elvis is a welcome surprise this summer. B
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