In the new bio-pic “Elvis”, Baz Luhrmann, gives us a glorious look at the biggest star of the 1950’s and 1960’s.  We are left looking at the Man versus the Myth. The movie plays it loose with events and chronology.  Luhrmann, the director of “Moulin Rouge” and “The Great Gatsby”,  is known for his over the top style that celebrates glitz over substance.

Elvis Presley changed not only music but American culture.  Elvis was able to celebrate Black music and make rock and roll the new voice of the young.  Through the manipulative guidance of Col. Tom Parker, Elvis pushed on the barriers of segregation and sexuality that led to the sexual revolution and the integration of musicians and audiences in the 1960’s and beyond.

In a spectacle of music and sights, the songs and the look of Elvis never looked or sounded better.  Austin Butler, the charismatic newcomer, captured the look and the moves of the star known as “The King”. Butler sang the songs at the beginning of Elvis’ rise.  And, in the later years, Butler’s voice was melded with the Elvis recordings. Even more remarkable was Butler’s duplication of Elvis’ shaking.

Parker is played by Tom Hanks.  He is the master manipulator of Elvis’ career.  Among his decisions, Parker’s forces Elvis to give up his dream of becoming a serious actor. Hanks is the embodiment of evil as he wears a prosthetic device and thick makeup.  Going, in and out of a strange accent, Hanks’ performance is controversial. 

We are left looking at the Man Versus the Myth.  The movie plays it loose with events and chronology.  But, hearing the songs and seeing Butler and (spoiler alert) Elvis sing make for  a tremendous movie experience.  See it on the big screen with great speakers!  I promise that a great experience is guaranteed.