Movie 'Elvis' Live Conference
Actor Austin Butler Portrays Presley
The First Idol in History, Cultural Pioneer
A Star in the Blink of an Eye... A Message for the Times
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The singer who shook the era, Elvis Presley, comes alive on the screen. Director Baz Luhrmann said, "Austin Butler and Elvis's souls are connected," and Austin said, "It feels like becoming part of Elvis's family."
Baz Luhrmann (60), who directed 'Elvis' following 'Romeo + Juliet' (1996), 'Moulin Rouge!' (2001), and 'The Great Gatsby' (2013), stated at the press live conference held on the afternoon of the 28th at CGV Wangsimni in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, "It was not planned as a biographical film," adding, "I wanted to tell a story about America in the 1950s and 60s, and I couldn't tell that story without including Elvis, who was at the center of American popular culture."
'Elvis,' which depicts the passionate life and music of singer Elvis Presley, tells the story of unknown singer Elvis (played by Austin Butler), who was driving a truck, and star maker Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks), who recognized him at a glance. It was screened at the 75th Cannes Film Festival held in May and will be released domestically on July 13.
The director focused on the fact that Elvis Presley was the first idol. He said, "Elvis is almost the founder of popular music and culture. Born as a twin, losing his sibling, his father went to prison, and he faced economic hardship amid racial segregation. Without the Black music he encountered in the Black community, there would be no Elvis." He added, "The manager was obsessed more with the impact on the audience and the money generated than the music itself, which caused conflicts between money and life. There are changes that stem from that. I believe there is a significant implication to convey to today's youth."
He said, "Today's younger generation can become celebrities with just one camera. Even uploading a vlog of brushing their teeth can make them stars in the blink of an eye. I think there is a message worth delivering in this era."
'Elvis' attracted attention from the planning stage as a film about the life of Elvis Presley, the world's first idol and a recorded legend. Amid high interest, Hollywood's 'hot guy' actor Austin Butler (30) was chosen. Known from TV series 'The Shannara Chronicles' and 'The Carrie Diaries,' he secured the title role in 'Elvis' following films like 'The Dead Don't Die' and 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood' (2019).
Austin said, "When I heard about making the film, I prepared for the audition for a month. Hearing the production news felt like fate. I started researching deeply into Elvis, and he came across as a 'superhuman.' It felt like a journey. As I got closer to Elvis, the experience became clearer and more crystallized."
Elvis's dazzling dance and singing were a big challenge. Austin Butler recalled, "I'm an actor, not a singer. Before acting in the role, I only sang in front of close acquaintances. I'm quite shy, so I had to work hard." He continued, "I practiced with a voice coach for a year and a half before filming and did my best. I focused on vocal practice and sang all the early 1950s songs myself." Director Baz said, "He was so good that even Elvis's daughter Lisa Marie Presley mistook his voice for her father's."
Austin also said, "Everyone experiences doubt and fear sometimes, but you don't have to be ruled by fear. If you look at it positively, you can create anything. It's an honor to carry on Elvis's legacy like a gift."
Austin Butler focused on 'Elvis' for two years. Even when filming was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he stayed in Australia, where the filming took place, instead of returning to Los Angeles (LA), immersing himself in Elvis's life and music.
"Watching Elvis's life closely as he became a legend, I felt a lot. We tell young people who are wondering what kind of life to live that we all die someday. Yet, living a life that leaves a mark on the world is important. Working in the film industry and show business, I am having experiences similar to Elvis. I know what it means to receive public attention. Reality can become distorted, and perspectives, values, and viewpoints can be twisted. When you gain fame, secondary things follow. At those times, you have to look back at your pure childhood self and move forward firmly with a center. Remembering when I dreamed of becoming an actor, I must not be swayed by noise."
The director said he wants to speak to the audience through 'Unchained Melody.' He said, "I saw it as the most important song in Elvis's live music. Listening to it makes your heart ache. Speaking through music is similar to Elvis's DNA. I did my best to get close to him."
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