Elvis Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Dutch carnival barker finds a white boy who wiggles real good and then milks him dry while simultaneously ruining his life with a fake Colonel title and a gambling addiction.

🍿 Elvis: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Influences

The film opens with Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s controversial manager, reflecting on his career and his relationship with Elvis. The story then flashes back to Elvis’s childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi, showcasing his exposure to gospel, blues, and the vibrant music scene that profoundly shaped his musical style. Elvis is shown growing up in poverty and being heavily influenced by the black community.

Rise to Fame and Controversy

Elvis’s career takes off after Parker discovers him and guides him to stardom. His provocative stage presence and unique blend of musical genres ignite a cultural revolution, but also spark outrage from conservative circles. The film depicts the societal backlash against Elvis’s suggestive performances, including attempts to censor his music and moves.

The Army and Personal Life

To mitigate the controversy, Parker orchestrates Elvis’s draft into the U.S. Army. While serving in Germany, Elvis experiences personal turmoil and meets Priscilla Beaulieu. After his military service, Elvis returns to a changed musical landscape and resumes his career, focusing on movies and trying to maintain relevance.

The ’68 Comeback Special

Feeling creatively stifled by his movie career, Elvis seeks to revitalize his image with a television special. The film showcases the making of the ’68 Comeback Special, highlighting Elvis’s desire to reconnect with his musical roots and make a meaningful statement. The special is a massive success and re-establishes him as a major force in music.

Las Vegas and Decline

Despite his renewed success, Parker steers Elvis into a long-term residency in Las Vegas, limiting his creative freedom and isolating him from the world. As Elvis’s health deteriorates due to drug abuse and the pressures of his demanding schedule, his personal life crumbles, leading to his divorce from Priscilla.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elvis (Austin Butler): A charismatic and talented singer who becomes a global icon but struggles with fame, exploitation, and personal demons.
• Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks): Elvis’s manipulative and controlling manager whose greed and secrets ultimately contribute to the singer’s downfall.
• Priscilla (Olivia DeJonge): Elvis’s wife, who provides love and support but eventually leaves due to his lifestyle and Parker’s influence.
• Gladys (Helen Thomson): Elvis’s loving and protective mother, who worries about his well-being and the negative influences surrounding him.
• B.B. King (Kelvin Harrison Jr.): A blues legend who serves as a mentor and friend to Elvis, guiding him through the world of music and racial complexities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Colonel Tom Parker: “There are some who’d say I was the villain of this story.” – Said at the beginning of the film, setting up his perspective on Elvis’s life and foreshadowing his contentious role.
• Elvis: “If I can dream of a better land, where all my brothers walk hand in hand.” – From the song “If I Can Dream,” performed during the ’68 Comeback Special, expressing Elvis’s desire for social change.
• Gladys Presley: “The way you sing is God-given, so there can’t be nothin’ wrong with it.” – Elvis’s mother encourages him to embrace his unique style and talent.
• B.B. King: “That’s the trouble with being special, son. Everybody wants a piece of you.” – B.B. King warns Elvis about the pressures of fame and the exploitation that comes with it.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $85,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $151,040,048
• Worldwide Gross: $288,670,284

💥 Elvis Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by this movie. Austin Butler absolutely nailed the essence of Elvis. His moves, his voice, everything was spot on! The first concert scene gave me chills, and it felt like I was right there in the crowd. Though Tom Hanks’ Colonel Tom Parker was unsettling, he really made you feel the exploitative dynamic of the Elvis/Parker relationship. The ending was heartbreaking, and I left the theater feeling like I’d witnessed something truly special. A must-see for any Elvis fan, but be prepared for an emotional ride!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Elvis Presley fans”
  • “Music biopic enthusiasts”
  • “Those interested in 20th-century American culture”
  • “Fans of Baz Luhrmann’s directing style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Alcoholism”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Luhrmann’s Elvis is a sensory overload, a dazzling and frenetic tribute to the King, anchored by Austin Butler’s mesmerizing performance. It captures the energy and cultural impact of Elvis while not shying away from the tragic elements of his story. The film’s exuberance can be overwhelming, but it’s undeniably captivating.
• Rolling Stone: “Austin Butler IS Elvis. While Baz Luhrmann’s style may not be for everyone, it perfectly suits the larger-than-life persona of Elvis Presley. Tom Hanks’ Col. Parker is a controversial choice, but this is Butler’s show. A whirlwind of music, drama, and glitter.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “Elvis’s performance are electrifying, the movie loses focus by framing the story through Col. Parker’s perspective. Austin Butler shines, capturing Elvis’s charisma and vulnerability. A flawed but fascinating portrait.

Audience Reactions

Austin Butler’s spot-on portrayal of Elvis, capturing the essence of the King!: Butler’s performance, the music, and the film’s energy were phenomenal!

The concert scenes are electric, making you feel like you’re in the front row!: Baz Luhrmann’s unique style is a great fit with the movie’s over-the-top nature.

Overall Consensus: Elvis is a visually stunning and energetic biopic, primarily praised for Austin Butler’s incredible performance as Elvis Presley. While some found Baz Luhrmann’s style overwhelming, the movie is generally regarded as a captivating tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.

Awards

1. British Academy Film Awards (Best Actor)- 2023

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Austin Butler beat out several high-profile actors, including Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, and Harry Styles, for the role of Elvis.”
• “Director Baz Luhrmann spent nearly a decade researching Elvis Presley’s life before filming began.”
• “The film uses a mix of real Elvis recordings and Austin Butler’s singing voice, particularly in the early years of Elvis’s career.”
• “The costumes in “Elvis” were designed by Catherine Martin, Baz Luhrmann’s wife, who won Oscars for her work on “Moulin Rouge!” and “The Great Gatsby.””
• “Baz Luhrmann’s hyperkinetic and stylized approach to filmmaking divided critics and audiences, with some praising its energy and others criticizing its lack of subtlety.”

🖥️ How to Watch Elvis?

Elvis is available to stream on platforms such as HBO Max (subscription required). You can also rent or purchase the movie from services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable on-demand services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Elvis, you might like these similar films:

• Walk the Line (2005): A biopic about another music legend, Johnny Cash, dealing with similar themes of fame, addiction, and personal struggles.
• Rocketman (2019): A stylized musical biopic about Elton John, featuring flamboyant performances and exploring the artist’s personal demons and rise to stardom.
• Bohemian Rhapsody (2018): Similar to Elvis in that it is also a biographical musical drama film, chronicling the life of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the British rock band Queen.
• The Doors (1991): Oliver Stone’s biopic of Jim Morrison captures the turbulent life and times of another iconic rock star struggling with fame and excess.
• Moulin Rouge! (2001): Also directed by Baz Luhrmann, this film shares his signature visual style and musical extravagance, though in a different historical setting.

🛒 Elvis Related Products

• Elvis: The Official Motion Picture Soundtrack: Relive the movie’s music with this complete soundtrack. Featuring original Elvis recordings, remixes, and new performances inspired by the film. This is a must-have for any fan to experience the music that made Elvis a legend.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Elvis – Elvis Performing in White Suit: Add some rock ‘n’ roll flair to your collection with this Funko Pop! figure of Elvis in his iconic white suit from the ’68 Comeback Special. A perfect collectible to celebrate Elvis’s legendary stage presence.
• Elvis Presley: The Searcher (HBO Documentary) [Blu-ray]: Go beyond the biopic with this in-depth HBO documentary. This documentary gives a comprehensive look at Elvis’s life and musical journey, featuring unseen footage and interviews. It will enrich your understanding of the King.
• Elvis Movie Poster: Decorate your room with this poster from the Elvis movie and let everyone know what a big fan of Elvis you are.

🎧 Soundtrack

Elvis features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Suspicious Minds” – performed by Elvis Presley
• “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – performed by Elvis Presley
• “Hound Dog” – performed by Shonka Dukureh
• “If I Can Dream” – performed by Elvis Presley

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Austin Butler Shows Off His Elvis Impressions and Teaches Jimmy an Iconic Dance Move (Extended)

Curious about how Austin Butler became Elvis? Check out this video where he shows off his impressive impressions and teaches Jimmy Fallon a signature dance move. It’s a fun glimpse into his dedication to the role.

The Elvis Movie Is WEIRD | Explained

If you’ve seen the ‘Elvis’ movie and felt a bit confused, this video is for you. It offers an insightful explanation and review that might change your perspective on the film.

Why Elvis Despised The Beatles

Did you know that Elvis Presley wasn’t a fan of The Beatles? This video delves into the reasons behind his dislike, shedding light on the music rivalry and personal dynamics of that era.

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