Well now lawdy, lawdy, lawdy, Miss Clawdy! 2022 has been an such amazing year for film, and more importantly cinematic experiences…and we’re only at the halfway mark. We’ve seen the return of The Dark Knight, Top Gun and now The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. It’s safe to say that going back to theaters is an event again (thank goodness!). Further, seeing Elvis on the big screen is one of the most exciting times you’ll have this year. It sure was for us.
Baz Lurhamann‘s long-awaited biopic is headlined by Austin Butler who dons the titular icon’s shoes (and jumpsuit). He delivers the goods and then some! The King casts a big shadow, and Butler is electric in this fantastic fever dream that showcases the magnificent reign of The King. He’s joined by Tom Hanks (in a casting decision that’s still a head-scratcher) as Elvis’ manager Col. Tom Parker (which makes the film about their relationship, not about the genesis of the songs). And being a Luhrmann picture, they are joined by some of the finest Australian thespians like David Wenham, Richard Roxburgh, Olivia DeJonge and Dacre Montgomery who help supplement and propel this rapid-fire story.
In biopic nearly 3 hours long, Luhrmann and team certainly TCB in a flash! Every minute explodes with energy, passion & reverence. It’s a spellbinding effort, and things really get good when Elvis makes his was to Vegas for his larger-than-life shows. That’s where Butler’s efforts truly pay off.
There aren’t many places where the movie breathes (due to the ultra fast cuts and selection of story bits chosen for the film), and that’s a shame because the world-building is exceptionally brilliant. Catherine Martin and Karen Murphy deserve a lot of credit for setting such a tangible and legitimate stage – set design, costumes, make up, et al – and it’s a sight to be hold.
I admit to being a little understudied on the life and times of The King, so I asked the biggest Elvis fan I know to know to join me on this review. So I’d like to introduce Mrs. GoSeeTalk to the mic as we talk about The King’s music (covers and originals), fun facts about Elvis Aaron Presley, and then dive into this spectacular film!
Well, it’s one for the money, Two for the show, Three to get ready Now go, cat, go!!
