As the number one solo artist of all time, Elvis Presley knew how to captivate his audience. His name is one of the most recognizable in the music industry in the last century. Even though his passing was over four decades ago, his fame lives on. The best example of this is shown in the recent movie made about his life. The documentary follows Elvis as he evolved into a musical phenomenon. It shows the many trials and triumphs Presley endured whilst living out his dreams. Just as Elvis did years ago, actor Austin Butler obtained an adoring fanbase. The mastermind behind this worldwide hit, Baz Luhrmann, certainly knows how to put on a show.
Tom Hanks opens the show from a hospital bed portraying the famous Colonel Tom Parker. He is careful to mention that he was not the one responsible for Presley’s death.
Born and raised in Mississippi and Tennessee, Elvis had a rocky start. Growing up his family lived in low rent apartments scraping together what little money they had. At the age of twenty Presley, signed with the Suns Record label in Memphis. His music was being played all over small towns in restaurants and stores. From the beginning it was clear that he was going to be a star. Soon thereafter, Presley caught the attention of Colonel Tom Parker. The two immediately began producing music hits that made it to the top of the charts. From the start, Butler and Hanks make sure to create a clear depiction of how the two got along. Although it was a primarily business based relationship, the appreciation for one another is made clear throughout the film.
Presley was quite a controversial artist because of his dancing style on stage. Butler perfected Presley’s infamous moves such as the famous ‘rubber legs’. These controversial dance moves led to outrage among those who did not support him. Out of fear for his safety, Presley’s family enlisted him in the military service. There he met his future wife Priscilla. Throughout the movie we see Cailee Spaeny portraying the gentle, yet strongly supportive Priscilla Presley. After two years of no music production, he made a comeback into the industry. He performed with just as much, if not more enthusiasm. Some of his most famous songs include Hound Dog, Can’t Help Falling in Love, as well as Jailhouse Rock. Extremely successful, Presley sold over 500 million records worldwide. The performance recreations made by Butler were as if you were seeing Presley again through the big screen. During his career Presley was a supremely recognized artist. He received multiple Grammy awards and was inducted into several well established Halls of Fame.
Baz Luhrmann created a fantastical portrayal of Elvis Presley’s life. From the casting, to the costumes, to the sets and cars, I believe every detail included was spot on. The casting department made the executive decision to give the task of Tom Parker’s portrayal to famous Hollywood actor Tom Hanks. Known for his many roles in movie hits, Hanks wanted to take a role that his fans would not want him to choose. Fortunately, this movie’s production proved to be a success for Hanks. Fans also took a liking to Austin Butler. Butler was detailed in his portrayal from the husky voice to the dance moves. However, not everyone was thrilled with how the movie turned out. Some say that the movie was far too predictable. While others complain that the movie details were not precisely accurate to Presley’s real life. While these statements may be true, that is what makes the movie so exciting. It is one that draws you in and puts a stronghold on your attention. The storyline was simply executed. Each scene was built to show you every interaction and inner-thought. This is one of the many reason that the movie was adored by many.
The movie Elvis is certainly one for the ages. One that everyone can take interest in and thoroughly enjoy. Every piece that was incorport ed into the production was perfected. From the costumes to the lighting, the documentary had you fully-invested in Presley’s every move. This worthwhile experience is definitely one you should partake in. It will change your entire perception of movie and film production. It will raise the stakes for all the future movies you choose to view. This movie is truly a masterpiece in disguise.
