ELVIS - Review

Baz Luhrmann's latest film contains some of the most relentless and overwhelming editing and pacing for a movie maybe ever. In a way, it really serves the story by complimenting Elvis' eccentric movements and style. On the other hand, it makes the experience exhausting and drag when the entire film lacks impatience. Regardless, it's a unique and daring take on helming a music biopic that still goes through the same plot points as the others. Austin Butler flawlessly embodies and disappears into the role of Elvis who keeps the viewer emotionally engaged in its bloated plot. Clearly, lots of effort and meticulousness went into the production which makes Elvis impressive and enthralling to take in.

Still Courtesy - Warner Bros.

The rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley (portrayed by Austin Butler) has his life retold by his manager Colonel Tom Parker (portrayed by Tom Hanks). From the moment he discovered music from black culture, the first time he stood on stage, the controversies due to his eccentric style of performing, being sent to the army, and to the end of his career as he was obliged to play concerts at the International Hotel in Las Vegas for a consecutive amount of years.

Those familiar with the body of work from Baz Luhrmann will immediately identify his glamorous style from the moment the film commences. However, compared to his other body of work, this film takes it to a whole other level when it comes to how relentlessly fast it's paced. That along with each clip mainly lasting for less than five seconds makes for an experience that would be the equivalent of being on drugs. From constant split screens to freeze frames to cross dissolves to dynamic zooms. It feels like every possible editing feature is utilized throughout its nearly three-hour runtime. Despite these choices coming across as obnoxious and overbearing, it really is a prime representation of what defined Elvis' style and the reactions toward him making it a style with purpose.

When Elvis is performing to an audience while swiftly shaking his body, we see his fans responding with screams and excitement. Since much of his movements are identified as belonging to black culture, authorities want him to improve his public image by restraining his appearance and movements. The film clearly showcases that people prefer the older and more energetic version of Elvis since that's what made him unique. Therefore, the frantic and excessive way that the film is cut together feels like the best way to tell the story of someone that was beloved for similar reasons. Despite the film following plot points that feel cliched for how often they're included in music biopics. The justified and unconvential presentation of this film makes it impressive and stand out for creating an experience that hasn't been replicated from the others.

At the same time, the central theme of exploitation being relevant throughout the film is what holds it together from being a complete mess. The film is narrated and from the perspective of Colonel Tom Parker as he defends himself for not being the villian in Elvis' story. But the viewer can clearly see the detirioation of Elvis' life as Tom Parker becomes more controlling and involved in his career. As a result, there ends up being plenty to discover and unfold about them both since it explores what their dynamic was like despite feeling bloated for how much of his Elvis' life is included. There's no denying how perfect Austin Butler feels as Elvis when his physiciality and voice alternations never make it seem like an impression. On the other hand, Tom Hanks' absurd manner of portraying Tom Parker never feels like he blends into the films world making him a distracting presence. But both the prosthetic and makeup work on the two tries as hard to avoid that and it ends up succeeding. Its been almost ten years since Baz Luhrmann's previous film with The Great Gatsby (2013). Now with Elvis, he's back to demonstrate that his style is more frenetic than ever for a film that feels both in the past and modern at the same time from the music choices to the execution. Luckily, it ends up being a story that really fits with what he and his crew can offer making it one of his better films. Even if its narrative can feel overlong and bloated, the central conflcit of Parker using Presely to his advantage along with Butler's mesmeriezing performance keep it focused and engaging. This definetly won't be a film for everyone since its style will either gratify or irritate the viewer depening on what they're looking for. But it's great to see a biopic about Elvis Presely that both honors the idol and has a distinctive way of telling this aspect of his story.

Verdict

7/10

Still Courtesy - Warner Bros.