There's only one film on everybody's lips right now in the movie world, and that's the Elvis Presley biopic, aptly named Elvis. And Austin Butler, who stars as the kick of rock'n'roll does not disappoint!
The film has been gathering a lot of Oscar buzz for Austin, who will undoubtedly be pleased with the outstanding reception to his performance as the flick took much longer than initially planned to hit the big screen. Why? Well, the project was originally announced way back in 2019, in those halcyon pre-Covid days. Aaah, simpler times.
Like with many things, the pandemic pushed back production, leading to massive delays. But finally, Elvis got its release date for the end of June 2022, and critics and viewers alike Can't Help Falling In Love with the film.
So, if you have yet to see the biopic (what are you waiting for?!), GLAMOUR has you covered on what you can expect from this movie, the leading actor's preparation for the coveted role, and what exactly critics are saying. Hint, they're very pleased.
The actor has kept her relationship extremely private since announcing her engagement in March 2022.
The movie is directed by Baz Luhrmann, who is best known for blow-the-budget big screen hits like The Great Gatsby, Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge, and also stars Austin Butler, a star you may already recognise for his work in TV and film.
Want to know more? We've got all the deets below…
What is the Elvis Presley biopic about?
Elvis' tale will be told across a 20-year period, beginning from his life growing up in poverty in Tupelo, Mississippi, to when he rose to fame in the 1950s - all while juggling a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
The movie's director Baz Luhrmann previously explained that the project is more about the era in which Elvis lived and performed rather than detailing his life per se.
“When I look at musical biography, it’s not really about the life [of the artist]," he told the Australian Financial Review. “I’m not about lionising Elvis. I just saw him as the best canvas on which to explore America in the modern age, the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.”
“Elvis represents what happens when a kid lives in one of four designated white houses in a black community," he added. “Something new comes about, a fusion between country and African-American music, gospel and country-and-western music.”
Who is in the cast of the Elvis Presley biopic?
As mentioned, rising star Austin takes a star turn as Elvis himself.
Butler is best known so far for appearing in The Dead Don’t Die, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He’s also currently filming a lead role in the Apple TV+ miniseries Masters of the Air.
Alongside Butler in the other key role will be Tom Hanks, who plays Elvis' manager Colonel Tom Parker. Olivia DeJonge will also appear as Elvis' wife Priscilla Presley, along with Yola Quartey as musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Luke Bracey as talent manager Jerry Schilling.
Casting was a crucial part of bringing the story to life for director Luhrmann, who said in a statement in 2019 regarding finding the right Elvis:
“I knew I couldn't make this film if the casting wasn't absolutely right, and we searched thoroughly for an actor with the ability to evoke the singular natural movement and vocal qualities of this peerless star, but also the inner vulnerability of the artist.”
Speaking of Butler, he explained: "I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic musical figures."
How did Austin prepare for his role as Elvis?
Knowing full well of its importance, Austin did not take the role of Elvis for granted and did everything in his power to prepare for it. Spending two years immersed in his character, Austin mastered Elvis' iconic voice after studying a lot of footage of the icon.
"I would take an interview or a speech that he had on stage where he is talking to the audience, and I would practice it as though I was trying to get it to be exact," he told Entertainment Weekly.
Austin literally became the legend to such an extent that in all his recent promotional interviews, he speaks in the same Elvis voice!
Oh, and he spent some time with Priscilla Presley to ensure his portrayal of Elvis, from singing to dancing, was accurate. Casual.
What are critics saying about the film?
When it comes to anything in the world, you're bound not to impress absolutely everyone. But for the most part, critics have been left highly impressed with Elvis.
The Observer UK writes: "Of the actors who have previously tried to bottle Elvis's lightning-like magic, none has come close to the physical, emotional, electrical energy that throbs through Austin Butler's titular performance here."
Vox states: "Elvis is propelled forward — almost maniacally so — by Presley's music... The relentless music makes the whole thing feel like a montage... But it's infectious."
Thrillist adds: "It accomplishes what it sets out to do in reminding audiences of the power of Elvis Presley. He's Romeo or Gatsby or Satine at the Moulin Rouge. He's impossible to ignore. With Butler as his copilot, Luhrmann sets loins afire."
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Viewers have also been left impressed with the biopic, with one person tweeting: "#ElvisMovie I tell you what. This movie DEFINITELY lived to the hyped. I think it is arguably the best biopic movie I've ever seen, honestly incredible and phenomenal. @austinbutler has been sleeping until now, this man will go far in his career...what an actor."
Another wrote: “Academy please give Austin Butler that Oscar! #ElvisMovie.”
A third added: “#ElvisMovie is the most remarkable film I have ever seen. @austinbutler is incredible, mesmerising + literally becoming #Elvis on screen. Wonderful on every level @bazluhrmann. So moving, I cried and couldn't move at the end. #Oscars all round.”
“If Max is going to be OK, we just don't really know."
