Elvis review

ELVIS:

BAZ LUHRMANN PAYS TRIBUTE TO ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSIC PERFORMERS OF ALL TIME IN THIS WELL-CRAFTED BIOPIC!

By Nico Beland

Movie Review: *** out of 4

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Austin Butler as the King of Rock n Roll in Elvis

 

            The career of one of the most iconic musicians of all time comes to the screen in Elvis, the new film directed by Baz Luhrmann (Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby (2013)) chronicling the life of Elvis Presley. I guess before we dive into this film, I should give my thoughts on some of Baz Luhrmann’s other work and him as a filmmaker in general. 

            Luhrmann has always been a very divisive filmmaker; he’s done acclaimed films like Strictly Ballroom andMoulin Rouge while Romeo + Juliet or The Great Gatsby had mixed opinions from critics and audiences. But one thing’s for certain, this guy has a very distinct style to his movies in terms of the visuals, editing, and production design where even if a film isn’t 100% great, he’s going to at least make it as phenomenal looking as possible. 

            Now, we have his take on Elvis Presley, which definitely caught my interest when it was first announced. I wouldn’t call myself an expert on Elvis, you’re talking to someone whose introduction to the King of Rock n Roll was through his songs being featured in the 2002 Disney film, Lilo & Stitch, but I’ve heard a good chunk of his classics and even had a teacher in elementary school who was obsessed with Elvis and had merchandise and posters of him all throughout her classroom. 

            So, I certainly knew who he was and the impact he had on both music and entertainment and was intrigued to see a film depicting his life and career from the perspective of a visionary director like Baz Luhrmann. I am happy to report that Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis is…a pretty solid biopic and easily one of the director’s best movies. 

            The film has a lot of Luhrmann’s trademark razzle-dazzle and romanticized visual flair that really makes the world come alive while also very cleverly using the Elvis story as a cautionary tale that famous people today or those aspiring to be famous and successful one day can learn from. All of that is elevated by the perfect casting of Austin Butler (The Shannara Chronicles, The Dead Don’t Die, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) as the titular King of Rock n Roll who gives a star making performance. 

            The film chronicles the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler) depicted through the complicated relationship with his manager, Col. Tom Parker (Tom Hanks-Forrest Gump, Cast Away, The Post). The film delves into said relationship between the two spanning over 20 years, from his rise to fame to his unprecedented superstardom as well as his personal life with his family and wife, Priscilla (Olivia DeJonge-Hiding, The Visit, The Society) with the universe surrounding Elvis constantly changing every second. 

            The film also stars Helen Thomson (Bloodmoon, La Spagnola, Gettin’ Square) as Elvis’ mother Gladys Presley, Richard Roxburgh (Mission: Impossible 2, Moulin Rouge, Van Helsing) as Elvis’ father Vernon Presley, Luke Bracey (G.I. Joe: Retaliation, The November Man, Hacksaw Ridge) as Jerry Schilling, Natasha Bassett (Hail, Caesar!) as Dixie Locke, David Wenham (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, 300 1 and 2, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) as Hank Snow, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (It Comes at Night, The Trial of Chicago 7, Cyrano) as B.B. King, Xavier Samuel (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Anonymous, Fury) as Scotty Moore, and Kodi-Smit McPhee (ParaNorman, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, The Power of the Dog) as Jimmie Rodgers Snow. 

            Overall, Elvis is one of the most ambitious biopics in recent years as it mostly chronicles his career and relationship with his manager rather than his entire life. To the point where they don’t even have Austin Butler as Elvis narrating the story, but instead Tom Hanks as his manager, a man who thinks he isn’t the villain of the story, but he really is. 

            It does hit a lot of familiar notes from other biopics, like the discovery, the rise, the setback, the fall, the marriage, the legal troubles, etc. that would normally come off as bland and uninspired. But with so much passion and energy both in-front of and behind the camera, it feels like you’re hearing all this for the first time. 

            As I was watching this, I kept thinking back to the Elton John biopic from a few years ago, Rocketman and how it was a very unique and unconventional take on a biopic that had a lot of energy and personality from both visual and storytelling perspectives. It’s a film where they make a spectacle with a lot of style and dazzle, but it also doesn’t shy away from the more humane and downright tragic moments in this man’s life, the style never overshadows the substance. 

            Austin Butler is incredible as Elvis, he’s got the look, mannerisms, charisma, charm, and voice down flawlessly and there are even times where he uncannily resembles the real Elvis from the way he moves and dresses, while also conveying the more serious side of him. Taron Egerton got snubbed for an Oscar nomination for Rocketman, but I’ll be damned if they don’t at the very least nominate Butler for this movie because it’s an electrifying performance from beginning to end. 

            Tom Hanks’ performance is very divisive, on one hand he does capture what a slimy businessman is like, and you can tell that he and Elvis aren’t on good terms as he’s practically making him a prisoner on stage in the later parts of his career. But on the other, his Dutch accent and makeup are very awkward and at times it makes it difficult to take the scene seriously, it’s a similar problem I had with the actors’ accents in House of Gucci, and it thankfully doesn’t ruin the movie for me.

            Whether you’re a fan of Elvis, Baz Luhrmann, or someone who casually appreciates Presley and/or Luhrmann, then Elvis is definitely a movie to check out. I can’t guarantee a masterpiece, but for those looking for a spectacle with a lot of thought and care put into it, you’ll have a great time with it like I did.