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Kelaru & Fulton rating: ★★★★★
Available on Now TV | Runtime: 2hrs 39mins
Baz Luhrmann is back doing what he does best: bringing larger-than-life stories to the big screen in his unmistakable flashy style. This time he trains his camera on one of the biggest icons in music history, Elvis Presley, in the aptly named biopic 'Elvis'. And while the almost 3-hour runtime barely scratches the surface of the King's rich life, Luhrmann succeeds in capturing the essence of the legend - from his humble beginnings to unprecedented rise to stardom to his downfall.
At the heart of it all is newcomer Austin Butler, tasked with embodying the King himself over decades. And embody he does, right down to the unmistakable voice and hip gyrations. With help from Tom Hanks playing the villainous manager Colonel Tom Parker, Butler convincingly portrays Elvis the person behind Elvis the performer. From his love for his mother to his whirlwind romance with Priscilla to his passion for music and performing, Butler humanises the larger-than-life icon.
Luhrmann employs his signature style throughout, filling the screen with eye-popping visuals and colours and transitions to reflect the mood and era. The costumes and production design vividly bring 1950s Memphis and Las Vegas to life. The soundtrack of course is filled with Elvis hits and remixes, used strategically to highlight important personal and professional moments.
At times the film can be overwhelming, with so much sensory stimulation coming at you on screen. But that chaotic messiness reflects the chaotic rise and fall of Elvis himself. This film is less a by-the-books biopic than a celebration of Elvis' legacy, music and showmanship.
Die-hard Elvis fans may take issue with some omissions or creative liberties. But the film captures the essence and highlights of his career while humanising the man himself. With standout performances from Butler and Hanks, eye-popping visuals and music, and Luhrmann's signature style, 'Elvis' entertains and celebrates an icon who forged new territory in music and culture.