Elvis

I'll admit I was highly apprehensive heading into this film. I'm not the biggest Baz Luhrman fan in the world, I have a deep respect for the films he's made but there's never been one that really strikes a chord with me. I'm also really not a fan of the recent trend of musical biopics, Bohemian Rhapsody was such a disspointment. So with this being a Baz Luhrman musical biopic, it's safe to say I wasn't that excited.

However, this film is a magnificient achievement. Luhrman's chaotic and unhinged filmmaking style pairs perfectly with this story. It feels as if he's truly mastered the type of film he wants to make with Elvis. This is maximalist filmmaking at its best. Not everything works, but when you're throwing so much at the wall, it's ok if not everything hits. When you have something as stylistically compelling and directed by such a creative voice, it makes for an utterly insane hell of film.

His staple editing is all over this film and it works, it really works. It's the editing that gives this film the vibrant and colourful flavour that makes it so unique. The first act of this film is going at such a lightning pace that it goes by so quickly. Which helps as the length is one of the things this film has acting against it. There are moments that plateau, but the editing manages to keep you enthralled by what's happening on screen. Having the pacing mirror the stage of life Elvis is in at that moment was an ingenious decision too.

Austin Butler does a wonderful job as Elvis. It's a very interesting performance as he rarely has that much dialogue, but he uses the moments when he does to really shine through. Yet, it's more so his mannerisms and the way he carries himself that is impressive. Not once are you questioning if this man is Elvis, he just fully embodies him and it feels as if you're watching him on screen. Tom Hanks on the other hand, while not giving a terrible performance, well except his awful accent, was certainly doing something strange here. It wasn't jarring nor did it take away from the film it was just a very odd performance.

Having the film framed from Elvis' manager's perspective was such an interesting choice, and lended itself to allowing more creative takes on parts of his life. While this did give the audience an interesting look into the pyschology behind who the manager was and what he believed, it perhaps took away from telling Elvis' story at some points.

But this film is a ball of fun. The insanity that accompanies all aspects of the film was so refreshing compared to the tiresome standard biopics we're normally given. I mean having Toxic by Britney Spears remixed into an Elvis song. An inspired choice. The film is so effervesent, it makes for a unique cinematic experience. Luhrman manages to perfectly make a film that is both highly entertaining and emotionally resonant. And I mean you know it wouldn't be an Elvis film without a Doja Cat needle drop, which was perfect