Hey guys! Apparently I missed Austin Butler in the final scene. So it appears I was incorrect about the use of a fat suit. Yep, that's my fault. I guess it was done so well I didn't even notice. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Great review, Mike! Yes, It took two viewings for me to validate that it was a recreation. I wondered about it myself after my initial viewing so I paid close attention during my second viewing. The fact that you can't tell what's real vs. recreated footage is a testament to the great job they did with the prosthetics (although I can't say the same with the Col. Parker prosthetics....oh boy so distracting). The '68 Special was great. Austin Butler definitely deserves an Oscar nod. It might be interesting to see the 'Director's cut' and see if it alleviates the speedy issues you mention. I'd watch it.
Perhaps the newer artists and styles were incorporated to show how far reaching and long lasting the impression that Elvis made on the music industry, and the evolution of music in general, has been. Elvis really is still alive, through the artists and styles that he influenced.
Baz has said in interviews that he included the modern music because the way Elvis' music sounds to the modern ear is very different from the way it sounded then. He was revolutionary to people back then, but his music can sound quaint and old-fashioned to modern kids who a) have heard those songs their entire lives and b) are used to different styles of music. So Baz wanted to get across to the younger members of the audience how cutting edge and innovative he really was for the time.
10:30 Austin butler was in the 'fat suit' at the end. the beginning of the scene is Austin and it cuts to the real Elvis. Austin looked almost just like Elvis in his prosthetics, and the makeup team deserves an Oscar for it
I wasn't a big Elvis fan going into this movie but it absolutely blew me away. Austin was sublime absolutely and deserves the Oscar without a doubt. Personally I thought Tom Hanks did a fantastic job. He really got to the essence of the character and he delivered someone whereby a mob with pitchforks and torches were heading Parker's way. As for the music: I have been listening to all Elvis' tunes and watching interviews and performances since seeing this masterpiece. Absolutely need to see it again.
YES, Austin didn't imitate Elvis, he reincarnated him, and yet still managed to put his own style into it too... he was phenomenal and deserves to be flooded with awards! Mike you are too kind about Tom Hank's performance though, as for me he was one of the worst parts of the film and was such a pantomime that he often pulled me out of the magic and consequently made me more aware of some of the film's short comings!!
I think the opposite… he doesn’t have that natural thing and coolness that made elvis unique…. At times he looks geeky and very jittery… And bare in mind the many takes for each ‘choreographed move’ … It’s a film, not a concert where he’d have to perform live… one thing I noticed, Elvis’s inspiration came from how the blacks worshiped and he in turn added that to his already gifted talent… in the movie they basically point his inspiration to little Richard who came on the screen a year after elvis… Only last year I was looking at an interview of little Richard who said himself how it was elvis who inspired him and opened the door for everyone to express their talent … Elvis is called the king of rock n roll for many fa rial reasons, the main one is how it originated from him as he solely merged blues, rock and gospel In a nutshell, the blacks performed as they did, elvis took that and with his natural ability of voice soul and looks, suck it in , jumbled it around, recycled and when it came back out it influenced an entire new way and a new sound kicked off an entirely new generation!! Elvis as he said sounded like nobody!
My mom went to school with Donnie Sumner in Cleveland, TN. He told Elvis that he just had to leave and go home. Elvis turned to him and said he wished he could go home too. Heartbreaking. Elvis was a good man and I hope this movie shows that.
from the historic iconic comments by President Jimmy Carter at the time of elvis's death, to the soul depth and diversity of elvis singing "if I can dream" as Dr king and Bobby Kennedy are assassinated, this beautiful film captures the humanity and artistry of elvis presley like no film before it.
You definitely missed a trick mate because Austin was in the fat suit at the Piano at the end and then they cut over to the real Elvis footage to add even more emotion to the end sequence.. it was brilliantly done. Masterful work from Luhrmann.
I’m a HUGE Elvis fan. Not a mega fan but I still do collect the Follow the Dream releases (I just love listening to 10 takes of one song). I loved this movie. I’m so glad Austin Butler is getting the love he deserves. A star is born.
I went with my sister in law and brother today, I explained to them before the movie started that today was the anniversary of his last performance and when the final scene was showing she leaned over to me crying ‘I hate that bastard Parker!’….she’s not even an Elvis fan. That’s how good this movie is. Oscars all the way!
Absolutely, I found myself getting angry at the way Parker manipulated Elvis. What could have been if he'd been able to escape from the Colonel's evil grasp.
@@CosmicConnection968 WTF?? He played it the way the director wanted it ,so whats it to you or any of the rest of those fools who dont even have the tiniest bit of sense to duh! Under stand the difference Be tween Acting a part in a movie with a fictional story line made up with actors portraying real people in storyline of the directors choosing and They Never said it was a Documentary.
Tom Hanks as Parker was funny to me. I had to laugh at his expressions when EP wanted to do his own thing. Baz said in an interview that he has a 4 hour film and he might release it. That movie probably has a lot longer concerts and moments you were talking about.
GREAT INTRO WITH AN ELVIS SONG. AUSTIN BUTLER DESERVES AN OSCAR FOR HIS PERFORMANCE. Austin got his spirit and humanity...amazing. I'm old now but I saw ELVIS several times between his rise to his death...absolutely NO ONE can beat ELVIS as an entertainer...NEVER seen anyone since who can even come close. I TRUELY FELT I WAS SEEING AND HEARING ELVIS AS I DID 60 years ago.
Something I haven't heard anyone mention but to me it's the heart of what the movie got right. It showed that Elvis had caught a kind of spark of energy and spirituality from the African American music he fell in love with as a child, that he let this spark of electricity run through him when he performed, that white audiences newly introduced to this kind of energy and spirituality had something inside of them come alive in response, that this was a kind of awakening for them, which largely explains why Elvis was such a cultural phenomenon and perceived as a threat by some. The scene in which Elvis, as a child and wearing an electricity bolt around his neck, catches this electricity in a spiritual experience at the Black Pentecostal revival meeting, whether historically accurate or not, beautifully illustrates the kind of spark of spirituality that Elvis caught in his youth and let run through his musical performances. The way the white audience at the Louisiana Hayride caught this spark was an effective illustration of the awakening that Elvis effected in American pop culture. The fact that Elvis' opponents correctly perceived that this was an introduction into white society of Black spirituality, coming in the only way it could at that time, through a white messenger. These were all great aspects of the movie. But I do agree with you in wishing the movie would have slowed down at times, that it rushed through some important parts of Elvis' career. You mentioned some things the movie rushed through. What about this one? His movie career was rushed through in about 2 minutes.
I’m a casual listener who saw the movie with a real fan. My companion basically agreed with everything you said. I just enjoyed watching. Austin was fantastic.
Te best review I’ve heard. You told it from the viewpoint of someone who knows Elvis’ life. Not just a blessing on it that it was great. A lot of important things missing and rushed through. I saw it twice to catch what I missed the 1st time. Thank you! 👍
I saw The movie 2 days ago....and I've just watched an Austin Butler interview were he said the scene in the closet when Elvis's mother died, was him totally wrecked as the crying scenes were very real.... which makes me think Austin was destined to play this role as....Elvis was 23 when his mom died....Austin was 23 when his mom died, and she to was his best friend....scary stuff!...
👍👍👍Your review is totally 100% accurate with sadly so few of Elvis's songs played during the movie and that modern rap thrown in was totally innapropriate and such a dissapointment and Baz most definitely missed his chance for doing a great movie by not choosing to have far more of Elvis's many wonderful hits. As you also say, so well, It was certainly rushed and especially so in the beginning when Elvis is just starting out . Overall I enjoyed it very much, of course and anyone who cannot see the incredible Austin Butler , totally deserves an award for his accurate depiction of Elvis, must be from another planet as I could close my eyes while Austin sang during the scenes he did of the '68 comeback tour and could not tell that it wasnt the real EP singing and that is why I hope Austin is given the recognition he so deserves for his amazing talent . Elvis must be look ing down and thinking "Damn that kid is good!" ❤
Donna from the historic iconic comments by President Jimmy Carter at the time of elvis's death, to the soul depth and diversity of elvis singing "if I can dream" as Dr king and Bobby Kennedy are assassinated, this beautiful film captures the humanity and artistry of elvis presley like no film before it.
I just found out a few days ago that some of the songs in the movie were actually a mixed blend of Austins and Elvis's voices on some of the tracks and some were actually Elvis himself and no wonder it did sound like The King.
@@donnanason6379 Correct. Austin has a very limited voice. Elvis presley possessed a chameleon voice, full of soul, depth and diversity. ONE listen to elvis's 1960 critically acclaimed recording of "it's now or never" and you'll immediately understand that fact
NOTE**** Have found out since from seeing Austin Butler interviews and asking Google if any of the songs sang from the '68 Comeback Special were sung by the real EP and Austin said in an interview that in the movie the direct or chose to somehow blend their voices together and he doesnt explain how but guess the director must have been very impressed to do that and it wasnt just lip syncing Elvis's voice , so whatever however they blended their voices it sure sounded amazing and brought tears to my eyes. Well done Baz.
I actually liked the things that this movie glossed over. There have been MANY Elvis biopics over the years, and I feel like Baz Luhrman made the conscious decision not to rehash stuff that had been done before in favor of showing aspects of Elvis' life that haven't been seen so much before
Ironically thats one of many complaints from those who hated this movie. They just can't seem to see that this is a artistic rendition of a biopic of an artist who has already so many biopics. The direction of the film was fantastic, I didn't care for the accuracy, what's important is how perfectly elvis was portrayed and people could understand the impact of his artistry.
@@orangeman3220 it isn't a perfect movie. It isn't even the best Elvis biopic (that's the John Carpenter one with Kurt Russell), but I don't get a lot of the criticism. It's a good movie that I think a lot of people just didn't get. Like you said, it's an artistic movie more than a straight biography. And on an artistic film snob level, it succeeds so much
@@williamavitt8264 from what I've seen its mostly a dislike for the director, the direction, the editing, tom hanks' performance (some say its too weird but thats the point), and the accuracy of the biopic. I've seen people passing on this film for those reasons, and others who preemptively stopped parents from going out to see the movie, which is just sad.
Mike, your review of Elvis is EXCELLENT! You are correct on ALL points! You are spot-on, I wish Baz had consulted with YOU!!! I'm impressed with your perspective and knowledge! Great job!
I guess the reason why he put the modern music into the movie is because without Elvis we wouldnt have the music that we have today? It was kinda cool to see Elvis walking around and hearing all this rhythm and blues music, which inspired the kind of modern music we have today
So without Elvis we wouldn't have the music today? What about little Richard .chuck Berry .fats domino bb king. Ray Charles?.shall I add more u do realize the first so called rock and roll record was recorded by ike Turner right?.
I agree re Aloha. Elvis had to lose weight and train to get ready for that....it was a great challenge and it was a massive triumph. The sad part was that the day after the show, he was almost comatose on drugs and therein starts the true downward spiral towards 1977. That would've really been impactful. My husband doesn't know much about Elvis but he really enjoyed the movie and it has peaked his interest - he's been asking me questions and searching for performances of the real deal on YT. I agree with much of what you said...I want to see it again to take it all in. Thanks 😊
The most generous celebrity. Saw a documentary where he was at a Cadillac dealership in his younger years and noticed a woman looking in the window at the cars. He went outside and brought her in and told her to pick out any car she wanted. Bought a car for a total stranger just because. Rare guy.
I heard the director has a 4 hours cut of the movie. Imagine what more great surprises are in the movie. I really loved the movie, Austin is so amazing. And remember Baz Luhrmann is considered one of the best film directors. Known for his contemporary style in direction, design, he’s not a typical director, so he sometimes add a modern twist in his productions Moulin Rouge, the new Great Gatsby and Romeo + Juliet. Also he’s fast and dynamic in the shots, many in one single scenes. The last scene when Austin is singing at the piano and then the real Elvis appear it’s really great there’s no cut in that transition. 😱 it brings tears to my eyes. Also another moment of many was the If I Can Dream presentation. I want to see it again.
Elvis was at the height of his powers in the time from his comeback special to Aloha From Hawaii. After that, the Colonel denying his desire to tour the world and tether him to Vegas led to his eventual downfall. Everything after Aloha is the true tragedy in Elvis' life. BTW, Elvis DID lie to the Colonel and tell him he was planning to do a Christmas special. The stuff with the sponsors was totally fictional. Can you imagine Singer Sewing Machines having a deal with Elvis for a TV show and being upset because he wasn't singing Christmas carols? ANother time Elvis was his own man in the same timeframe was when he went against the Colonel's wishes and recorded a double album at American Sound Studios. Most of his early 70sd music , which was so good, came from those sessions.
I loved this movie, I hadn’t seen Austin in a movie before and he was amazing portraying Elvis. To even thing this young man would be so dedicated as to put so many days in isolation to just concentrate on Elvis, to get his voice, his singing lessons, learn the way Elvis sang and his dance moves! He was so good! He even was in isolation during Covid! Austin is such a nice looking young man, so kind, humble and considerate of others! I know what you mean about moving too fast! I saw it 5 times thanks to my daughter, and each time we saw something we hadn’t noticed before. I always encourage the fans to see this movie two times as you are so consumed watching Austin that you hate to take your eyes off of him! He most definitely earned an Oscar! He was so good and chose himself to learn every aspect of Elvis that he seemed like Elvis!!👏👏👏👏👏👏
What an incredible review, Mike. I can't wait to see it. Wife (and her pops) is a huge Elvis fan, and his music was on an awful lot in my house growing up as well. Love it. I think your criticisms are totally reasonable, and from what I can tell, I also agree that Austin Butler deserves all the praise, just for his commitment and execution. Very excited to watch soon.
The people who are complaining that Austin doesn't look like Elvis, well no one can or will. But if you see the movie, you will, after about 15 minutes or so in, forget all about the look of Elvis & FEEL that you are definitely witnessing Elvis, his feelings & his life story. Austin was amazing, so convincing as Elvis & the movie was a visual feast! It's a roller coaster of a thrilling ride! Austin definitely embodies Elvis & deserves the OSCAR for his portrayal; his capability of making me, you FEEL that he IS ELVIS. The movie also deserves accolades & the Oscar as well! :) 🤞🤞🏾 ⚡♥️⚡ #AUSTINOSCAR #ELVISOSCAR #BAZOSCAR
the Movie is the best ever - incredible - Austin butler made his mark with this one - he is fantastic - reincarnation of elvis - the movie was wonderful! Really wonderful!
Great review, I wasn't expecting much from this movie, but you sold it to me. I will definitely see this and take my dad who is a big Elvis fan to see this.
They did use Austin in a fat suit at the end for most of the song "Unchained Melody" at the end of the movie. It's just in the last 30 to 40 seconds of the song that they switch to the real Elvis footage. Just goes to show, if you didn't catch it, how good the make up and Austin really was!
What a great review!! Already saw this movie and I loved it. The highlight for me was when Elvis (Austin) performed If I Can Dream. The 68 comeback special was Elvis in is prime as far as I'm concerned. Just 9 short years later he died looking nothing like his former self:( Austin Butler channeled Elvis. Hope he's nominated for an Oscar. He was amazing!
I totally agree...but I found the ending so unbelievably sad...I cried all the way home.....I always felt Elvis for all his fame and wealth, was a very lonely guy...Especially when his mother died! And Priscilla leaving him was the beginning of the end....
Perfect review. Loved the acting, and found out so much that I didn't know. Very disappointed that more of his songs weren't used, and was hoping for 'Always On My Mind.' Can't Help Falling In Love was the biggest disappointment in the entire movie. Died, and for the most part, lived, a very lonely man. Heartbreaking.
Great review; I agree with most of your comments! It was a fun fun movie, definitely needed after this Covid mess. I was born in 1957 (in Nashville) so raised with Elvis and The Beatles, Elton John,….
Solid review! I was really excited to see this movie for 6+ months, having grown up an Elvis fan thanks to my parents. My mom saw him perform 3 times, once in 1956 and twice in the early ‘70s. My favorite Elvis era is the 1950’s, Sun Records rockabilly version. It pained me to see him become a “Halloween costume”, where obese guys had the nerve to put on a jumpsuit and “play him”. In any case, Baz Luhrmann and Austin Butler have presented us with probably the best biopic on Elvis we’ve seen to date. I was a big fan of the Kurt Russell/John Carpenter TV miniseries, but I watched a few scenes recently, and it doesn’t hold up as well as I remembered. I don’t think Austin Butler looks at all like Elvis, but by the time you get to the ‘68 special depiction, it doesn’t matter anymore - you completely forget that he doesn’t resemble Elvis - he’s somehow BECOME Elvis. You did miss one thing - at the end of the movie, Austin Butler does in fact don a fat suit, as he sits down to sing “Unchained Melody” - it melds smoothly into the real footage of Elvis singing it. As much as I appreciated the film, it surprised me that I gave it only an 8 out of 10, and I realize it’s for several of the things you’ve mentioned. Tom Hanks was excellent, EXCEPT for the weird accent - I’ve watched the Ted Koppel-Tom Parker interview - Parker didn’t sound at all like Hanks’s representation. I do hope Luhrmann eventually releases a 4 hour version - maybe it will include more incidents I expected to see, or provide more “slowing down” as you put it. Thanks for the excellent review!
I really agreed with your review. The pacing really hurt the movie in the early years, despite Austin Butler’s performance. Also, you left out one biopic that I believe IS the reference standard, even above Ray and Walk the Line: Coal Miner’s Daughter. The story arc was almost identical to Elvis’ but without the tragic ending. CMD showed how the early pacing allowing character growth helped even those who did not know the subject to empathize with her once the pressures of fame started to box her in. This movie could have benefited from that perspective.
What bothered me the most was the use of the rap music it totally took me out of the time period I was actually looking forward to picking up the vinyl edition of the soundtrack until I seen what was on it and it's also a crime that BB Kings in the movie and we don't get any of his music
I agree completely and I wont be buying the sound track either. That rap totally ruined it for me and also was sadly dissapointed not to hear any BB King. Austin was incredibly talented though as Elvis and Tom Hanks was great even if it wasnt an accurate depiction of the sleazebag Colonel.
I believe they said butler always sang and in the 60s and 70s they combined the voices. They wanted Austin to actually sing to keep it from being lip synching.
Totally agree. Peter captures the essence of Elvis incredibly accurately. "Careless Love" was utterly heartbreaking, with Elvis' slow artistic and physical decline, thanks to Parker's amoral grift and indifference.
@@robjones2408 from the historic iconic comments by President Jimmy Carter at the time of elvis's death, to the soul depth and diversity of elvis singing "if I can dream" as Dr king and Bobby Kennedy are assassinated, this beautiful film captures the humanity and artistry of elvis presley like no film before it.
Thanks for the great review, I agree with you. I loved the movie and Austin Butler was superb- he was Elvis through and through. Not so sure about the actress who played Priscilla though. Another biopic that is one of my favs, La Bamba. Lou Diamond Phillips is amazing as Ritchie Valens. In fact , there’s a similar scene when he’s showing his mom the new house he bought for her, just as Elvis is showing Gladys and Vernon the new Graceland. I’d love to see the extended 4 hour version of ‘ Elvis.’
A great review! I agree with all of your fair criticisms, it does skip over and misses out on some key events that imo should have been covered deeper, however, a movie to make me totally happy would have needed to be over three hours. It definitely should have used more of Elvis's actual music or the original blues versions of the time period, instead of all the modern stuff. Overall it is a spectacular, stylized roller coaster ride that only Baz Luhrmann can deliver and it's the best representation of the Elvis story, but it could have been even better! ✌
Love your opening line!⚡🆒️😂 great review. I'm going to see the movie for the 3rd time! I was sceptical the first-time, the 2nd time I just sat back and took it in. The Dolby sound is awesome. 👏⚡🎸🎼🎶🇿🇦
I saw it with my friends on Friday. It was a lot better than I expected. I was going in with the expectation to only watch it ironically and ended up enjoying it. Plus, it was in Dolby, so it was a hell of a ride.
The movie was brilliant and Butler was outstanding 🙌🔥 but yeah I agree with you, a lot of it was rushed especially the start. I wanted to see more of how he got started in the early days for sure.
I think the rushed and jerky editing is the real reason people are going back again and again. So much goes by so fast. I wanted to see Austin / elvis again.
I think this is one of the best pictures I’ve seen on Elvis I know there’s a lot more to his lifestyle some good some not so much . I saw Elvis for the first time on tv at 14 and I am now 77 and I still love him and I guess I always will.
Great review! Loved the movie with all flaws and really hope to see the four hour version some day. BTW, I think you are totally wrong about the Great Gatsby. Luhrmann totally captures the roaring twenties and the book. 😀
I live in Memphis and Elvis is a big business here. I used to work at a cafe across the street from Graceland during Elvis week in August so I'm pretty familiar with his life and music and the Elvis fans. I'm hoping on behalf of my city that this movie does well. I plan to see it eventually, maybe not in the theater.
I'm from memphis 2. My wife and me went with high expectations, we left a little disappointed. Trying to place my finger on it, why? I think it was the pacing of the movie, and some details were thrown in that were untrue
I loved the movie. Austin Butler nailed it. He sings the early Elvis songs. He got Elvis' moves spot on. Austin really did his research. I want to see him win some big awards, not only does he win, so does Elvis. I'm not a fan of the rap stuff. Baz probably has that in for the young people to give them an example that Elvis does influence those artists as well. I want the extra footage. Maybe it will come out on dvd. I agree that we needed more Elvis songs in the film. I've seen the movie numerous times and I'm still going many more times. I just sob so much at the end. I recommend this for everyone of all ages. See it on the big screen. I rate this a 10+. Thanks for Sharing your thoughts, it was a great and thorough review. Take Care! TCB!
My mom was a huge Elvis fan and that led me to become an Elvis fan. I just watched your review. I had always meant to watch Ray, and I need to do that now. I am not a spiritual person in any way shape or form with the single exception of last night when I watched this Elvis movie. I felt transported. I don't usually get emotional watching a movie but this movie really captured me and there were moments that I can hardly comprehend (thinking back on it) my own emotional reaction. Has there been a movie or TV show in the last 40+ years where Elvis wasn't criticized or vilified in some way? Possibly but I didn't see it. Even Walk the Line seemed to be blaming him for something; I only watched it once but I remember something bothered me in the portrayal of Elvis (though I loved that movie too). Wow this was a breath of fresh air. I feel differently about the movie soundtrack then you. I think it was the perfect amount of Elvis music. Too many Elvis songs and they would overpower the movie I think. That's just my opinion. I'm glad I saw your review though because I definitely felt the need to know what other Elvis fans thought about the film. Best part of the movie for me; the women screaming the first time he takes the stage. It was as if they were compelled, or just couldn't hold it in. I think that's real and can only imagine the 1950's women experience but knowing what we know, there was likely a need for release and this movie captured it for me. What a movie, and thanks for your thoughtful review.
They also overlooked that's the way it is and Elvis on tour I'm a big fan too been a fan of his since I was 8 years old and I'm 62 now and if he was still alive I'd still be a fan but even though he's going I'm still a fan I will be a fan of his till the day I die I love Elvis Presley always have and always will
The movie would have gone for 4 hours had they covered everything but I see what you're saying. Think Baz Luhrmann tried to include as much as he could, like in a montage concept & to show Elvis' relationship with Colonel Parker. We all have our opinions about this movie good or bad but overall it's pretty damn good by an Elvis standard & regardless I don't think Elvis will ever be forgotten no matter how many films are made about him, this is the chance you take when taking on a bio of a famous icon like Elvis.
Great review ! I loved the movie I agree with everything you said! I'm hoping that Baz will do a biopic on elvis's life alone !!! Totally agree with you on the music selection ! 👌 great job!
He's in the country Hall of Fame the Rock and roll Hall of Fame The Gospel whole thing and he's in another Hall of Fame I think he's in four different whole things and I'm so glad he deserves it
Great review! My biggest problem was the music choice too. They must have done hound dog maybe 5 times. And those rap remixes were awful. Plus I was so disappointed that they interrupted some of Elvis’s great songs like If I can Dream and Suspicious Minds by cutting to the Colonel getting mad or making shady deals. I just wanted to enjoy the full emotional weight of those performances
Total guess here, but with the music, maybe they were trying to show how Elvis influenced modern music by playing modern songs? But yes, seems a weird choice not to use his music. Like if they used Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber as BGM in the Bohemian Rhapsody movie...
Yes you are right about it being a shame that they cut away from the best songs like my Favorite, If I Can Dream, to focus on what the Sleaze bag was doing to screw Elvis over, and those rap mixes were UGH ,So damn annoying .
@@rkgrkg I agree, Elvis influenced modern artists, but also Elvis was cutting edge and new at that time, so it matches to use people who are doing similar things in more recent times. (Like when Baz Luhrmann did Romeo +Juliet, it was done to be as contemporary as it would have felt to audiences in the 16th century).
Great Review, Seen this movie last night. What a ride! Stunning, absolutely amazing music, beautiful cinematography, mad fast beginning, but the 50s sets and costumes and fashion are just fantastic. Elvis constantly breaking the segregation laws and growing up dirt poor in a black communities incredibility shot and portrayed. Massively entertaining. Too much to take in and amazingly i felt not long enough, It missed out some major events yes were was the incredible American Trilogy from Aloha, and relationships, apparently that might be in the 4 hour version! …. Austin butler embodied Elvis Defiantly an Oscar. But yes should have been so much more amazing Elvis music. But its still a great ride. Hands down the most entertaining biopic by far.
I came to this by accident because I'm deciding on going to the movie. I just find it funny I'm wearing the same t shirt as Mike while watching this. I guess that's a good enough reason to see the movie.
I absolutely loved this film and saw it 4 times in the cinema. I thought Austin Butler was extraordinary. But this was a really fair review from a massive Elvis fan and expert. I hope Baz eventually gets round to a 4 hour cut.
Now I'm discouraged a bit about this movie. I had no idea who Baz Luhrmann was before this. I saw a some of Moulin Rouge didn't like it. Didn't see Romeo & Juliette or Australia. Neither interested me. I grew up on Elvis music and his movies so that would be the only reason I would see this movie. Hope I won't be disappointed.
Loved your review. I loved the movie , Im going to see it again... But i agres with you, specially on the Hawaii show and should be more Elvis singing.
I fully agree with you on everything. Austin did his homework on all the Elvis movies. His vegas moves were really right on the money up to the point where Elvis says "shove it up your nose" during Suspicious Minds. Normally I cannot stand the bio pics where they make Elvis a Southern Boy Cartoon who was depressed all the time. Elvis had a great sense of humor and the best laugh I have ever heard on the planet. I do agree for sure that Aloha could have been really made a spectacular part of this movie...yet it was just passed over. Having others sing Elvis songs in the film did bother me. Maybe he was trying to grab younger audiences...which I am all for...but I think Elvis' music is timeless and even now I know many young people who love Elvis. Take care and thanks.
I love Mike's Review. I agree with everything he said. I am an 87 year old guy who was THERE when Elvis was The King of Rock & Roll. I could listen to Mike for hours. And I agree that some very important parts of Elvis's life and career were left out. Or a few of my favorite Elvis's songs were left out . But what ya goinna do ! I loved the movie and if Austin Butler does not get an Oscar, then the Academy Award is rigged.
I loved it, bug Elvis fan since I was a kid in the 70s... i suspect there was a aloha from Hawaii scene that probably got cut, otherwise how do you not have An American Trilogy moment.... Austin Butler should get the actor for best actor...he did the impossible he captured the essence of Elvis. i thought the pacing of the movie was meant to mirror Elvis's journey... Also thought the Tom parker narative was logical... he was the only one who knew what Elvis's career start to finish was.... brilliant movie
I thought they should’ve gone deeper into how truly devastated Elvis was when his mother died. That’s one thing that was kinda rushed through that I think would’ve benefited from the movie slowing down a bit
Exactly what I wanted to say when I heard him mention only Walk the Line and Ray, which I agree are both at the top, but, like you wrote, after Great Balls of Fire. Just unbeatable
Great Balls of Fire isn’t that great. I love the movie, but Dennis Quaid looks NOTHING like Jerry Lee. He did a good job with the acting in general, but idk how I feel about his performance overall. The screenplay could have been better as well I think
Sorry they did put put him in the “fat suit” that’s Austin Butler right before they show the Real Elvis in his last performance. And did you happen to see “Elvis “ from 1979 with Actor Kurt Russell??? I’d be interested to hear what you think of that Movie??? Thanks for Sharing.
20 yr old here. I agree with you on taking more time but there is a four hour version i want to see and hopefully it also shows more of his humor. I’m a new Elvis fan and I don’t know much a few things but I hope they explain more. And I LOVED THE OPENING !!!! The rhinestones on the WB sign I loved that. Also this movie NEEDS more of his music!
Even though I'm not an Elvis fan, I wanted to see this movie, because I think Elvis's life is fascinating. However, I was worried about Baz Luhrmann directing since I don't like his style. Well, I watched it tonight, and it was just as I feared. Luhrmann definitely sped through a lot and focused more on the spectacle of Elvis and not enough on the person. I wanted more of his time on Beale street and his interactions with BB King. I wanted to see more of how his mom's death affected him, his growing problems with his marriage, how heavily world events weighed on him and how they influenced his music. Instead it just felt like those were glossed over to get ready for the next set piece. I also hated how everything just felt like a Hollywood set. Every location didn't feel lived in, except maybe the outside of Graceland. But I've found that's a common issue with Luhrmann movies. Overall, Austin did a fantastic job as Elvis, and the movie was pretty good. I just think that in the hands of a better director, it could have been amazing.
I finally saw the movie and so could watch your review and I think you were spot on. I really enjoyed the movie, loved that they cutover to Elvis in his final performance, was confused by the emphasis on a Christmas show in his 68 comeback, and loved what they revealed about his relationships with his mother, Col Parker, and his father. Absolutely agree Austin Butler show get an Oscar.
Great review!! What are your thoughts over a year later?! I'm glad it brought a lot more fans to experience the Elvis we love!! I wish they put more of his love of mother, mire of his charitable nature, and most if all his love for his fans....i experienced it in 67 and 68 when we flew frim Canada just to meet him in L.A. he was everything and more...he loved his fans and you could really tell..🥰...also saw 30 shows from 69 to 76....what a truly fabulous performer!!! 😊
While I agree about Aloha from Hawaii, I feel like we watched 2 different movies. They spent at least a good hour on Elvis before he went into the service. If anything they glossed over his marriage, Linda and Ginger. This movie was fabulous. The soundtrack was right on for 2022.
I see it with youngest whose 24, we both loved it... yes there's huge artistic licence... namely how Elvis fired the Col' in 1973, but its a dramatised "Hollywood" version of what happened... all the anger etc was there, its just it happened "backstage" and not on stage.... but it's a fantastic film that people should see on the theatre screen while they can.
The final footage of the real elvis - at the very beginning, it is Austin with prosthetics, and he is incredible. It then switches to the real Elvis, and it is amazing how realistic Austin was.
I watched an interview where Baz said that the modern music was included as musical shorthand, a modern translation, for the feel of the time. Like the scat rap portrays how cool Beale St was for modern audiences. I think this is alongside showing his legacy and translatable themes in modern music. Watching the movie having not listened to Elvis music, that really worked for me in terms of creating a setting (didn't love the Love Me Tender bit, tbh). What got me hooked and wanting to listen to more Elvis music were Austin's performances. Having listened, now, to more Elvis music, I appreciate his portrayal even more for showing me how amazing an artist he was.
