Elvis - Film Review

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Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis (2022) is a bold and visually arresting biographical musical drama that explores the life and legacy of Elvis Presley, one of the most iconic figures in American music history. Starring Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as his controversial manager, Colonel Tom Parker, the film spans over two decades, chronicling Presley’s meteoric rise, his struggles with fame, and his ultimate demise. In true Luhrmann fashion, the film is an extravagant blend of music, emotion, and spectacle, but it also delves into themes of exploitation, identity, and the cultural tensions of the time.

The film employs a unique framing device, telling Elvis’s (Butler) story through the perspective of Colonel Tom Parker, his long-time manager. Parker (Hanks) serves as an unreliable narrator, recounting the events of Elvis’s life while attempting to justify his controversial actions. This narrative choice adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling, as viewers are constantly reminded that Parker’s perspective may be skewed by his self-serving nature.

The film unfolds in a non-linear fashion, beginning with Parker on his deathbed, reflecting on his relationship with Elvis. This retrospective approach allows Luhrmann to juxtapose moments of triumph and tragedy, creating an emotionally charged narrative that captures the highs and lows of Elvis’s career. Key moments, such as his early performances, his ground-breaking television appearances, and his Las Vegas residency, are interwoven with scenes of personal struggle, highlighting the duality of his public and private life.

However, the decision to centre Parker’s perspective has been a point of contention among critics. While it provides insight into the manipulative dynamics between Elvis and his manager, it also limits the exploration of Elvis’s inner world, reducing his personal agency in his own story. Some argue that a more balanced narrative, focusing equally on Elvis’s perspective, could have offered a deeper understanding of his motivations and struggles.



Elvis Presley (Austin Butler): Austin Butler’s portrayal of Elvis Presley has been universally praised as the film’s standout element. Butler underwent extensive preparation for the role, studying Elvis’s voice, mannerisms, and stage presence to deliver a performance that feels both authentic and transformative. From the energetic swagger of his early performances to the vulnerability of his later years, Butler captures the essence of Elvis in a way that transcends mere imitation.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Butler’s performance is his ability to convey the emotional depth of Elvis’s character. The film portrays Elvis as a man torn between his love for music and the pressures of fame, and Butler’s nuanced acting brings this internal conflict to life. His on-stage performances, many of which were sung live, are electrifying, while his quieter moments of introspection reveal a more human side to the larger-than-life icon.

Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks):: Tom Hanks’s portrayal of Colonel Parker is both ambitious and divisive. As the film’s narrator and a central figure in Elvis’s life, Parker is depicted as a manipulative and self-serving figure whose actions ultimately contributed to Elvis’s downfall. Hanks brings a mix of charm and menace to the role, emphasising Parker’s ability to exploit Elvis’s talent for his own gain.

However, some critics have argued that Hanks’s performance, which relies heavily on prosthetics and a thick accent, veers into caricature. While this exaggerated portrayal aligns with Luhrmann’s larger-than-life aesthetic, it risks undermining the complexity of Parker’s character, reducing him to a villainous archetype rather than a fully realised individual.

Supporting Characters:

Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge): Priscilla is portrayed as a grounding presence in Elvis’s life, offering glimpses of the personal sacrifices she made as his wife. While her role is relatively limited, DeJonge brings warmth and sensitivity to the character, highlighting the emotional toll of their tumultuous relationship.

Vernon Presley (Richard Roxburgh): As Elvis’s father and financial manager, Vernon is depicted as a passive figure who struggles to protect his son from Parker’s influence. His relationship with Elvis adds another layer of familial tension to the narrative.

Gladys Presley (Helen Thomson): Elvis’s mother, Gladys, is portrayed as a deeply influential figure in his life. Her early death is a pivotal moment in the film, symbolising the loss of Elvis’s emotional anchor.

One of the central themes of Elvis is the price of fame and the exploitation that often accompanies it. The film portrays Elvis as a man trapped by his own success, manipulated by Parker and the demands of the entertainment industry. This theme is most evident in the scenes depicting Elvis’s Las Vegas residency, where he is effectively imprisoned by Parker’s financial arrangements and forced to perform night after night despite his declining health.

The film acknowledges Elvis’s debt to African American music and culture, portraying his early exposure to gospel, blues, and rhythm and blues as foundational to his sound. Scenes of young Elvis attending church services and listening to artists like B.B. King highlight the cultural influences that shaped his music. However, the film also grapples with the contentious issue of cultural appropriation, as Elvis’s success often came at the expense of the Black artists who inspired him. While Elvis makes an effort to address this complexity, some critics have argued that it doesn’t delve deeply enough into the racial dynamics of the era.

Throughout the film, Elvis is depicted as a man struggling to maintain his artistic integrity in the face of commercial pressures. His desire to create meaningful music is often at odds with Parker’s focus on profit, leading to moments of tension and frustration. This conflict is most evident in the scenes depicting Elvis’s 1968 Comeback Special, where he defies Parker’s plans to deliver a raw and authentic performance that revitalises his career.

Baz Luhrmann’s signature style is on full display in Elvis, with its vibrant cinematography, rapid editing, and elaborate set pieces. The film’s visual aesthetic mirrors the larger-than-life persona of its subject, creating a sense of spectacle that is both dazzling and overwhelming.

The film’s musical sequences are a highlight, blending Elvis’s original recordings with contemporary arrangements to create a dynamic and immersive experience. From the raw energy of his early performances to the polished spectacle of his Las Vegas shows, the music serves as both a narrative and emotional anchor.

While Elvis strives to capture the essence of Elvis Presley’s life, it takes creative liberties for dramatic effect. Certain events are condensed or altered to fit the narrative, and the framing through Parker’s perspective inevitably skews the portrayal of their relationship. For example, the film exaggerates Parker’s role in certain decisions, such as the cancellation of Elvis’s international tour, to heighten the dramatic tension.

Elvis received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for Austin Butler’s performance and the film’s visual and musical style. However, its narrative structure and portrayal of Colonel Parker were more divisive, with some critics arguing that the film prioritises style over substance. Audiences have responded more favourably, with many praising the film as a fitting tribute to Elvis Presley’s legacy. Butler’s performance, in particular, has been lauded as a career-defining achievement, earning him numerous accolades and award nominations.

Elvis (2022) is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that captures the spirit of one of music’s most enduring icons. While it may not provide a fully balanced or historically accurate portrayal of Elvis Presley’s life, it succeeds in celebrating his artistry and exploring the complexities of his legacy. Austin Butler’s transformative performance anchors the film, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. Baz Luhrmann’s distinctive style ensures that Elvis is as memorable and larger-than-life as its titular subject, cementing its place as a standout entry in the biographical musical genre.

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