Elvis Film Review, Reminiscing On The Life Of The King Of Rock And Roll From Front And Backstage

Movie Elvis (Photo: IG @elvis)

JAKARTA - The film Elvis chronicles the life and career of singer and actor Elvis Presley (played by Austin Butler), from his childhood to rock and roll and film stardom, and his complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks).

Elvis Presley is arguably one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. His presence and journey in the American entertainment scene with various iconic things from him makes him a very interesting figure to be adapted into biopic form.

However, it also makes telling his story a unique challenge. Everything about Elvis -- the ups and downs and everything that happened in between, was etched into the hearts of so many people. His life is like a myth -- full of imagination and mystery, even today.

Even though it's titled Elvis, audiences will get the story from the manager's point of view - a figure who is accused of being the main cause of declining health, the fading of the golden age, and the young death of the musician.

Playing a very manipulative character, Tom Hanks gives an appearance that occasionally makes the audience mumble in disgust because his actions affect Elvis. You could say, Hanks' action this time is quite new throughout his acting career.

While Austin Butler, the 30-year-old actor who plays Elvis, has eyes and lips that are quite similar to the rock and roll legend. Not only that, he also did a pretty good imitation of the accent to the style and stage action of Elvis.

It's no exaggeration to say Butler is as charming as the "Can't Help Falling in Love" singer. The glances in his eyes, the dance, the way he talks -- everything is perfectly executed by Butler.

The dynamics that occur between Parker and Elvis' relationship are also interesting to observe, providing a new perspective on what is really going on between two men who look so solid, but turn out to be so devastating -- eroding everything that shines in Elvis -- year after year.

How Parker's influence was so great and made the king of rock and roll so fragile, distanced him from his family, and his big dreams couldn't be achieved -- despite Elvis having his own ideals and being a rebel.

Another thing that opens the horizons of this film is how an Elvis is "found" and "created". Elvis was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gladys Love and Vernon Elvis Presley. Since the death of his twin brother, Elvis has become very close to his mother. This then affects the journey of growing up and emotionally.

From a musical perspective, Elvis grew up in a church environment and was close to black people, who at that time could not be separated from discrimination and racism in the United States.

Elvis' earliest known musical influences came from gospel music. With the surrounding environment, he was then influenced by other genres such as rhythm and blues (R&B), blues, country, and rock. That's what shaped him into a legendary music icon, and made him the biggest selling record musician of all time.

The film, which premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, tells of his closeness to the black race and his dance, which was considered obscene at the time, turned out to be something political -- despite his main career as a singer.

The film also shows important moments in Elvis' life. From early life, first recording with Sun Records then RCA, first national television appearance, Hollywood, military service, "Elvis: the '68 Comeback Special", his appearance at The International Hotel, his little family, to the influence of drugs.

Talking about a small family, Olivia DeJonge's appearance as Priscilla Presley also stole the attention. He proved his ability to act in films with the drama genre, having usually been involved in horror and thriller films/series. DeJonge gives a new color in this film.

Quoted from ANTARA, the excitement of the film cannot be separated from the director behind the camera. Australian filmmaker, Baz Luhrmann, is the captain of the film "Elvis", and arguably quite successful in packaging the film in a form that is both fun and emotional, despite its length (159 minutes).

Luhrmann is known for his quirky, flamboyant, and very individual directing style. In this film, he seems to still maintain that style. The director of The Great Gatsby (2013) still relies on his trademark bright colors, fast image cutting and camera zoom, and bold costumes that are the main characteristics of his films and helped Luhrmann in putting forward the themes and motifs that he considered important in each of his works.

Not only that, the unique blend of pop culture references coupled with choreography, to the splash of animations in Elvis, creates a new viewing experience for the audience, although there are some criticisms that these things are actually "disturbing", as the criticism he received in previous films.

If we look deeper, Luhrmann's mission is clear -- he wants to create cinema with audience participation and emotion. Luhrmann's love for expansive plots or fast-moving camera shots, was not for making smooth and accurate films, but rather, he hoped to entertain his audience.

For those of you who love Elvis Presley and are looking forward to singing along with his idol, worry not! Popular Elvis songs are neatly embedded in a series of scenes to support the storyline and make the film more exciting to watch.

Overall, Elvis is a biopic that feels made with sincerity and respect for this '50s music legend. Not only is this film a cure for longing for his fans, this film also makes Elvis Presley an immortal figure and deserves to be remembered.