REVIEW: Elvis delivers Baz Luhrmann's passion for the King of Rock

Biographical films, or biopics, became the rage of the moment. In fact, they've been around for a while and tend to move people quite a bit, regardless of the main figure depicted. But when a certain long call Bohemian Rhapsody and your main actor Rami Malek took the Oscar, a great opportunity had its door open: the possibility to explore iconic names from history more often.

Only since 2018 have we had representations, for example, of Elton John, Tammy Faye e Elvis Presley. The latter in the hands of Baz Luhrmann, a prestigious filmmaker with some of the most memorable films in cinema (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge – Love in Red, The big Gatsby. Elvis is your bet since the series The Get Down, canceled by Netflix, and bring Austin butler in the role of rockstar. With some Oscar nominations, the film invites everyone to visit the madness that was the star's event, passing through the fervor of success until the fall of his career. Always with a look of admiration on the artist.

"King"

Elvis goes through the singer's youthful years, in the 40's, until his residency shows in Las Vegas, in the 70's.Austin butler) with Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), his manager. The person who had discovered him would be the one to betray his trust.

At all times, Baz wants to tell a faithful story, but one that praises the figure of Elvis Presley. How he was an outlier for artists at the time and how his quirkiness and stage presence won over thousands of fans. Elvis was seen as a sex symbol for its audience, mostly female, and also as perverse for the portion that abhorred non-traditional attitudes at the time. The simple fact of his rolls in musical numbers made conservatives raise their voices to protest against the singer.

The film shows that, despite the many difficult moments in his life, Elvis was a good person with good intentions. Of course, even today, the way in which the artist honored the music played by the black community at the time — or appropriated it — is much discussed. The film does an extensive job of cleaning up the image here, showing that Elvis admired icons like Sister Rosetta, Arthur "Big Boy" e Little Richard. The treatment chosen by the film is convincing, but the controversy still exists.

From humble childhood to stardom, Elvis goes through the wedding with Priscilla Presley and the birth of their daughter Lisa Marie Presley, who tragically passed away in January of this year. But more often than not, Tom Hanks' character looms like a predator, taking advantage of the artist's charisma and impact to extract as much money as possible. The consequences escalate as far as he can stand.

full delivery

Launched in Brazil last year, part of the public loved it Elvis and found the film very captivating, while another didn't connect much with the plot. However, something in common on both sides is the praise of Austin Butler. It is visible that the actor gave his maximum to the character. In addition to imitating his mannerisms and voice, Austin understood and let Elvis live on screen. It is one of the outstanding performances of 2022.

Tom Hanks tries to do his best, despite tending to be too caricatured. The cast, which manages to sustain the various ups and downs of this long history, also has Olivia DeJonge, Dacre Montgomery e Luke Bracey.

In addition to the interpretations, the film also manages to deliver good technique. Unlike the terrible edition of Bohemian Rhapsody, the montage, which is more cohesive and organized here, makes more sense. Sound is also an interesting aspect. Soundtrack matches both the most agitated scenes and the dramatic ones. The use of live music, from the extensive catalog of the “King of Rock 'N Roll”, was spot on. The only point outside the curve in this regard is the insertion of the film's publicity song — Vegas, Doja Cat — at a very random time. Just put it in the credits.

worth watching Elvis?

If you love biopics, this one is a must visit because it is well produced, well structured and contains great interpretations. Baz's reading, even if very biased, shows the vitality that this genre should bring to the public. Even if it's not your thing, watch to meet the nominee and fill out your Oscar shortlist. Outside the big theater circuit, 'Elvis' is available on HBO Max.

What are the chances at the Oscars 2023?

The film is nominated for eight Oscar categories, which are: Best Film, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Editing e Best sound.

From the technical categories, Sound, Editing and Photography are discarded. There is a chance of winning in Makeup and Hairstyles and Costume Design, despite strong competition. Best Picture is very unlikely, there are competitors further down that race. The big chance of the feature, however, is in Best Actor. Austin competes directly against Brendan Fraser em The whale. The stage is divided, just like in Best Actress. The definitive answer will only be available on Sunday, March 12th.

And you, are you rooting for the movie? Tell us in the comments.

See also:

Also access other related content on Showmetech. read our criticism of TAR, with Cate Blanchett, one of the highlights of this year's Oscars.

reviewed by Glaucon Vital em March 8 of 2023.