‘Elvis’ Review

Elvis Directed by Baz Lurhmann is maybe exactly what you would expect, a smooth, crisp and glamour filled feature about the life and times of Elvis Presley the king of rock. Almost every single human of my generation loves Elvis at least in part thanks to the soundtrack of Disney’s ‘Lilo and Stitch’, what a legend, but I didn’t know much about his life. Due to the nature of a biopic, maybe I still don’t know the anything about Elvis really but from I have seen here, what a tragic loss of potential. Not that Presley at all underperformed in life.

Colonel Tom Parker is portrayed here very much as a villain to contrast with Elvis’ honesty and honourable intentions. If the real Colonel was anything like Tom Hank’s portrayal, he was an absolute monster of a man. Watching this man turn a much-loved performer’s life upside down repeatedly for his own gain is agonising to watch in the best way, compelling throughout the 2hour and 40minutes duration.

Another thing of note, Elvis and his mother are portrayed a little too personally in this film I think even for a very close family, it gets a little uncomfortable. Were they really so close that they short of reeked of palpably atmospheric non platonic tension? I hope not.

Luhrmann once more brings a strong stylised direction to an older setting, a short of neat shiny veneer laid over potentially grimier events. so, when things get serious removing said veneer allow for an easy displaying of uncomfortable moments, that’s clever design work.  

I enjoyed Elvis very much and have considered going back to the Cinema for another viewing as it seems to have more layers than is immediately noticeable. I would definitely recommend this film for anyone looking for a little more of a informative time, not a super easy light-hearted watch.