The impact Elvis Presley left on the world is almost too great to comprehend. He not only changed music history in America, but also touched the lives of countless people around the world. While he seemed to have all the fame, fortune, success and endless adoring fans, Presley’s fate led to addiction and depression after he was pushed beyond his limits and abused by those around him.
Bass Luhrmann‘s Elvisis an in-depth look at who the most famous man in the world really was. Starting at the beginning of Presley’s life, when he was a young boy living in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the south and introduced to gospel and soul music. Music was his superpower and the bond he felt with it was unstoppable. Despite leading powers in the 1950s telling Presley that his music was outrageous, he never let that stop him. The love he felt from his fans was greater than any feeling he had ever known, and that mutual admiration eventually led to him becoming the icon everyone knows him today.
Austin Butler stars as Presley himself Elvis, who gave the most compelling and authentic performance of his career. Butler was able to epitomize and capture Presley’s mannerisms, so much so that the Presley family, Priscilla (Elvis’s ex-wife and Lisa Marie (his daughter) issued statements saying that Butler’s performance was the most accurate representation that they had seen and that Presley himself would be proud to watch them. Tom Hanks plays the film’s antagonist, Colonel Tom Parker, Presley’s notorious manager who is often blamed for his addiction problems. Not only did Parker prevent Presley from going to toured abroad, but he also abused the singer financially for years. Elvis was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Picture. While the movie didn’t walk away with wins for these categories, it remains one of the most celebrated movies of 2022. Here are 10 reasons why you should see Elvis.
10 An accurate representation of who Elvis really was
One of the most impressive aspects of Elvis thus Luhrmann was able to fit so many phases of Presley’s life onto the screen in just two and a half hours. The film takes us through his evolution and shows how he evolved from a young boy in Tennessee who lived in a lower class, to one of the most famous and successful musicians of all time. We see how Presley was first introduced to soul and gospel music as a young boy, then performed and recorded live singles for the first time during his high school years, and finally performed residency shows at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Priscilla, Presley’s wife of many years, worked closely with Luhrmann and Butler to shed light on who her former husband really was. Her involvement and support for the project has helped Elvis as accurate as possible.
9 Elvis Presley’s music
Even if you’re not that interested in Presley as a person, we can all appreciate his incredible voice. This movie is filled with Presley’s most loved and favorite songs, from “Hound Dog” to “If I Can Dream” and “Unchained Melody” — taking us on a journey through his music from his first performance in the 1950s to his last. in the late seventies. Presley is the most successful and best-selling solo artist of all time (via Guinness). To this day, people recognize him as someone who helped change pop culture and change music history forever.
8 Catherine Martin’s costumes
Catherine Martin is the incredible costume designer behind Elvis. Presley’s jumpsuits, capes, elaborate belts and jewels were a big part of his later life appearance. These outfits he wore on stage during performances at the International Hotel, his Aloha from Hawaii concert, and his last concert in Indianapolis were so specific to him that they became part of who he was as a performer. In order for audiences to connect with Butler as Presley, it was critical that his costumes were as authentic as possible and that Martin got every look right. Martin has already won four Academy Awards for her work on Moulin Rouge! And The Great Gatsby and was nominated again this year for her work on Elvis.
7 Exciting editing style
What sets this movie apart from some of the other critically acclaimed movies released in 2022 is how unique it is Elvis’ editing style. Jonathan Redmond and Matt Villa edited the film in a way that audiences found thrilling and engaging to watch, making each transition as visually appealing as anything else that happens on screen. The editing of this movie is so important because we’re moving through time so quickly and exploring who Presley was over several decades of his life. The film flows together seamlessly, making it comfortable and fun for the audience to watch.
6 Incredible cinematography
Even after watching the trailer for it Elvis, we can see how many beautiful shots are in this movie. The fact that Presley spent such a large part of his life on stage and in gorgeous costumes opens up so many opportunities for breathtaking visuals. The way cinematographer Mandy Walker was able to use lighting to create dramatically pleasing images is truly incredible. Walker is an Australian cinematographer who has worked on several films throughout her career, including The Mountain Between Us, Love Serenade, Shattered Glass, And Mulan. She was nominated for her first Academy Award for Best Cinematography this year for her work on Elvis.
5 Olivia DeJonge’s performance
Priscilla Presley was one of the most important people in Elvis Presley’s life. The two first met in Germany while Presley was overseas in the US Army. Priscilla was only 14 years old, ten years younger than Elvis, but the two immediately enjoyed each other’s company and developed a deep relationship. Priscilla moved to Graceland with Elvis and lived in his home for many years until they finally married in 1967 and had their first and only child, Lisa Marie Presley, almost a year later. Divorcing in 1973, the two remained in each other’s lives as best friends. Olivia DeJonge plays Priscilla Elvis and gives a beautiful and sincere performance.
4 Remastered and Covered Music
Although Presley’s music is timeless and is still listened to daily by people all over the world Elvis was able to introduce his music to a whole new generation by having popular contemporary artists cover his songs. Pop icon Doja Cat took one original song called “Vegas” for elvis, inspired by Presley’s song ‘Hound Dog’. “Vegas” was a huge success, holding one of the top positions on the charts for weeks after the film’s release. Music producer Mark Ronson also worked on a remastered version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for the film, as well as a special remix of “Viva Las Vegas” featuring Britney Spear’s single “Toxic”. Making these modern twists on classic songs Elvis more accessible to younger generations and brings a new wave of listeners to his work.
3 Performance of Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks is considered one of the greatest working actors of today. The number of incredible roles he’s taken on in beloved movies like Forrest Gump, the green mile, Throw away, Toy Story, catch me if you can, and dozens of others. He is able to transform into any character he plays, and his performance as Colonel Tom Parker in Elvis is no exception. Parker, nicknamed “the Snowman,” helped bring Presley to the world by guiding him from the very beginning of his career. Parker had many secrets about his identity and ability to work in the United States, so he used the singer as his ticket to wealth and success, as he was able to climb the social ladder and manipulate the system by leveraging Presley’s popularity . He pushed the singer beyond his limits, introduced him to sleeping pills and abused him financially for years. Even though people hate Hanks’ character in this movie, they love him as an actor.
2 The brilliant direction of Baz Luhrmann
Luhrmann is a true visionary and a remarkable filmmaker. He is responsible for bringing the movies to the world, Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, Australia, The Great Gatsby, and now Elvis. No one could have made this film like Luhrmann; he’s so great at creating lavish, dramatic musicals that it seems like the story of Presley’s life was meant for Luhrmann to work on. Although he was snubbed for Best Director at this year’s Academy Awards, he was still nominated for Best Picture, and his dedication and hard work on this film deserves recognition in every way.
1 Austin Butler as Elvis Presley
The most convincing part of Elvis is how incredible Butler was as Presley. From his looks to his voice and his mannerisms, Butler completely transformed into the singer himself. Not only have critics, the public, and Luhrmann praised Butler for his performance, but Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley have also commented on numerous occasions, stating that they have never seen anyone come as close to portraying Presley as Butler. The actor has already won Best Actor this year for his role at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs, and he was nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards.