When Things That Are Too Dangerous to Say, Sing. 4 / 5
Released in UK Cinemas: 24th June 2022
Directed by Baz Luhrmann.
The life story of Elvis Presley as seen through the complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
An unapologetic steam train of a film, Baz Luhrmann's energetic look at the life of Elvis Presley puts the glitz and glamour on full display without hiding away from the tragic story underneath.
It's great to see that regardless of how the final product turned out, Baz Luhrmann was having the time of his life behind the camera bringing his signature extravagance to the screen with some of the most insane editing choices and scene transitions that have ever blessed my eyeballs. Where at times it was definitely overwhelming, there's much needed moments of calm to make sure the depth of the story gets time to breathe.
Although there was so much story that it could cover, I was surprised at where the film laid its attention, skipping over years worth of important events in montage, instead placing its focus on the rise and demise of the King of Rock and Roll. This deviation from the traditional music biopic was welcomed but the pace and runtime needed tightening instead of overindulging in the strangest of places.
Even if Luhrmann's style isn't for you, Austin Butler's transformative performance is worth the admission price alone. He vanishes into the role, dedicating everything to excel as Elvis in his early and later years. See you next year for Awards Season. Tom Hanks gives… a unique performance as the devious Colonel Tom Parker in an unexpectedly pivotal role that could have taken more of a backseat.
There are some crazy creative choices; from the mix of modern and classic soundtracks to chaotic, occasionally nauseating visuals. For better or worse, whether you're an Elvis fan or not, this needs to be experienced at least once.
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