Review: Elvis

In August this year, the tragic death of Elvis Presley will be commemorated for the 45th time. Nevertheless, every generation knows this name. He stands for upheaval, rebellion and the American dream.

Since 23 June, the latest film by Baz Luhrmann, known for The Great Gatsby, has been showing in German cinemas and chronicles the turbulent life of the "King of Rock'n Roll".

In rural America in the 1950s, Elvis Presley, played by Austin Butler, is quite a sensation. With his unconventional performances, he turns the heads of countless young women and angers their fathers. The cunning fairground manager "Colonel" Tom Parker, portrayed by Tom Hanks , senses his opportunity and takes the young musician under his wing. Together, Elvis becomes an icon. With his blend of blues and gospel, he makes many enemies at a time of racial segregation. During his involuntary stay in Germany as a GI, he meets his future wife: the young Priscilla (Olivia DeJonge). Over the years, cracks increasingly appear in his relationship with his manager Tom Parker; both have different ideas and wishes and grow increasingly estranged.

Elvis tells more than just the story of one of the most colourful figures of the 20th century; it is about drugs, abuse and a sick country, caught between hope and resignation.

At 159 minutes, the biopic is long and you notice it. Half an hour less would not have harmed the film experience. In particular, the first third was sluggish; it was very "Elvish" in design—fast, unconventional and extravagant. An interesting approach, but it did make it harder to get into the film. Nice to look at, but not much more. Ultimately, the film found its footing. The film's strengths, however, do not lie in storytelling. The success can be attributed to three reasons: the show effect, the soundtrack and Austin Butler.

With Baz Luhrmann, you have the right director to translate the glamour and extravagance of Elvis Presley cinematically. The glitter-laden performances look as if they were made for the big screen. When Elvis steps up to the microphone and sings "You ain't nothin' but a hound dog" with his husky voice, you can barely stay in your seat. That is the second strength of the motion picture. The soundtrack gets everyone moving. In addition to Presley's well-known songs, there are also performances by Doja Cat, Eminem and Måneskin. Their songs stand out at just the right moment and otherwise keep a low profile. The last trump card is Austin Butler's performance; whilst Elvis and Austin logically do not look identical, you sometimes wonder during your cinema visit whether Elvis is not still alive. You are witness to a metamorphosis. Austin Butler rises to the occasion; his performance keeps you glued to your seat, or rather the opposite—as soon as he takes the stage.

Fundamentally, Elvis is a solid film with highs and lows that can best showcase its strengths on the big screen. My cinema of choice was the Central in the Bürgerbräu.

Pascal Pill