Monday night I went along to an exclusive screening of Elvis for AACTA and AFI members. Unfortunately there was no Q&A session after the film this time but I was still surrounded by industry members which is pretty cool. For my guest pass I took my mum along with me, who is a big Elvis fan. As for myself, I’m more neutral. That is I like his music but am not fanatical. As such I didn’t really know much about his life.

If I were to describe the film I would look to a previous Baz Luhrmann film for the words and say it was – Spectacular Spectacular! It’s one of the best biopics I have seen in recent years.

I’m a fan of Baz Luhrmann’s style and Elvis is one of the best looking films of his that I have seen. Right from the very beginning where the Warner Brothers logo is unveiled in the sequins of an Elvis jumpsuit until the closing credits wrapped in beautiful images reminiscent of Moulin Rouge, it’s a visually stunning film fitting for the cinema screen.

The film has all the hallmarks of a Bazmark Films production from the captivating use of transitions between scenes, to the beautiful authentic looking costumes, and the stunningly detailed sets. A lot of work from both Luhrmann and Catherine Martin’s teams have gone into making this picture look as special as it does. It sure pays off, as from an audience point of view you are transported to a different place and time.

It’s really exciting for Australian cinema to produce such a blockbuster hit right here. It’s going to further enrich the amazing talent we have right across this country both on and off the screen. Keep an eye out for a number of local talent on camera!

I also liked the way some modern music was incorporated within the soundtrack. There is a scene where we first see Hound Dog being performed by Big Mama Thornton and weaved in is an original track by Doja Cat. I know that this might upset some traditionalists but it does work really well. There are a few instances of rap music being incorporated in the soundtrack and it doesn’t feel out of place. It’s like a progression of black music influences from Elvis’ era to now.

As much as the film is about Elvis, it is also about his relationship with his manager; Colonel Tom Parker and it is through the Colonel’s eyes that the story is narrated. The opening sequence is from Parker’s perspective and there is a build up of anticipation before we finally get to see Elvis. As an audience we are teased with glimpses before the focus shifts onto Elvis, just as his rise to stardom did.

Austin Butler gives a fantastic performance in his portrayal of Elvis. He really captures the spirit of the legend and his voice both in accent and vocals are spot on. The songs early in Elvis’ career are sung by Butler before being blended with Elvis’ real vocals throughout the years. We even had a woman in our audience yell out “yeehaw” during the scene where Elvis gives his first performance in front of an audience, wiggling away!

The moment that really got me was during the sequence of Elvis’ film career. It goes from showing a variety of films that he made to suddenly being transported to a film set and for a split moment Austin Butler appears to walk out of the shot as Elvis Presley from that picture (I think it might have been Via Las Vegas).

Despite his short life, there is a lot to tap into across Elvis’ massive career, personal life, struggles, as well as the nation shaping events of the era. The film does a good job to balance a number of these elements while telling an emotionally connecting story where you don’t need to be an Elvis fan to enjoy. One can’t help but to think where his life might have gone had things played out differently.

Time to dust off the blue suede shoes because it’s time to shake, rattle, and roll into a cinema near you!

Rating:  Great