The Mosley Review: Elvis

There are entertainers that have reached countless people around the world and have had a strong following that has lasted for years, but very few have had the power to transcend the era they were introduced to become legendary. Elvis Presley was one of the greatest musicians and entertainers of all time and his life has always been something of interest. Over time he had multiple films, documentaries and TV specials about his life and all have ranged from highlighting his career to getting deeper into the man behind the iconic moves. Nothing can come to memory that has balanced both of those aspects while delivering the amount of style, flash and humanity. This film does all of that and from the opening moments of the film, you knew that you were taking an epic ride in that pink Cadillac that really doesn't slow down as it sometimes should. Elvis's life may have moved fast, but at times I felt the mixture of modern style over took the film and knocked me out of the film a few times given that its period biopic. I did love the fact that the people in his life were highlighted the most and it just wasn't a trip through his performances.

Austin Butler was godlike as Elvis Presley. He absolutely nails all of his mannerisms, vocal patterns and brings to life the love the man had for the music he created. He truly put in the work that was required of him and I loved that he brought forth his humanity. Austin's vocals were awesome when he sang in his younger years and he nailed the stage presence Elvis had as he goes through the years. His demons are on display and I liked that it wasn't handled in a stereotypical way. Helen Thomson was wonderful and powerful as his mother Gladys Presley. She represents the warning of coming dangers for Elvis. I wanted to see a little bit more of the nurturing side of his mother instead of the constant arguments they would get in. Richard Roxburgh was great as his father Vernon Presley and I liked that even though he was always there for his son, he was not without fault or guilt for the things that led to end of his son's life. Olivia DeJonge was awesome as Elvis's wife Priscilla Presley. She delivers her no nonsense, strong will and caring heart that can see through the fog of showbiz. She matches Austin's caliber of performance and I loved their immediate chemistry. I really loved Kelvin Harrison Jr. as B.B. King and how their friendship was cemented. It goes to show that it was a golden era of Rock & Roll and Rhythm & Blues. Even though he was only in it for a few scenes, Alton Mason as Little Richard was amazing and nailed his flamboyant and energetic style of performance. Tom Hanks was perfect and slimy as Elvis's manager Col. Tom Parker. He nailed the seductive nature of the business man and I liked that he was right there next to Austin as the frontrunner of the story. The film bounces between their perspectives in a balanced way and it was great to see Tom's villainy on full display. The man was smart, cunning and for all purposes the best example of what to look out for when dealing with managers.

The usage of all Elvis’s greatest hits across each era was wonderfully handled and amazing to hear remastered and performed by Austin Butler and Elvis Presley in the later years. In between the music, you get to hear Elliott Wheeler’s wonderful and somber score that punctuates each emotional scene and delivers the darker tones to the moments that Elvis rebelled against oppression. Like I said I loved the style of the film, but I wish the director’s style was pulled back a bit. There needed to be a gradual build from the energetic discovery of the 1950’s to the flair of the late 1960’s. Also, I hated hearing the modern hip hop bastardized remixes of Elvis’s classic songs. It was a sucker punch that knocked me right of the film and it was hard to recover after that. Even with all its faults, Director Baz Luhrmann has directed a truly spectacular love letter to the man behind a legendary career. This is definitely one of the most definitive Elvis biopics I’ve ever seen. Definitely check this one out! Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!