Tennessee just loves Elvis Presley. Elvis was a great neighbor to Tennesseans, and he supported numerous people and institutions in the Memphis area. The fact that he did not leave the Heartland was and is a big deal to the people of Tennessee.
So, as Catherine is back in Tennessee, what better movie to recommend this week than the new and possibly Oscar-winning musical biography Elvis? The film is a well-made biodrama depicting the life of Elvis from his humble origins to his planet-wide success. The story is told from the narrative perspective of his long-term manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Parker (Tom Hanks) propelled Elvis (authentically performed by Austin Butler) to stardom but also took control of much of his life and freedom of decision-making.
The Presley family—Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie and his ex-wife Priscilla Presley—have acknowledged and praised the movie, stating that Austin Butler’s performance and Baz Luhrmann’s directorship “accurately and respectfully” embody both the man as well as the musical and artistic genius of the “King of Rock and Roll.”
A little vignette that is not in the movie is that Elvis was very interested in the work and paintings of Russian writer and painter Nikolas Roerich and his wife, writer Helena Roerich. Elvis owned a first-edition copy of the Letters of Helena Roerich, in which he left many underlined passages as well as handwritten notes in the margins.
Related:
Elvis (2022) on Wikipedia
Film review in The Guardian
Ok, good to hear! You never really know these days what you read is true or not, so it’s always good to cross check.
I have read in a couple of different places that Elvis and his family are Satanists. Not sure if it’s true or not, but something I file away as “interesting”, especially when you start reading it in different places. I was then surprised to see him featured here! Have you heard this?
No, I have never seen or heard any indication that Elvis and his family were Satanist. Friends and family knew Elvis.
I ask because I my first take was that this movie was made to portrait a “woke” version of Elvis, and hence did no have any interest in watching it until I see that Solari is recommending it.
I would give the movie a B, not an A. It shows certain aspects of Elvis’ talent – which was extraordinary. As was his generosity – which you see a little.
Did the real Elvis wear makeup when he started?
Don’t know. I did not notice it in the videos and pictures, but that does not mean much given that it can be subtle.
It’s a brilliant movie!!! ?