7/10/2022 Film Review "Elvis"

Musical/Drama

Rated: PG-13

Stars: Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge

Director: Baz Luhrmann

Writers: Baz Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce

Showcasing the period from his childhood to becoming a rock legend in the 1950’s, this biographically accurate movie is the masterwork of Baz Luhrmann. The majority of the movie depicts how the young, Mississippi, boy became a world known star and it showcases the complex relationship he had with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by an unrecognizable Tom Hanks).

Austin Butler is the charismatic young man who plays Elvis. He is in almost every frame of this movie, and he is spellbinding. He has the looks, the moves, and the voice to make you believe for a few hours you are witnessing “The King” of rock and roll. Butler does the singing in the vast majority of the film and is remarkable.

Growing up, I knew Tom Parker was Elvis’ manager and the person who created the star, but he was mysterious to me. I don’t even remember what he looked like. This film reveals why that is. I won’t list many details to not give away the many interesting things that are discovered. However, the one fact that might say it all is: Colonel Tom Parker wasn’t a Colonel, and he wasn’t Tom Parker. He was born Andreas Cornelis Dries van Kuljk in the Netherlands!

Baz Luhrmann has always been one of my favorite movie directors. His style is unique. From the opening credits, a Luhrmann movie has a look that is unmistakable. His skill at blending the art of lighting, music, set, and costume design is unlike any other film director. You might have seen some of his other works which include Australia, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby to name just a few.

Elvis has been approved by Priscilla Presley and the entire Presley family for its honest portrayal of the man and the people who shaped his life. Do yourself a favor, and find the biggest movie screen available to you and see this while it is still in theaters. It is a visual treat. For those of you who can’t get to a theater, I have heard that it will be out on HBO/Max in about three months.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Austin Butler as Elvis　　　　　　　　You know who this is!