I was 13 years old on Christmas 1955 and I had requested and received my first record player with Elvis Presley 45 rpm records. Until Elvis all I had was "Your Hit Parade" TV show which was basically music my parents liked, i.e. Perry Como, Patti Page, Frank Sinatra, etc. On the radio I was listening to the beginnings of my generation's new music, rock'n'roll. Then there was Elvis.
As brilliant as Baz Luhrmann has proven, he has allowed his ego to get the best of him. I'm giving Austin Butler a 10 for his performance; I don't see how anyone else could've played this part any better.
Factually, however, this film missed the mark. Yes poetic license is allowed but in some situations the facts are necessary to paint a proper portrait, especially of an iconic, historical figure. Too much credit is given to Col. Parker. Case in point, Parker did not come up with the plan for Elvis to enlist, he was drafted. Basically, Parker was given far too much power, way more than he deserved. He was a mere con artist. Presley had all the power but he failed to understand and act on it. Either he was too naive to recognize his options or he didn't have or heed advice from outside his bubble.
Essentially this was a Col. Parker biopic and Elvis was just the rising star to whom he hooked his wagon. Fans expected a movie about Elvis showcasing his career and highlighting many of his most popular hits over the years. There was far too much unneeded filler and not enough music. This long 3-hour meandering movie could have been so entertaining. Instead we had to endure this frustrating, overwrought jungle of unnecessary overreach. Very disappointing.
As brilliant as Baz Luhrmann has proven, he has allowed his ego to get the best of him. I'm giving Austin Butler a 10 for his performance; I don't see how anyone else could've played this part any better.
Factually, however, this film missed the mark. Yes poetic license is allowed but in some situations the facts are necessary to paint a proper portrait, especially of an iconic, historical figure. Too much credit is given to Col. Parker. Case in point, Parker did not come up with the plan for Elvis to enlist, he was drafted. Basically, Parker was given far too much power, way more than he deserved. He was a mere con artist. Presley had all the power but he failed to understand and act on it. Either he was too naive to recognize his options or he didn't have or heed advice from outside his bubble.
Essentially this was a Col. Parker biopic and Elvis was just the rising star to whom he hooked his wagon. Fans expected a movie about Elvis showcasing his career and highlighting many of his most popular hits over the years. There was far too much unneeded filler and not enough music. This long 3-hour meandering movie could have been so entertaining. Instead we had to endure this frustrating, overwrought jungle of unnecessary overreach. Very disappointing.
Tell Your Friends