[Seulssine] The Enchanting Presley Revived by Austin Butler in 'Elvis'

[Lee Isul's Wise Cine Review]

Elvis Presley Biopic 'Elvis'
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Starring Austin Butler & Tom Hanks
Music, Love, and Life of a Superstar
The Quintessence of a Genuine Show Entertainment Film

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Elvis Presley (played by Austin Butler) was born into a poor white family and grew up in a Black neighborhood. The unique rhythms that filled the trailer in his childhood were so intense that they stayed in his ears for a lifetime. At a Black church, he experienced music with his whole body. Elvis nurtured his musical dreams while driving a truck in Memphis, in the southern United States, and at 19, he took the stage on a small local radio show. He delivered a shocking performance, shaking his legs and pelvis vigorously, causing a stir among the audience who were used to country music. Female audience members couldn't take their eyes off his movements and felt guilty about their stirred emotions. At that moment, when one audience member could no longer contain his excitement and reacted to the music, all the women suddenly jumped up and reached out their hands toward him.

Elvis knew what teenage girls liked. The heavy makeup, neatly combed hair, pink suit, and casually slung guitar?all were tailored to their tastes. This hit the mark. Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks), who worked in the show business industry, immediately recognized Elvis's talent. He promised to make him a star, and the two soared to bigger stages.

He enjoyed popularity close to a syndrome. However, conservative white officials criticized Elvis's dance as vulgar. Eventually, Elvis's stage was regulated. He was banned from dancing by shaking his pelvis and legs, and was instructed to wear a neat tuxedo as stage attire. Elvis felt confused about his identity as an artist and began to doubt Tom Parker, who tried to comply with their demands without complaint.

Ignoring their demands, Elvis took the stage and shook his pelvis even more intensely. Enraged, the police arrested him, and he enlisted in the military to maintain the image of a model American youth.

Tom Parker could control his image at will, but he couldn't calculate love. Elvis fell in love with Priscilla, the daughter of an officer, while in the military. Understanding and positive Priscilla comforted him in his despair and instilled hope. To Priscilla, who understood him, Elvis shared his dreams and promised a future. The two started a family and had a lovely daughter.

After his discharge, Elvis returned to the stage. Smelling money again, Tom Parker secretly signed contracts and began to exploit him in earnest. Elvis became trapped in a hotel suite and fell into an inescapable shackle. Priscilla, who accompanied him throughout the tour, watched Elvis on stage and realized she could not overcome the fans' love. Relying on mysterious injections, Elvis continued performing and sank into the swamp of corruption. Disappointed by his irrational and despairing state, Priscilla eventually left.

Years later, Priscilla, concerned about his health, urged him to get treatment. However, Elvis, saying "I'm almost forty now," pushed himself and died suddenly of a heart attack at the young age of 42. Manager Tom Parker recalled that Elvis was addicted to the love of his fans.

Austin Butler, who played Elvis Presley, convinces why he is called "Hollywood's hottest guy." When the casting news was announced, some doubted because he didn't look alike, but Austin blew those doubts away by portraying a charming Elvis.

The Elvis portrayed by Austin is so captivating, intense, and seductive that you can't take your eyes off him. Through countless efforts, he excellently performed the singing and dancing, and flawlessly executed the challenging inner acting in the latter part of the film. In the scene where he gazes at people who only look at him with empty eyes, he even hints at infinite possibilities. His deeply expressive acting in tone, gestures, and eyes is the highlight.

Tom Hanks's character analysis is excellent, needless to say. He skillfully plays the role of a con artist manager exploiting Elvis and serves as a mirror reflecting the show business industry of this era. The chemistry between the Hollywood veteran and the rising star is also a sight to behold.

The movie runs for 159 minutes, capturing the audience's attention with sophisticated visuals, dazzling movements, and fast editing. At times, it shifts genres brilliantly like a cartoon or a musical, leaving no room for boredom. Director Baz Luhrmann directs the biopic like a festival, captivating the audience's eyes and ears.

Elvis Presley enjoyed his heyday for about 20 years from his debut in 1953 until his death in 1977, making history in popular music. Who wouldn't know this? The film is overly kind, depriving the audience of the chance to savor the afterglow. The ending, drawn like a formulaic biopic, is regrettable. Rated 15 and over. Opens July 13.