Elvis (2022)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  159 Minutes

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Biography, Drama, Music

Director: Baz Luhrmann

Starring: Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge, Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh, Kelvin Harrison Jr.

IMDB Rank: 7.6/10

Part 1 Time:  94 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  65 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), watches Elvis (Austin Butler) perform his Christmas special, he is concerned other are putting ideas into Elvis’ his head.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “We was back on top. But some people were putting ideas into his head that he didn’t need me no more.” Colonel Tom Parker narrates from the sound booth.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Air Presley’s new wings.” Steve Binnder (Dacre Montgomery) talks to Elvis’ at his Graceland home about going on a world tour.

How jarring is it when the first part ends?Minimal/Somewhat, having just finished his successful 68 Comeback Special. Elvis is beginning to contemplate performing live to international audiences. However Colonel Tom Parker (who cannot leave the United States) wants Elvis to stay domesticated so he can continue to control his career.

Which part is better? The film depicts the highs and lows of Elvis’ career (music/Hollywood) throughout the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. Throughout the film it is clear that as talented as Elvis is in entertaining audiences, he is fully controlled by his manager Colonel Tom Parker, who makes decisions which are not in the best interest of Elvis. Part two is better as we see the true control and manipulation Colonel Tom Parker has over Elvis Presley Enterprises and the eventual departure of Elvis.

Academy Awards: Best Picture (Nominated), Best Make-up and Hairstyling (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated), Best Leading Actor (Nominated- Austin Butler), Best Cinematography (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Production Design (Nominated)