Film Review: "Elvis" (2022).

"The Man. The Legend. The King of Rock & Roll." This is Elvis. This biographical musical drama film directed by Baz Luhrmann, and written by Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, and Jeremy Doner. A thoroughly cinematic drama, Elvis’s story is seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker. As told by Parker, the film delves into the complex dynamic between the two spanning over twenty years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley.

In April 2014, the project was first announced when Luhrmann entered negotiations to direct the film, with Kelly Marcel penning the script. No further development was announced until March 2019, when Tom Hanks was cast in the role of Colonel Tom Parker. Luhrmann was hired to direct, and Marcel was replaced with Bromell and Pearce. In July, the frontrunners for the role of Presley were Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, Austin Butler, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Harry Styles; later that month Butler was ultimately cast. In October, Olivia DeJonge was cast to play Priscilla Presley. By late January 2020, Richard Roxburgh, Kelvin Harrison Jr., David Wenham, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Luke Bracey, Dacre Montgomery, and Xavier Samuel rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, with a budget of $85 million, principal photography commenced and wrapped in March 2021. Filming took place at the Village Roadshow Studios in Oxenford, Queensland, Australia. In early March, production was halted when Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic. In late September, filming resumed. The film was previously scheduled for an October 1, 2021 release date, before being delayed to November 5, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and later to June 3, 2022. The film was not listed as part of the December 2020 announcement by Warner Bros. Pictures to debut its entire 2021 slate concurrently in movie theatres and on HBO Max, before the film was officially pushed to 2022.

The film stars Butler, Hanks, DeJonge, Roxburgh, Harrison Jr., Wenham, Smit-McPhee, Bracey, Montgomery, and Samuel. Butler is brazenly resplendent in the role, summoning Elvis’ high-energy performance antics as well as his mournful, introspective side.

If you are an Elvis Presley fan, I think there's a lot to enjoy in this movie, because the performance scenes are absolutely fantastic. Thanks to the film's aesthetically pleasing musical sequences and Butler's commanding leading performance, it still serves as an adequate reminder of both the artist's musical genius and Elvis' one of a kind stage presence. The film dives into the struggles that Elvis Presley went through. Whether you are an Elvis Presley fan or not, it makes for a great drama with awesome music! So forceful and enthusiastic that it's hard not to get caught up in the momentum and the impact of one of the most enduring artists in music history.

Simon says Elvis receives:

Also, see my review for The Get Down.