The Baz Luhrmann film Elvis will soon be streaming on HBO Max. Following a successful run in theaters, the film is set to make its HBO Max debut on Sept. 2, 2022. This will give those who didn’t see the lengthy film in theaters the chance to check it out at home while those who enjoyed it on the big screen will also be able to give it another viewing.
Luhrmann directed the film using a screenplay co-written with sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, and Jeremy Doner. The movie 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.
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Elvis chronicles the rise of Presley 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 over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).
Related: Elvis: Why These Are the Best Musical Moments
Elvis Had a Great Run in Theaters
Warner Bros. Pictures
The movie was a big success at theaters, ultimately surpassing the expectations that had been in place for its release. Worldwide, Elvis has surpassed $272 million at the box office, ranking high as Baz Luhrmann’s highest-grossing film to date. It is also the second-biggest music biopic of all time, behind only the hit film Bohemian Rhapsody.
The reviews haven’t been totally flawless, though it seems the critics all have praise for Austin Butler’s performance as Elvis Presley. Our own Julian Roman said in his review that the biggest issue with the film is that Butler’s Elvis isn’t featured quite enough. With that said, the consensus of the critics is that the film is worth watching, as Butler’s take on the famous singer has been generating a lot of Oscar buzz.
“Luhrmann makes a mistake with Tom Hanks driving the story,” Roman says. “Parker and Elvis are inexorably linked, but he’s overrepresented here. I would have loved more of Elvis behind the facade. Instead, we see Elvis through Parker’s eyes from start to finish. It’s almost as if Luhrmann was afraid of giving Austin Butler narrative control.”
With that said, Roman added, “Elvis rouses despite running long at two and a half hours. The musical numbers are superb. You’ll want to jump and dance like the groupies. The recognition of Elvis’s influences is also well-done.”
Elvis hits HBO Max on Sept. 2, 2022.
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