If you’ve paid attention at all during your short time on this planet, you probably aren’t going to learn new in the movie about the penny-less kid from Memphis who ascends to throne of rock and roll. But if you are in the right mood and feeling a little nostalgic, you just might have a good time! Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS (released today in theaters everywhere) has that “rock energy” that many rock movies ironically fail to inject. Elvis shakes, the backgrounds swirl, the music throbs, and the colors pop for 2 hours and 39 minutes.
There were a few standout sequences for me. First, is the opening 30 minutes of the movie as we watch blue collar Elvis Presley (played faithfully by Austin Butler), transform into the onstage Pink Elvis, fueled only by his gospel and blues obsessions. Keep an eye out for Austin’s Gary Clark Jr. early on. Your ears will also perk up when you hear his opening guitar riffs to “Come Together!” on the soundtrack! Then there’s the highlight of the movie, Elvis’s 1968 black leather suit, “Christmas” Comeback Special. The TV show’s finale of “If I Can Dream,” possibly Elvis’ only protest song, and certainly his rawest and most emotional vocal, WILL give you the goosies!
Austin Butler as the King is in almost every shot, and he should be. He has the charisma and the stamina required for the role and he leaves one with the impression that he is the only person on the planet that could pull it off. And he does! His dedication and his research have been much written about. He even studied animal behavior and posturing to capture the fiery energy of his subject. Yes, he should win something, and maybe he will. But recent performances by Rami Malick and Taron Egerton in their respective rock movies may give the impression that this level of transformation is easy. I think not, and I assure you Butler takes it to another level!
And what can be said of Tom Hanks as Col. Sanders… sorry, ah, Parker? Elvis’ circus-trained manager, brought to life by Tom Hanks, has never appeared more sinister. During the entire film I wished someone could have pulled E aside and whispered into his thick, black sideburn framed ear, “Kick this snowman to the curb!” But Elvis was nothing if not loyal.
Don’t question the timeline. Don’t question the history that is being revised before your very eyes. There is much missing here to be sure, including his many relationships after his marriage to Pricilla. The Richard Nixon deputization of Elvis might have played nice on screen as well. Elvis’s life was short but packed with legendary stories- some of them actually true. So, trying to squeeze every detail into a 160 minute biopic would be like trying to wedge ’77 Elvis into ’68 Elvis’ leather pants.
Recommended!
-The Bobfather
Podcast Recap 5/9: Matt’s Rash, Souper Friends, Time Travel Movies, Too Serious, Open Phone Friday and Paul Oddo
Hubbs May 9, 2025
Bob in Bob Out, Matt’s Rash and Queso Today the guys review Blood in, Blood Out. Then matt talka bout how he has bugs and a gross undercarriage. Finally we debate about queso and what belongs in
