MovieChat Forums > Elvis (2022) Discussion > How is it??

How is it??

posted 3 years ago by Ripkens25 (2058)
18 replies | jump to latest

I’ve been looking forward to this one.

[–] [email protected] (2039) 3 years ago

I saw it 2 days ago. I decided to watch it because:

-Baz Luhrman
-Tom Hanks
-100% fantastic praise for Butler in the titular role
-Presley family loved it and Butler

I also want to preface that I am aware of who Elvis is and have heard of his songs because my father was a fan of him and The Beatles. But I was never a fan though I've seen about 3 films of his through tcm. I love classic films and tcm made me love classic films. I knew he was a legend and I also thought he was a good actor when I saw him in Flaming Star. Not a fan of his musicals though.

Given that, I loved the film and the 2 hours and 40 minutes flew by quickly. I haven't been able to get over it since. 3 songs struck me deeply:

Suspicious Minds
I can't Help Falling In Love
Unchanged Melody

1 reviewer mentioned that the film makes you feel like you're in 1 of Elvis' concerts and I have to agree, hearing and seeing a performance reaches you differently than hearing songs my father used to play on our system. But the film is also very very melancholic. I've felt this since I saw it and I can't shake it. I've been looking up on Elvis online since. And I somehow feel this intense sadness over someone I never knew nor was even a fan of. I never realized how magnetic he was as a performer and the richness of his voice.

This is definitely one of my favorite films and I know I will rewatch it again and again in my lifetime. Butler, despite not looking like Elvis, gives a phenomenal performance and carries the film. In fact, he overshadows Hanks (and I never thought that could ever be possible). And I never heard of him prior to this. I think this is Baz Luhrman's best tbh. This film showcases why Elvis is a Legend and rightly so. But is also about a vulnerable man who was taken advantaged of by someone he trusted and loved. I don't think I'm sad that Elvis died. I am sad that he died not being freed from his cage.

[–] Ripkens25 (2058) 3 years ago

Thank you for that heartfelt reply.

[–] FilmBuff (7359) 3 years ago

You describe it to be just what I hope it will be. Luhrmann has yet to disappoint me, and I'm extremely excited to see this film.

[–] Rorikon (18114) 3 years ago

Whelp, you've sold me on the show. Booked tickets for it. Hope it's as good as you say it is.

[–] [email protected] (2039) 3 years ago

I hope you guys enjoy it. The film affected me so much that I keep thinking of it. Then I come here and all I see are people who haven't seen it are damning both the film and actor. I don't get these people. How can you damn something and someone without knowing it?

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

[deleted]

[–] BeaSouth (3495) 3 years ago

I just want to tell you how much I appreciate your review and comments. Posts like yours make MovieChat so great. From a complete stranger, thanks for taking the time to write this and for the recommendation on the movie.

[–] [email protected] (2039) 3 years ago

Your welcome Bea, I hope you enjoy the film. I think it's pretty obvious I've become obsessed with Elvis ever since! :)

[–] Miffed (35) 3 years ago

I was looking forward to this one. The first half was not gripping enough for me. The flashbacks just keep going back and forth which annoyed me. However the second half of the movie makes up for the dull first half and is the saving grace.
Coming to the cast, Austin Butler is a good looking chap, but he doesn't look anything like Elvis. But there are certain scenes where he delivers a stellar performance. He nails the dance mannerisms in particularly Suspicious minds. I wish the director would had shown his fun persona on stage. The movie tends to be serious and seldom any light moments.If you are not a fan and don't know much of Elvis, it could get a bit disinteresting to the viewer.

[–] luvthepros (814) 3 years ago

I am an Elvis fan so maybe that clouded my judgement of this film but.......I absolutely loved every minute of this film. The 2 1/2 hours flew by and I wanted more. The first half of the film did have a lot of flash backs and it really needs to be paid attention to. Then there are those performances on stage that are just stellar. I saw Elvis perform in person four times so I know the kind of showman he was and that voice......that gorgeous voice of his was thrilling to listen to.

This movie captures much of Elvis' stage presence and the vocals are great. The more mature Elvis is a combination of the actor's voice and also tracks of Elvis' voice for that beautiful tone he had. I read about how the vocals were done for this film. The young Elvis was all Austin Butler's voice and he did a damn good job capturing the essence of Elvis.

[–] Miffed (35) 3 years ago

I agree on the stage performances. They were amazing. I have also been an Elvis fan, mainly because my parents used to watch his movies when I was a kid. I have watched the Elvis: that's the way it is on DVD and just thought he was spectacular. Lucky that you got to seem him live :) I feel I was comparing this film to Bohemian Rhapsody, which had a fantastic portrayal of Freddie Mercury . He garnered even more younger fans from that movie. I would like the same for Elvis.

[–] [email protected] (2039) 3 years ago

It's strange, I'm a Queen fan but not an Elvis fan. I also liked RM since Mr. Robot but never heard of AB. I went into BR excited, loved the music but that was it. I felt underwhelmed, when I left the theatres, so did BR. Elvis otoh has resonated with me to the point that I've been looking up vids, films, documentaries and Elvis music since then. I absolutely loved this film and the performance of AB blew me away.

[–] Miffed (35) 3 years ago

That's good to know. My friend watched it too and she's not a huge fan of Elvis. She loved the movie. I wouldn't say the movie was bad. It is definitely a must watch.

[–] [email protected] (2039) 3 years ago

Maybe I've gotten used to Baz's style since Strictly Ballroom and R+J because I found this far more toned down than his previous films. I also did not like his Great Gatsby, I love that book and found that the film did not capture the film as I read it. So I guess his films are a hit or miss with certain people and we don't always agree which are the hits and misses. But this is by far my favorite of his and I know will be one of my favorites.

[–] bistritapcv (1906) 3 years ago

One giant acid trip.

[–] luvthepros (814) 3 years ago

But........what a ride it is!!!!!

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the movie. Will be seeing it again on a really big screen a second time very soon. We traveled 45 minutes to go to an Epic theater with a HUGE screen, stadium style seating AND recliner chairs. That is the only way to go when viewing this film.

[–] bistritapcv (1906) 3 years ago

I saw it at RPX. I hate RPX but luckily there wasn't much RPX stuff.
I got a little sick at the beginning with the rapid scene changes. A scene for 1 second, then a new one, then a new one...
Was only near the beginning though.

[–] luvthepros (814) 3 years ago

Taking that 45 minute drive again today to see Elvis in the Epic theater for a second time. I truly believe this film needs to be viewed at least twice.