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Austin Butler. © 2022. Warner Bros Pictures, Bazmark Films, and The Jackal Group. Directed by Baz Luhrmann. One of The Greatest Artists of All Time
If you know the name "Elvis", you know that he changed the music industry in the USA. He rose up and he just wanted to sing. But it comes at a dangerous price by having fat Tom Hanks as your manager. Never do that in your life. This film was basically a rock and roll cinema fest filled with energy, drama, and memorable moments. It's a film that every generation will enjoy and this film was truly special. I really meant what I said. Even after his very mid-film called The Great Gatsby which was very weird. But for this film, this ain't weird. Join me in the mind of a music legend. From his rise to fame to his unprecedented superstardom, rock 'n' roll icon Elvis Presley maintains a complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker, over the course of 20 years. Central to Presley's journey and happiness is one of the most influential people in his life -- Priscilla. But his enemies and his over-energetic singing may bring him down but he still finds a way to keep pleasing his fans all around the world. But it may come at a cost if he doesn't stop for good. When going into this film, I was going to expect the insane editing and camera movements of Baz Luhrmann. After the film was over, I was surprised and felt more energetic. This was an experience and Baz's style fits more there than in his previous film. Something about his style fits not because of the story but the artist himself. Elvis is an energetic person and this film should be fitted with an energetic tone. Not slow or the type of pace like Bohemian Rhapsody but something very energetic and Baz does it right. His directing was awesome and this is by far his best film yet. He delivers very well on what Elvis really is, the production design, visual effects, and editing. The editing is very fast and while some people won't like his editing style, his editing style works very well here. In his previous film, his editing didn't fit well since the story is very dramatic and stylish. But in Elvis, he uses his style in full 100% mode and delivered it in an energetic and dramatic way. His directing is very strong in this film and there's a lot of creativity in which it doesn't break the barrier of the real-life story. The final 30 minutes are tragic for sure but he uses that tragedy very seriously and breaks his style barriers by letting the drama play out. I really like that and it balances the tones so well. The ending is very serious and it takes a calm look at Elvis's life, his stardom, and his tragic ending. I really loved that and Baz did it so well. This is his best film yet but you cannot forget the main star himself who played Elvis, Austin Butler. He was fantastic in his role and he really does look like Elvis which is amazing but also a little scary if you ask me. His musical performance is fantastic and there's a lot of emotion that gives the character depth. He goes full 100 onto his role and there are moments where I believe that is Elvis and not the actor playing him which is unbelievable. Austin Butler in serious moments works very well in the film and gives a raw view of Elvis. Plus, we are switched between two points of view which are Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks. Tom Hanks is great in this film and he makes the character feel like a piece of shit and only begs for money. He doesn't care about Elvis but sometimes, you can see he really does but for his own good and not for his friend. Both characters are great in this film and I really loved the different points of view of each character. It feels unique and we can see their different emotions through editing and camera shots. Elvis's story is energetic but heartbreaking in the final hour of the film. It reaches its peak and then the peak starts to fall down which is perfect because Elvis's life falls down due to pills and energy. Plus, the energy starts to fall down as well and it feels like the editing follows the energy of Elvis. Butler does a fantastic job with the character and gave an Oscar-worthy performance. He really outshines everyone and this film proves that he's a fantastic actor. The way he sings, moves, and talk makes it feel natural and I'm happy they respected his life story. The story is based on his life which is a biopic but they do it so well on the important events and not change a single thing. This is a major plus and the writers did justice to Elvis. The screenplay is strong in this film and I felt like there were barely any weak elements within the writing and directing. I really loved the story and how it's told by respecting the artist and the true events with his legacy. The cinematography is amazing with many creative shots, angles, and unique colors to give each year and setting feel natural. Plus, the camera goes crazier every time we follow Elvis into his concerts and emotions which was very great. Again, the editing in this film is very great and it fits with Baz's style of directing. It's over energetic and I like that. Even though some audiences and critics will be divided on the editing, you can deny that there's energy put into it. Plus, the editing calms down in certain serious moments which is great and I'm glad Baz fixed that because that was a major problem in his previous film. In this film, the film tones are balanced and they give time to breathe in and go back into the insane life of Elvis. I really enjoyed the fast past editing and the film felt like 2 hours and not 2 hours and a half. The production design is fantastic. I really liked the set designs, costumes, and visual effects. Finally, the visual effects look great and are not "over-CGI". With the practical effects and sets, the visual effects feel right and real. They don't look messy and the editing helps on hiding the bad effects including the cinematography. Plus, I really liked the experimental effects with the camera, aspect ratios, and film styles with black and white and "film" looks. That was amazing and they utilized it a lot during his concert at a baseball stadium. This film really was a blast due to the production and editing of the film. They really used every cent to pull this off and I loved the aesthetic of this film. This was something special and I'm glad they respected Elvis's life while introducing his style to modern audiences. Plus, the new song really fits with the style of the film. There aren't any major flaws with this film. The only thing I can nitpick on was that the film felt a little bit dragged with its runtime. Even though it felt long, the film ended at a great pace. Plus, the editing might divide audiences. Plus, there at points where they could've cut it completely and some of the editing got way too "rushed". But it didn't take me off from the experience which is great. Not a lot of people will like this film but it's a fun ride from start to finish. This film was a blast from start to finish. A lot of great performances, especially from Austin Butler. He is the STAR of the film and his performance was just fantastic. He kept the energy alive and with the editing and directing, this film became a roller coaster of excitement and emotions. It's fast-paced for sure but Elvis's songs and Baz's direction make this film a wild ride. I really had a good time watching this film and this is one of the most energetic films I've seen in a long time. This is definitely Baz's best film in his filmography and this can cook up for some Oscar nominations. I really had a fun time and I highly recommend watching this fantastic film. What a wild ride! Now Playing Only in Theaters. Vizeit Score: "A" (Share this review with your film friends and on social media! Thank you for your continue support.) Copyright © 2022. Vizeit Studios. All Rights Reserved. Review Written By: Everardo Garcia Jr.
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