Elvis (2022) - Authentic Biopic Meets Profound Drama and Diversified Musical - 8/10 (27/09/22)

Elvis is an epic biopic with an ambitious length of one hundred fifty-nine minutes that isn't only interesting for fans of the rock 'n' roll icon but also for aficionados of profound dramas. The movie details the protagonist's troublesome childhood, the adventurous teenage years, his rapid rise to stardom, the challenging military service, his wedding and fatherhood, his career as an actor, the slow decline in popularity, his impressive comeback, the downward spiral of drug abuse and ultimately his untimely death.

The film's only issue is the opening twenty minutes that jump back and forth in time and leave viewers scratching their heads. Once a proper timeline is established, the movie however unfolds smoothly and doesn't overstay its welcome despite its impressive length.

The acting performances in this movie are authentic, captivating and dynamic. Austin Butler incarnates Elvis Presley with all his significant highs and lows such as his talent for entertainment and his naiveté regarding business decisions. Tom Hanks however steals the show as greedy, manipulative and pitiless Colonel Parker, an illegal immigrant who uses his prodigy's talent to pay his enormous gambling debts. The movie makes us discover numerous important actors, businessmen and musicians from the mid-fifties until the mid-seventies such as B. B. King, Little Richard and Hank Snow which is both educating and entertaining.

The settings of this film are lush and bring Elvis Presley's era back to life. Viewers will discover his modest smalltown upbringing in Mississippi, his spartan dwelling during military service in Germany, his life in a caravan in Hollywood, his personal life in colourful mansion Graceland and his golden cage in Las Vegas. In addition to these diversified locations, the costumes and makeups are equally impressive. Elvis Presley wasn't only a gifted musician and singer but also a dynamic actor and quirky entertainer who stood out with his unusual makeup and his extravagant outfits.

The aforementioned elements leave a significant impression thanks to excellent camera, light and sound techniques. The camera work is calm and precise, using wide shots to introduce settings and close-up to capture the emotional moments. The light techniques vary from colourful stages that Elvis Presley called home to somber apartments where he got lost in a downward spiral of drug abuse. The sounds are almost overwhelming when Elvis Presley has to impress his benefactors, fans and media while the sounds are tuned down in his moments of frustration, loneliness and sickness. Baz Luhrmann has managed to direct a movie that isn't only entertaining for the masses but also artistically profound which should make this movie win numerous awards this and next year.

A special shoutout goes to the film's impressive soundtrack that doesn't only feature Elvis Presley's greatest hits but also music by Hank Snow, B. B. King, Little Richard, Chris Isaak and Stevie Nicks to only name a few as well as contemporary artists who have contributed to this biopic like Doja Cat, Eminem, Kacey Musgraves, Maneskin and Yola. The covered genres vary from country over rap to rock 'n' roll and should offer something captivating for every taste. This might actually be one of the very best soundtracks ever created in the history of cinema.

At the end of the day, Elvis is one of the greatest biopics ever made because of its authenticity, emotional depth and artistic inspiration. This movie isn't only interesting for fans of the rock 'n' roll legend and nostalgic minds but also very captivating, educational and entertaining for younger audiences who want to discover a unique era of the past or simply want to watch a profound drama. This movie is going to be winning numerous awards and the hype is for once fully justified. Make sure to experience this impressive film at a movie theatre near you to enjoy it to the fullest.