Baz Luhrman’s film Elvis will soon stream on HBO Max. Following a successful run in theaters, the film will make its debut on HBO Max on September 2, 2022. This will give those who didn’t see the lengthy film in theaters a chance to watch it at home while those who enjoyed on the big screen can also give you another viewing.
Luhrmann directed the film using a script co-written with Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner. The film features Austin Butler in the role of Elvis Presley, while Tom Hanks co-stars as the late rocker’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The cast also includes Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh, Olivia DeJonge, Luke Bracey, Natasha Bassett, David Wenham, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Xavier Samuel, and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Elvis chronicles Presley’s rise from Parker’s point of view. You can check out the official trailer and synopsis below.
This film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning more than 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and America’s loss of innocence. At the center of that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).
Elvis had a great career in theaters
The film was a huge success in theaters and ultimately exceeded expectations for its release. All over the world, Elvis has surpassed $272 million at the box office, ranking as Baz Luhrmann’s highest-grossing film to date. It’s also the second biggest musical biopic of all time, behind only the hit movie. Bohemian Rhapsody.
The reviews haven’t been totally perfect, though it seems that all critics have praised Austin Butler’s performance as Elvis Presley. Our own Julian Roman said in his review that the biggest problem with the film is that Butler’s Elvis doesn’t show up enough. That said, the consensus of critics is that the film is worth seeing, as Butler’s take on the famous singer has generated a lot of buzz at the Oscars.
“Luhrmann makes a mistake with Tom Hanks driving the story,” says Roman. “Parker and Elvis are inexorably linked, but he’s overrepresented here. I would have loved to have more Elvis behind the facade. Instead, we see Elvis through Parker’s eyes from start to finish. It’s almost as if Luhrmann is scared to give Austin Butler narrative control”. .”
With that said, Roman added: “Elvis wakes up despite running a lot at two and a half hours. The musical numbers are magnificent. You’ll want to jump and dance like the groupies. The acknowledgment of Elvis’s influences is also well done.”
Elvis arrives on HBO Max on September 2, 2022.