I was fortunate to be invited to my first ever special screening on June 15, and this was for the movie Elvis, in IMAX.
Synopsis
Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie explores the life and career of the king of rock & roll. Elvis’ rise to fame; beginning in the 1950s, and navigating a complex relationship with his Talent Manager; Colonel Tom Parker.
Reaction
Seeing this movie on one of the biggest IMAX screens in the UK; was without a doubt an amazing experience! I didn’t want this movie to end! There were also a round of applause from me and just about everyone in the cinema; after watching this movie.
Review
Elvis is an outstanding biopic movie; Austin Butler delivers such an electrifying and faithful performance as the King of Rock and Roll: Elvis Presley! There were goosebumps every time that Austin portrayed Elvis during the musical segments. The crowds reacting hysterical in this movie are overwhelming in every scene; as Austin’s Elvis becomes very magnetic to watch!
Austin’s vocal impressions of Elvis are so good and that controversial energetic hip-shaking can be seen multiple times.
Being able to see how Elvis had such a cultural impact on the world over time was phenomenal!
Experiencing more than the highs of his life and career, these were also the most difficult parts of his life, on display. The movie did not hold back too much with telling Elvis’ story on both of these aspects! However, there were still some integrety respectfully reserved about some parts of his life and death, not shown in scenes.
Tom Hanks stars as the conniving and leachy Talent Manager; known as ‘Colonel Tom Parker’. Tom gave a strong performance opposite Austin Butler! Hank’s role was an integral part for both on-screen appearances, as well as for explaining the narrative of Elvis’ entire story. However, this does not really seem like the best choice of character’s point of view, for narrating the stars’ life; considering that this would be bias. It should have been narrated from someone that had been understanding both Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker, from an outside perspective.
Elvis is 2 hours and 39 minutes and the pace does often appear quite inconsistent; as there is a lot that’s covered in this movie. Sometimes being like a fast-paced glamourized showreel, and then there’s moments picked out from certain parts of his life, to focus on closely and for longer.
This Elvis movie explored success, failure, love, greed and betrayal. It was great to see that in every interpretation, that I’ve watched about Elvis; there has always been strong family values shown, and his love for Prescilla, that are deeply connected to Elvis.
This movie also briefly touches upon deeply rooted social and political issues, as well as tragedies, throughout the 1930s – 1970s of Elvis’ timeline. While also highlighting how Elvis was heavily influenced by African-American blues, Christian Gospel and Southern Country music at a very young age.
Visuals
If you enjoyed the style and quality of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, then you’ll likely enjoy how this looks too!
The highly creative work that has been prominent throughout marketing and the movie itself has looked so luxurious! The intro fits totally with the overall aesthetics; inspired by Elvis’ fashion choices.
Clothing in the movie has been well researched for each time period and the colours were popping! Each decade was viewed and filtered with its own particular colour palette and grain, as well as mixing in archival footage during some parts.
Music
Austin Butler’s voice is incredible! I was not expecting Austin to have such a strong range performing as a younger Elvis; as he is also able to change the style of Elvis’ performances through the years. The power in Austin’s voice as he performed the rebellious song ‘Trouble‘ was astonishing!
One of the best parts about a Baz Luhrmann movie; is his collaboration with classic and contemporary musicians; their work revitalizes Elvis’ music! These songs also bring such strength and energy to each scene at perfect moments throughout.
It was really enjoyable hearing Kacey Musgraves’ versatile rendition of Elvis’ song ‘Can’t help falling in love’ and it was placed during one of the most beautiful scenes.
Also, notably Doja Cat’s knockout song ‘Vegas‘; this was a brilliant and refreshing interpretation mixed with a classic reference to Big Momma Thornton’s Hound Dog!
Final thoughts
Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie never loses sight of it’s objective; focusing on Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker’s relationship throughout their lives. The music was very enjoyable and the movie is an extensive musical biopic. A highly recommended watch!
Elvis movie release date
Elvis releases in cinemas on June 24, 2022 – Starring Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge, Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh, Luke Bracey, Natasha Bassett, David Wenham, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Xavier Samuel, Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Check out the second official trailer here:
Our site has previously covered another musical review based on a true story about Jonathan Larson called tick, tick… Boom! Starring Andrew Garfield.
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