Finally on June 24 2022, Australian director Baz Luhrmann's new biopic 'ELVIS' will be released to the cinemas.
It was as far back at May 2014 - eight years ago - that EIN first reported that fellow-Australian Baz Luhrmann had started working on his concept for a stunningly fabulous ELVIS movie. At the time there were plenty of skeptics that didn't believe that this Academy award-winning director of The Great Gatsby, Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Australia and Moulin Rouge could be interested in an ELVIS biopic but we were proved right.
Below EIN presents all the stories, interviews and drama that have accompanied this brilliant achievement since those early days of 2014.
The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom 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).
Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (“Top of the Lake: China Girl”) plays Elvis’s mother, Gladys, Richard Roxburgh (“Moulin Rouge!”) portrays Elvis’s father, Vernon, and Olivia DeJonge (“The Visit,” “Stray Dolls”) plays Priscilla. Luke Bracey (“Point Break”) plays Jerry Schilling, Natasha Bassett (“Hail, Caesar!”) plays Dixie Locke, David Wenham (“The Lord of the Rings”) plays Hank Snow, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”) plays B.B. King, Xavier Samuel (“Adore”) plays Scotty Moore, and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) plays Jimmie Rodgers Snow.
Also in the cast, Dacre Montgomery (“Stranger Things”) plays TV director Steve Binder, alongside Australian actors Leon Ford (“Gallipoli”) as Tom Diskin, Kate Mulvany (“The Great Gatsby”) as Marion Keisker, Gareth Davies (“Peter Rabbit”) as Bones Howe, Charles Grounds (“Crazy Rich Asians”) as Billy Smith, Josh McConville (“Fantasy Island”) as Sam Phillips, and Adam Dunn (“Home and Away”) as Bill Black.
To play additional iconic musical artists in the film, Luhrmann cast singer/songwriter Yola as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, model Alton Mason as Little Richard, Austin, Texas native Gary Clark Jr. as Arthur Crudup, and artist Shonka Dukureh as Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton.
From a screenplay by Baz Luhrmann & Sam Bromell and Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner, story by Baz Luhrmann and Jeremy Doner. The film’s producers are Luhrmann, Oscar winner Catherine Martin (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”), Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss. Courtenay Valenti and Kevin McCormick executive produced.
'ELVIS' EIN EXCLUSIVE movie review: Keith Richards said, "Elvis hit like a bombshell ... it was like the world went from black and white to Technicolor." While those words apply to Elvis Presley they could similarly apply to Baz Luhrmann's style of film direction. Compared to the regular Hollywood output Baz Luhrmann movies have a similar feel of busting out of jail and going from black-and-white to technicolour. They are loud, brash, super-colourful, fast-edited and exciting, they have their own language and style.
The full-bore soundtrack, the glowing colour, the revelation of Austin Butler's truly stunning performance and the real excitement of the fast editing really does make it feel that Luhrmann has grabbed Elvis' true spirit. The film not only tells Elvis’ life but has the genuine excitement of the real Elvis, something that I've never felt from any previous Elvis Bio-Pic.
The incredible fact is that while the movie includes so many snatches of real Elvis (Hy Garner interview, Lisa Marie, Al Dvorin etc) yet Austin Butler has one so enthralled in playing Elvis' character that you can hardly spot the difference.
However typical of a Luhrmann movie you can see why fans' overly detailed fact-checking needs to be left at the door - and knowledgeable Elvis fans should just enjoy the ride. Go here for EIN Piers Beagley's exclusive and detailed review
(Review; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Thursday 10 October 2024
Baz Luhrmann new film 'Joan of Arc': Sadly no update on Baz Luhrmann's new 'ELVIS' project but the news that he is working on an epic feature about French hero Joan of Arc as his new film.
At this year's Elvis Week Joel Weinshanker confirmed that "Baz Lurhman is working on his Elvis documentary" and that "There will be one new Elvis movie between now and 2027 - possibly two".
Warner Bros, who worked with Luhrmann on 'ELVIS', confirmed his new film will be called 'Jehanne d’Arc' and has been described as “the ultimate teenage girl coming of age story, set in the Hundred Years’ War”.
Joan of Arc is a historical figure who lived from 1412 to 1431. Under what she claimed was divine guidance, the teenage Joan became a military leader and was instrumental in the siege of Orleans. She eventually fell into English custody and was declared a heretic and burned at the stake at the age of 19. Today, Joan of Arc is a patron saint of France and was canonised by the
Catholic church in 1920. Casting for Luhrmann’s new film started last month.
Baz Luhrmann is one of Australia’s best filmmakers having worked on high-budgeted movies including ELVIS, Australia, The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge as well as earlier works Strictly Ballroom and Romeo + Juliet.
Luhrmann had been set to make an adaptation of Russian novel The Master and Margarita but dropped out earlier this year.
With the film only in early pre-production it could easily be 12 months before the 'Jehanne d’Arc' is finished. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 8 May 2024
Baz Luhrmann teases new "Elvis Concert Film": Good news for Elvis fans when director Baz Luhrmann once again talked about his possible Elvis concert film with Hollywood Reporter at the Met Gala
Once again the 'ELVIS' director hinted he was working on a concert film of never-before-seen footage from the superstar.
At the Met Gala Luhrmann teased that he may not be quite done with Elvis Presley-related projects, following his 2022 film.
The director told Hollywood Reporter,“The fans really want to know if all that footage we found in the vaults is going to become a concert film and I’m here to say I think it’s gonna happen.”
Last October Luhrmann had posted on Instagram that “we’ve found reels and reels of never-before-seen footage of 'Elvis on Tour' and 'That’s The Way It Is',” telling fans to “stay tuned.”
An accompanying video showed a cardboard box with a Warner Bros. label and “Elvis outtakes box”
written on the side. - (see EIN 'ELVIS movie' spotlight)
The director has also previously mentioned an "extended cut" of ELVIS with more of Butler’s performances.
... Fingers crossed as Luhrmann is still talking more ELVIS. (News, Source;HR/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 29 December 2023
NOW UPDATED (Film Review) Priscilla – film by Sofia Coppola: While Baz Luhrmann’s major hit film in 2022, Elvis, was a colorful narrative and frenetic musical explosion, in 2023, Sofia Coppola’s, Priscilla, is more subdued, but still a colorfully hued and musically expressive story.
Coppola is an acclaimed filmmaker and director. Thematically, her films explore themes of identity, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships, and these underscore, Priscilla.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently watched the film that has divided the Elvis world.
Now updated with EIN READER comments...
We have had plenty of general negative feedback but also some lengthy and rather interesting discussions on the film.. EIN is also interested in hearing YOUR comments on the movie. (Film Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
Sunday 10 December 2023
Baz Luhrmann discusses ELVIS as a TV show - "completely different" from the movie: In another interview Baz Luhrmann discusses more on his "new" Elvis project.
Over a year after his masterpiece ELVIS hit the big screen, director Baz Luhrmann now wants to return to the King of Rock and Roll’s life story, but this time perhaps in a TV show format.
In a conversation with CinemaBlend about his series 'Faraway Downs', Luhrmann now revealed he is now planning to do the same to Elvis, but it will differ from the movie.“I really would love to do the episodic version of Elvis. And I'll take a completely different storytelling style than I would if I'd done it for the cinema.”
Luhrmann’s 2022 epic starring Austin Butler earned eight Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor, so why after all of the success would Luhrmann want to turn the story into a different format?
He explained, “Now, okay, why would I be so stupid? Well, like when an iconic, popular musician does a song and they perform it in concert and they do, you know, let's say it's a dance cut, they do a heavy metal version. I think of the dexterity of music, and the ability to take the same piece and reinterpret and rediscover.
It keeps the artist engaged. But it also keeps decoding and recoding the story, and keeps it alive in the moment. So that's why I would do it. And I think I would do it with Elvis.”
Thinking about Elvis’ life story as a musical ensemble is certainly fitting, as his life story can certainly be interpreted in many different ways. Baz Luhrmann's movie focused on the star's rise to fame and his troubling relationship with shady manager Col Parker, whereas Sofia Copolla’s 2023 movie Priscilla tells the Elvis tale from his wife’s perspective. With the musician's illustrious career both on and off the stage, we are sure that Luhrmann’s Elvis only just scratched the surface, and there is so much more to tell about one of the most famous men to ever live. We for one cannot wait to see what Luhrmann does with it all next! (News, Source: Megan Garside, gamesradar.com)
Book Review 'The King and The Jester': Elvis author Paul Belard's new "special interest" book all about Elvis and manager Col Parker is out now.
The cover notes, "As this uncultured philistine said of himself, "I did not know what to make of Elvis, or his music. I did not care, but I saw the reaction of the audience says and it was enough for me".Parker promptly realised that Elvis was his own ticket to wealth."
Belard's new 260 page book's twenty three chapters include, 'The Hank Snow Affair', 'The Snowman', 'The Lost Years', 'The Narcissist', 'World Wide Tour', 'What Could Have Been' and 'Exposing The Con Man'.
The author makes his disdain for Parker known from the outset and he does not hold back about what he sees as one of, if not the biggest, travesties and examples of unscrupulous mismanagement, in show business history!
The book is a very strong read and one that is very much a counterpoint to the recently published "rose colored glasses" account, 'Elvis and the Colonel: An Insider's Look At The Most Legendary Partnership In Show Business', by Parker employee Greg McDonald and Marshall Terrill.
Some fans have suggested that Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 ELVIS drama made Parker out to be too much of a cartoon villain but after reading this book the movie looks even more truthful than fans might have believed. ... Go here and read EIN's detailed review by glimmer twins Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley (Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Thursday 30 November 2023
Baz Luhrmann on "Elvis Unseen Footage" project: While promoting his award-winning ELVIS biopic director Baz Luhrmann also discussed that some of the footage was "previously unseen" and newly discovered by his team in the Warner vaults.
There was also a mention of him doing an "extended original cut of ELVIS" that ran four hours.
However back in October he hinted about already working on a new project with the "unseen ELVIS footage" that he uncovered. Hours of Elvis live outtakes in the MGM vaults.
Some of which fans will have seen via bootlegs over the years.
This week he revealed more about his ELVIS project while publicising his new "Australia" 'Faraway Downs' series.
EPE's Joel Weinshanker also mentioned a new Elvis movie project - possibly working with Luhrmann - that will come out in the next year or so. This YouTube clip from CBS Mornings is something to get excited about - after all the recent negativity. (News, Source;ElvisLass/EIN)
Saturday 4 November 2023
Lisa Marie slammed Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’ Script: In very sad news we hear that before her death Lisa Marie expressed personal shock and horror over the depiction of Elvis in the script for Coppola’s new film “Priscilla.”
Described in two emails obtained recently by Variety, Lisa Marie asked Coppola to reconsider her vision for the character and to spare her family public embarrassment.
Lisa Marie’s messages called the script “shockingly vengeful and contemptuous” and contained pleas to Oscar-winning director Coppola to refrain from straining her fragile relationship with her mother, the film’s subject Priscilla Presley, – as well as bringing scrutiny on Elvis’ living grandchildren as they continue to grieve the loss of Lisa Marie’s son, Ben Keough, who died in 2020. Lisa Marie wrote.. “My father only comes across as a predator and manipulative. As his daughter, I don’t read this and see any of my father in this character. I don’t read this and see my mother’s perspective of my father.
I read this and see your shockingly vengeful and contemptuous perspective and I don’t understand why?”
"I am worried that my mother isn't seeing the nuance here or realizing the way in which Elvis will be perceived when this movie comes out. I feel protective over my
mother who has spent her whole life elevating my father's legacy. I am worried she doesn't understand the intentions behind this film or the outcome it will have."
Lisa Marie added “I will be forced to be in a position where I will have to openly say how I feel about the film and go against you, my mother and this film publicly.”
Both messages were sent in September last year. Lisa Marie sadly passed away only four months later of cardiac arrest.
Sofia Coppola had yet to roll cameras on “Priscilla” when Lisa Marie reached out.
Priscilla is credited as an executive producer and has participated in publicity for the A24 release.
PageSix also reports that Priscilla kept her participation in Coppola’s film a secret from Lisa Marie as well as Baz Luhrmann director of the Award-winning 'Elvis' which Lisa Marie loved.
When Lisa Marie found out about “Priscilla” she warned her mother from joining the movie as a producer.
...It looks like being an eventful Christmas dinner with Grandma at the Keough house this year!
Gohere to Variety for the full story (News, Source;Variety)
Tuesday 3 October 2023
Baz Luhrmann announces new "Elvis Unseen Footage" project: While promoting his award-winning ELVIS biopic director Baz Luhrmann often mentioned his placement of snippets of 'real Elvis' footage into his film as Easter-Eggs for the core fans.
He also discussed that some of the footage was "previously unseen" and newly discovered by his team in the Warner vaults.
There was also a mention of him doing an "extended original cut of ELVIS" that ran four hours. However back in November 2002 he then explained... “Its not now, and not probably next year. But I don't close my mind to the idea that in the future, there might be a way of
exploring another cut. To do an extended cut, you'd be working on it for another four or six months something. I'm not closed to it, but not now. I'm a little bit on the tired side.”
Perhaps Baz is feeling happy and refreshed as today he hinted about already working on a new project with the "unseen footage" that he uncovered.
Luhrmann posted a video on Insta today of a Warner Bros box of "Elvis OUTTAKES" followed by raw 1970 footage of Elvis filmed during TTWII in Las Vegas.
Baz captioned the post:
“A TCB headlines that I know so many of you have been wanting to hear… “It’s true we’ve found reels and reels of never before seen footage of Elvis On Tour, and Thats The Way It Is' stay tuned #tcb #tcbheadlines.”
Go here to BazLuhrmann Instagram to see the short reel (News, Source;BL/ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 7 September 2023
'Priscilla' movie "a downbeat and dour affair..": The UK Independent has given the new Priscilla movie 3 Stars (out-of-5)
The review includes ... Sofia Coppola's Priscilla drama will be very uncomfortable viewing for Elvis fans
Devoid of the exuberance of Baz Luhrmann’s more hagiographic 2022 biopic of the King, this sparse drama sees Elvis effectively grooming the 14-year-old who’d become his wife
It shows him in a far from flattering light, as an insecure narcissist fixated on a teenage girl and unwilling to allow his young wife any independence.
The film, endorsed by Priscilla herself and adapted from her book Elvis and Me (which she co-wrote with Sandra Harmon), is a downbeat and dour affair, with little of the exuberance of Luhrmann’s ELVIS.
The director tells her subject’s story in short, self-contained episodes which don’t always link to each other and aren’t always fully explained.
Everything is seen from Priscilla’s perspective. She is a young woman growing up in the strangest environment imaginable.
Her Elvis is very different from the rock star the entire world seems to love. Elordi makes a decent stab at playing Elvis. He has the voice and physique for the role, but lacks his charm and vulnerability.
Spaeny gives a compelling and moving performance as the bright young woman whose spirit is slowly crushed. Elvis’s father Vernon is mean and cruel to her. The Colonel, Elvis’s famously slippery manager played last year by Tom Hanks, is also talked about but never seen.
In her own coolly analytical way, Coppola makes some trenchant points about the way Priscilla is controlled by the men in her life. She is living in a gilded cage. The wealth and luxury she experiences don’t compensate for her complete loss of freedom.
And while Elvis may indeed have been the King, his court, on the evidence here, was a very dreary place indeed.
Gohere for the full review (News, Source;Independent /EIN)
Saturday 2 September 2023
'The Making of ELVIS Movie' Exhibition at Graceland Extended: The 'Making of ELVIS Movie' Exhibition which opened back in January at Graceland's "Elvis Presley's Memphis" is extended through the end of March 2024!
The movie exhibition, done in partnership with Warner Bros., NFSA of Australia, and Baz Luhrmann, looks at the beginning of the creative process for the celebrated film and follows it through its journey to the big screen, taking the story from paper to film.
Highlights include behind-the-scenes videos of the making of the film, research videos, during the set builds in Australia, and in rehearsals, plus handwritten notes, drafts of scripts, storyboards, and more. The exhibition is also getting an update! Four new costumes will be added to the movie exhibition soon as four are moved to be part of the new Elvis exhibition at Arches London Bridge!
GO to EPE-Graceland for more info (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 15 August 2023 - - - - ELVIS WEEK - - -
Upcoming EPE Elvis Projects: EPE managing partner Joel Weinshanker revealed this week to The Commercial Appeal that there are two new Elvis events in pre-production.
Weinshanker explained, "The next Elvis movie project is Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla Presley biopic 'Priscilla' set to hit theaters late October, however that movie is not something the estate is involved with in any way, nor did the estate allow any of Elvis' music to be used.” EIN Note: That is strange as the Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla biopic is based on Priscilla's own autobiography!
"Another two major Elvis media projects are also on the way, one a “network Christmas special coming this year plus another Elvis movie that’s probably two-and-a-half years away."
He noted that, “The estate has a great track record of being involved in great things for people to see, Luhrmann’s recent ELVIS is a prime example. So if something’s coming from the estate, you know it has an honest point of view and it’s something that Elvis would be proud of. And whenever we do something we make
sure that not only is Graceland highlighted but also Memphis.”
Weinshanker also said that Elvis Week attendance for 2023 is likely will be close to the pre-COVID highs of 400,000 to 500,000 visitors a big upswing from 2020, the year of the pandemic shutdown, when about 190,000 people made it to the mansion. He said the "Elvis" movie was a factor, especially in boosting Elvis' appeal among teenage boys and young men, who apparently admired and identified with Austin Butler's Elvis.
Noting, "That's the one demographic we're seeing more of." (News, Source;EPE/EIN)
Monday 31 July 2023
(Book Review) 'Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie' (Trina Young): EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently sat down to read Trina Young’s fourth book about Elvis. Given its core intent, Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie is not a standard narrative, but rather, an illuminating treatise assessing degrees of fact and fiction in what was the most successful non-franchise movie of 2022, Baz Luhrmann’s spectacular assault on your visual and auditory senses, ELVIS.
For the core section of the book, Ms Young rates each scene based on four different criteria (note that for each scene it's time in the film is included). The author then provides narrative details for each of the last three criteria, the Storyline information often running to several pages. Her ratings for historical accuracy (truth) can be truly enthralling.
Trina Young Interview 'Fact vs. Fiction in the ELVIS movie':Elvis expert and author Trina Young has recently published her new book 'Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie: An Unauthorized Scene-by-Scene Analysis'.
Described as .. 'Out of respect for Elvis, this book clears up any misleading information or artistic license that may confuse people between what is shown in the film and what is true Elvis history. The purpose of this book is to offer a balanced side to the story.'
Having spent a lot of time recently explaining the true story-line of Elvis' amazing legacy to new fans - who have discovered ELVIS through the recent Luhrmann biopic- this book sounds fascinating.
After all, having been the most successful ELVIS movie of all-time getting down to the truth of the matter is pretty important.
'How Tom Cruise helped Austin Butler get the starring role in ELVIS': Some interesting Sunday reading from author Trina Young.
... On the afternoon of February 13, 2023, newly acclaimed star of the 2022 ELVIS movie, Austin Butler, was photographed with Hollywood legend Tom Cruise at the Oscars luncheon in Beverly Hills, California. While first-time Oscar nominee Butler, and film icon, Cruise, exchanged chit-chat, little did anyone know how significant their connection was. By a twist of fate, Cruise enabled Butler to get his life-changing role in the box office hit directed by Baz Luhrmann called ELVIS.
Five years earlier, Butler was up for the role of “Rooster” in Top Gun: Maverick. The character of Rooster was the son of Anthony Edwards’ iconic character in the original Top Gun. Edwards’ role as “Goose” was Maverick’s (Tom Cruise) best friend and flying partner in the film. Ultimately, the role of Rooster went to Miles Teller.
... “The thing that Austin Butler got the closest to was ‘Top Gun.’ When I cast that role.. I felt so passionate about Austin." Continuehere to elvis-news.com for the full story (News, Source;TY/EIN)
Saturday 3 June 2023
(Spotlight) 'Elvis biopic and Agent Elvis – Revisionist History and Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes?':In a thought-provoking 3,000 word article, EIN’s Nigel Patterson examines the impact of Baz Luhrmann’s film 'ELVIS' and the adult-orientated animation, Agent Elvis.
Undoubtedly in any mass-media the dehumanisation of Elvis is a real issue but marketing the man has always been more concerned with the “mainstream” commodification of his name since mid-1950s. So are these new millennium productions good or bad for how society views Elvis and which one will have the greatest impact? .. Read the article... Now Updated with YOUR comments
(Spotlight, Source:ElvisInfoNet)
Regarding our recent article on "'ELVIS' biopic vs 'Agent Elvis' Revisionist History and Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes?'"
EIN was sent this great 'ELVIS' v reality scene comparisons' which truly demonstrates how hard Baz Luhrmann worked to closely re-create Elvis' genuine performances.
Some reenactments are astonishing and blow every previous Biopic version of "Elvis" out of the water. Check it out.
Thanks to Barry for word-up (News, Source;BS/EIN)
Tuesday 16 May 2023
'ELVIS' DoP Mandy Walker Wins Again: The Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) named ELVIS' Mandy Walker cinematographer of the year at its national awards this week.
This marked the first time the society’s Milli Award (presented since 1968) has ever been won by a woman.
Walker also took home the Gold Tripod in the Feature Films (budget $2+ million) for her work on 'ELVIS'. Again she is the first woman to win this award.
The Milli Award is yet another glass ceiling smashed by Walker in the last 12 months, having also been the first woman to ever win the AACTA Award for Best Cinematography, American Society of Cinematographers feature film award for ELVIS. Walker was also just the third woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. She was also nominated for a BAFTA.
Walker told the audience at the ACS Awards that she was proud to be the first woman to win the Milli and that she hoped many more will follow. “It’s an honour and privilege to have won the Milli and to have worked on ELVIS with so many Australian filmmakers who are undeniably at the top of their game.
As a team we created an incredibly special piece of cinema.
Australian cinematographers continue to create some of the best work across the globe and I am truly humbled to win this award.”
Austin Butler Wins Again!: The awards keep on flowing for those involved in the making of Baz Luhrmann’s glittering biopic, ELVIS.
Actor Austin Butler has won the award for 'Best International Actor' at the 2023 Irish Film and Television Awards.
Martin McDonagh’s latest film 'The Banshees of Inisherin' and Apple’s comedy series 'Bad Sisters' took the top honors for Best Film and Best Drama at this year’s Irish Film & TV Awards (IFTAs).
The awards were handed out to the winners at Dublin’s Royal Convention Centre in Dublin, Ireland.
The IFTA Film & Drama Awards are awards given by the Irish Film & Television Academy for Irish television and film, the awards began in 1999.
Edward Berger’s All Quiet on the Western Front won the Award for International Film, while International Actress Award went to Australia's Cate Blanchett for her performance in Tár.
(News, Source;EIN/ElvisDayByDay)
Why the ELVIS biopic almost didn’t get made: When Austin Butler won the Break Through Performance Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and director Baz Luhrmann won the Creative Impact in Directing Award last year, Baz Luhrmann’s acceptance speech included revealing information about the biopic:
Accepting his award, Luhrmann said that like children, he loves all his films equally but differently. But ‘ELVIS’ he said, was different because “we almost lost that child. During the pandemic, Tom Hanks got some cold thing, it turned out to be Covid 19. And so the film fell apart, I couldn’t keep the cast together. I went to Austin and said 'the film’s over'.” Luhrmann explained.
But Butler had an incredible connection to the movie, and he said “I’m not going" Luhrmann remembered.
“He inspired me to go back to Tom and say, ‘You’ve got to do this. We held this child like a precious, precious thing because its mission was to get born and bring audiences back into theaters, and the fact that it actually happened is why I’m standing here now.” (News, Source: AP)
Friday 14 April 2023
Australian 'Chauvel Award' for ELVIS duo: 'ELVIS' movie team Baz Luhrmann and wife Catherine Martin will be presented with the Chauvel Award at Australia's 2023 Gold Coast Film Festival.
The honour – named after another pioneering Australian filmmaking couple, Charles and Elsa Chauvel – recognises the pair’s outstanding global contribution and influence in cinema.
Baz Luhrmann has a big affection for Australia's Gold Coast where he and Martin shot and post-produced 'ELVIS' which went on to win multiple awards.
Luhrmann noted, “Having lived and worked here on the Gold Coast creating our film ELVIS there is no doubt that this is a town that loves movies and is uniquely suited to making them. ... I am deeply honoured to receive the Chauvel Award, alongside my wife Catherine Martin."
Martin will accept the prize in person on behalf of herself and Luhrmann at the Gold Coast Film Festival’s Awardson on April 20.
Previous recipients of the Chauvel Award include Leah Purcell, Jan Chapman, George Miller (Mad Max), Rolf de Heer, Gillian Armstrong and Heath Ledger. (News, Source;Indie/ELvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann’s plans for an Elvis stage musical: The AussieTheatre.com has annouced that Baz Luhrmann, best known for directing visually stunning and flamboyant films such as ELVIS, Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet, and The Great Gatsby has mentioned work on an Elvis stage musical.
In addition to his film work Luhrmann has also directed operas and stage productions.
Despite his recent ELVIS film not receiving any Oscars, it could potentially follow in the footsteps of Moulin Rouge! or Strictly Ballroom by making its way to the stage.
Luhrmann spoke about the musical on the Oscars red carpet, comparing it to Moulin Rouge! and confirming that he would produce but not direct it.
No final details have yet been announced. Moulin Rouge! is currently playing in London, New York and in Australia, Strictly Ballroom is touring in the UK and Ireland. (News, Source;AussieTheatre.com)
Tuesday 14 March 2023
Oscar disappointment for "ELVIS": We was robbed! In what must have been a bitterly disappointing night for Baz Luhrmann and his team, after receiving eight Academy Award nominations, his ELVIS biopic went home without winning even one.
Two other films with eight or more nominations, Everything, Everywhere All At Once (11 nominations) and All Quiet On the Western Front (nine nominations), bagged seven and four Oscars, respectively, while The Banshees of Inisherin (nine nominations) also failed to win an award. Austin Butler, who missed out on the Best Actor gong, was seen on screen to be quick to his feet congratulating Brendan Fraser, who won Best Actor for his portrayal in The Whale.
Butler had been neck and neck with Fraser as "the bookies" favorite for the Best Actor Award, while Catherine Martin was a strong chance to win the award for both Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, as was Mandy Walker to win the award for Best Cinematography.
Austin Butler fans are truly feeling the disappointment of his two years of dedication playing every fact of Elvis' life from teenager to final days being beaten by an over-emotional one-trick fat-suit performance.
Butler’s commitment shone to critics circles world-wide winning
BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Australian Academy awards. Priscilla neatly added, "My whole life I’ve had to put up with people impersonating my husband, and I don’t know how that boy did it, but every move, every wink… If ELVIS was here, he’d say, ‘Hot damn, you are me!’”.
In the lead up to the Oscars, ELVIS had amassed an increasing number of major awards (nearly 50) including Austin Butler's best actor BAFTA.
'ELVIS' OST Deluxe Edition Out Now: Baz Lurhmann has unveiled the 52-track Deluxe Edition of the movie’s soundtrack which features a raft of previously unreleased recordings from Austin Butler.
Luhrmann noted, “The whole Elvis music team has answered the call from fans with this new Deluxe Edition of the ELVIS soundtrack. Featuring everything from previously unreleased recordings by Austin Butler to contemporary takes on Elvis’ classics and a fresh mash-up with the Backstreet Boys, the Deluxe album reveals all the complex layers of Austin’s performance, Elvis’ music and those who continue his legacy.”
The ELVIS deluxe edition is available NOW across music streaming platforms (spotify etc) and features 52 songs in total, 15 more than the standard edition.
Previously unreleased recordings by Austin Butler include ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, ‘Crawfish’ (which was recorded live on set), and ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’.
The expanded soundtrack also features “Fly Away Weave,” (a mix of ‘I’ll Fly Away’ / ‘That’s All Right’),
as well as Blind Lemon Jefferson’s ‘That Black Snake Moan’ which also features Gary Clark Jr., Shannon Sanders, the Nashville Urban Choir, Shonka Dukureh, Lanesha Randolph, and the film’s composer Elliott Wheeler.
Other additions include classic Baz Luhrman mash-ups of ELVIS music with modern hits - Jamieson Shaw’s “Toxic Las Vegas’ (a mix of Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ and ‘Viva Las Vegas’), which appeared in the film but was only recently released as a single. There’s also ‘Backstreet Bossa Nova’ (Daisy O’Dell’s wild remix of "Backstreet's Back" with "Bossa Nova Baby" ).
Additional contemporary takes on Elvis’ songs include G-Dragon‘s cover of ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’, Paul Oakenfold remixing “Rubberneckin’,” Kodi Smit-McPhee singing “How Do You Think I Feel” and Kacey Musgraves doing another version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with Mark Robson.
The deluxe edition is released just days before the 2023 Oscars, where ELVIS is up for eight awards, including Best Picture. Butler is also nominated for Best Actor and is certainly a favorite for the prize.
Go here for a mash-up taster 'Backstreet Bossa Nova' on YouTube.
EIN really enjoys Luhrmann craziness and OTT ideas, this track is hilarious! (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 6 March 2023
'ELVIS' Oscar chances?: The 95th Academy Awards will be presented on March 12, this time next week. The movie has 8 Oscar nominations.
Media reports indicate that Best Actor and Costume Design awards are looking good.
.. Austin Butler's portrayal of Elvis Presley is by far the most impressive and astounding performance of the year. Butler captured the essence of the king of rock 'n roll so well that even Presley's ex-wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie Presley made public statements commending his performance, saying it's the most accurate they've ever seen somebody portray Elvis. Baz Luhrmann is a true visionary and his unique style of storytelling seems as though it was made for the story of Presley's life. His use of costumes, colors, music, and visual effects elevates and enhances the film in all the right ways. Butler has already won a Golden Globe and BAFTA for his performance in Elvis, and is the leading contender for the Academy Awards. He was made for the role of Elvis Presley, and his portrayal is one that people will be admiring for years to come.
Brendan Fraser for his role in The Whale is also a strong contender, although his character does not change in the way that Butler carries the role of ELVIS. The award however could go either way.
The film also has nominations for Film Editing;
Sound; Cinematography; Makeup and Hairstyling; Production Design; and Costume Design.
Luhrmann, who is known for elaborate costume dramas and musicals, leaves no stone unturned to create the era of 1950s and 1960s in Elvis when the world was gripped by Presley's mystical charm. And how marvelously it worked in the film. In both Costume Design and Makeup and Hairstyling departments it stands a strong chance but it faces strong competition from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Those who follow the Oscar awards will know that the Academy has always got a soft spot for biopics. Actors who have portrayed real-life characters on screen have also been acknowledged with the best actor trophy in most instances.
So it comes as no surprise that Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS has clinched 8 nominations including Best Picture. One can't ignore the fact that ELVIS has rightfully earned its spot in several categories by the sheer brilliance of the plot, its implementation on screen, Luhrman's vision, and lead actor Austin Butler's stupendous performance as King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley...
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS cinematographer Mandy Walker Wins: ‘ELVIS’ Director of Photography Mandy Walker made history becoming the first woman to win the top honors at the American Society of Cinematographers Awards.
The crowd at the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom erupted with applause and gave Walker a lengthy standing ovation as her name was called.
The Australian cinematographer the enthusiastic applause, “This is for all the women that win this award after me. This is an inclusive, representative community,” adding, “I didn’t cry, I thought I was going to cry.”
She thanked director Baz Luhrmann for allowing her to “create magic with him;” Catherine Martin for her “support and inspiration; and her crew for “dancing with the camera and flying with the camera” during Austin Butler’s performance as ELVIS.
Walker’s bold lensing of ELVIS topped a field that included ASC International Award recipient Darius Khondji for Bardo, Claudio Miranda for Top Gun: Maverick, Roger Deakins for Empire of Light and Greig Fraser for The Batman. (News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
Movie producer Gail Berman talks 'ELVIS': The Hollywood Reporter recently interviewed ELVIS co-producer Gail Berman.
Gail Berman co-produced Award winning 'ELVIS' along with Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss. She has served as president of Paramount Pictures and the Producers Guild of America, produced major Theatre and TV series but 'ELVIS' is her first-ever Oscar nomination.
She explained, "My staff and I were sitting around saying, “Wouldn’t it be cool to do something with Elvis? But what could it be that would really move the ball forward and tell the story in a way it hadn’t been told before?” Baz Luhrmann’s name popped up in the conversation. I was like, “That’s it. Baz, his use of music, his examination of America …” I called Baz’s agent and a few days later he called back and said Baz thought it was interesting. I went to see Baz and spent several hours with him. By then I had formed some additional thoughts, and I really sat and listened to him talk about it. He knew quite a bit about Elvis and quite a bit about how he would be interested in telling the story. It’s been an 11-year journey. I think when you go on a creative journey that lasts this long, it’s touching you in some way that you feel you’re going to hang on to in order to see it through to fruition. Not every project has that emotional tug. Q. What did the Oscar campaigning trail look like
from your end, and what was Lisa Marie’s involvement in the campaign?
Lisa, who was not involved in the making of the film, came to see the film and watched it alone in the Steve Ross Theater on the Warner Bros lot. It took her about five days after she watched it to really process her thoughts for Baz. May she rest in peace, she loved this movie. She thought, finally, the accurate portrayal of the beauty of the man and the beauty of the music and the beauty of the rebel had been told. She was very, very happy with it. Lisa decided, completely independent of us, that she wanted to be supportive of it, Austin and Baz, and she opened up her home at Graceland to us. Not only did we do a Memphis premiere at Graceland, but she threw a private event for us, a barbecue at Graceland where she opened up the Jungle Room to us to have a cocktail party and apparently that hadn’t been done in many, many years. She and her daughters were there. Everybody was incredibly supportive of this movie. We are all in a tremendous amount of sorrow to know that we lost her. I have known her only during this period of time. She was a lovely person, soft-spoken and extremely excited about this movie. Her love really permeated all of us. It was very heartbreaking — to hear the news was just devastating to all of us. Q. Aside from the best picture nomination, which obviously is the biggest one, there are seven other noms for this film. Which are you most excited about?
OK, let’s talk about the three women: Mandy Walker, our cinematographer, only the third woman ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for cinematography. No woman has ever won. I am extremely excited
about that. Working with Catherine Martin — costume, production design. We have three women involved in this movie that have had an amazingly long journey together. I’m the third girl. That has been an amazing experience for me, to get to know and get to work with these women. Now, of course, we’re thrilled to be in the mix on all of it, editorially, musically, etc. But I have to say that for me, the journey of these three women is a separate journey that I have really enjoyed being on.
The photo shows Luhrmann with Catherine Martin, Mandy Walker and Gail Berman (right)
go here to HR for full story (News, Source;HR/ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 1 March 2023
'Why Elvis should win the best picture Oscar': Something to enthuse ELVIS fans and film lovers... from the popular UK newspaper The Guardian .. "Why Elvis should win the best picture Oscar."
... Only in the flimsiest, most surface-level sense is 'ELVIS' a biopic – it takes profound, drastically misrepresentative liberties with the truths of Elvis’s life – and in name alone is Butler actually playing Presley.
The film, and Butler’s performance, are far greater than that: he is playing Presley as he exists in the cultural imagination, the man who saved American culture and who could unite American politics, a kind of messianic figure who had to use his God-given power to rebuild a world in flux. In other words, he is essentially playing Superman – and Elvis, true to that, plays like Luhrmann’s concession to a superhero film, filled with two-faced enemies creeping in the shadows and shady lobbies looking to thwart our hero at every turn.
Luhrmann clearly felt his job here was not to hew closely to reality (when has that ever been his job?) but to make viewers understand the gravity of Presley’s power, and he does so by making every scene feel like a deepfaked TikTok, the lingua franca of the early 2020s. Big Mama Thornton’s voice ripples into Doja Cat’s; Kacey Musgraves emanates from an AM radio; the phrase “In the Ghetto Remix featuring Nardo Wick”, pure gibberish before 2022, begins to take on great meaning.
For younger generations, Presley can feel a little like a caricature or a museum piece, and as ludicrous as some of Luhrmann’s choices may seem on paper, they genuinely help convey the singer’s reach and significance in a way that a more reverential director would have struggled with.
Crucially... Luhrmann builds the film’s central narrative around Presley’s relationship with Parker and uses it to tell a story about art’s thorny interaction with commerce. ELVIS was made about a decade after Luhrmann’s last feature, and in that time the kind of films he built his name on – innovative, auteurist but undeniably mainstream blockbusters – have been all but decimated by plasticky, characterless sequels and superhero films. The relationship between Presley and Parker is a perfect site for him to unpick the contradictions of
mainstream art: Presley is hardly at the height of his power without Parker’s mercantile instincts, which gave him the broadest audience possible; at the same time, it’s those instincts that ultimately destroy him.
Luhrmann clearly sees the middle ground between rampant commercialisation and wilful obscurantism as something vital and valuable, practically sanctified and ELVIS, for all its ridiculousness and pomp, makes a case for why. - Go here for the full article (News, Source;Guardian/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Costume Designers Guild Award 2023 Winner: The Costume Designers Guild Awards based in L.A. is one of the annual awards given by the Costume Designers Guild.
The 1998 inaugural awards year combined period, fantasy and contemporary films.
This year's 25th Costume Designers Guild Award winners presented on FEB 27, included ELVIS, ‘Wednesday’ and ‘House of the Dragon’.
Other winners at the 25th CDGAs were 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' 'Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,' 'The Crown' and 'Glass Onion.
"Congrats to Catherine Martin and the entire ELVIS costume design team!
Your work meticulously crafting threads to recreate the iconic looks from Elvis Presley's life and career spanning three decades has won Excellence in Period Film at this year’s Costume Designers Guild Awards!"
(News, Source;ELVISMovie/ElvisInfoNet)
Lisa Marie / Austin Butler Interview: Here is a delightful and important reminder of what a kind soul Lisa Marie was and how important ELVIS was to her.
Looking in good form, Lisa Marie laughs and joked through the interview and her genuine friendship with Austin Butler is self-evident.
In the ABC interview Lisa Marie comments, "First watching the movie I was gripping my chair scared to death.. Baz Lurhmann is a wild card, I didn't know Austin yet, I didn't know what Baz was doing, I didn't know what I was in for."
"I feel so protective of Austin, I don't want anybody saying anything about him in a negative way" EIN thanks Ed Gibbs for the word-up (News, Source;EG/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 20 February 2023
‘ELVIS’ wins four BAFTAs: Austin Butler continued his awards success by scooping up the BAFTA Film Award for Best Actor during Sunday’s ceremony.
The BAFTA Awards are Britain’s "Academy Awards" and are closely checked for hints of who may win at the Oscars on March 12.
Lurhmann’s ELVIS also won 3 other trophies for Casting, Costume Design (Catherine Martin) and Best Hair and Makeup. ELVIS was also nominated for Best Editing which went to 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', as well as 'Best Sound' and 'Best Film' both of which went to 'All Quiet on the Western Front'.
Austin Butler thanked the Presley family, "I cannot thank you guys enough for your love, and for sharing with me who Elvis truly was.love and for sharing with me who Elvis truly was.”
He said, “I hope I made you proud. This means the world to me.”
Speaking afterwards Butler said: "It's been a really unimaginably tragic time, you know, and grief is a long process. And so my heart and my love was with them always. I feel honoured to have been welcomed into the family. It's a bittersweet time."
Butler's comments come as the battle over the estate of the late Lisa Marie continues between Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough, who is the sole executor of the estate.
The BAFTA win for Butler’s portrayal of “the king of rock ‘n’ roll” added to the actor’s award season momentum.
Butler is nominated for a best actor Oscar for “ELVIS” and won a best actor Golden Globe for the performance in January. He is also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Australia's Cate Blanchett won Best Actress for her role in “Tár.” (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' dominates Guild Awards: Baz Luhrmann's 'Elvis' dominated the night this Saturday at the 10th annual Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards. The ceremony was held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in California.
ELVIS took the top spot as the film won awards in two categories:
Best Period and/or Character Make-Up ELVIS - Shane Thomas, Angela Conte
Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling ELVIS - Shane Thomas, Louise Coulston
(News, Source: WIO News)
Tuesday 14 February 2023 - - - - HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY - - - -
"Just A Boy From Tupelo": Warners bros delightful 30 minute promo video "Just A Boy From Tupelo: Bringing ELVIS to the Big Screen" has now been posted on YouTube.
Director Baz Luhrmann, actors Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, and others explore the life and legacy of Elvis Presley and the making of the acclaimed hit film, ELVIS.
EIN believes it a disgrace that Baz Luhrmann's unique style of movie directing did not score him an Oscar nomination with nods instead going to others far more run-of-the-mill. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' wins Lumiere Awards: Austin Butler and Baz Luhrmann reunite at L.A's Advanced Imaging Society's 13th annual Lumiere Awards. The awards are in honor of creative and technical achievements. ELVIS scored the 'Best Motion Picture' (Musical) and 'Best Musical Scene Or Sequence' as well as the 'Harold Lloyd Award' which recognizes directors who've used technology as a tool to empower their storytelling.
Chairman Suzanne Lloyd noted, "Baz Luhrmann’s innovative style illuminates something much deeper about the zeitgeist of the world at a particular moment. His incredible artistry and work on Elvis represents a bold new forefront for technical, emotional, and memorable cinematic achievement. We are thrilled to honor him with this award." ELVIS has earned eight nominations at the 95th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Butler, that will be handed out during the ceremony on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Following its wide release last June the film has grossed $287.3 million on an $85 million budget. 'ELVIS' has recently received the American Film Institute Award for Top 10 Films Of The Year, as well as Austin Butler getting 'Best Actor' at the Golden Globes last month. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 6 February 2023
'ELVIS' did not win another Grammy!: In a poor turn of events for Elvis' new award season, the Baz Luhrmann movie 'ELVIS' sadly missed out on snagging another Grammy for our hero.
Up for two Grammys
In 'Best Compilation Soundtrack' 'ELVIS" was beaten by the winner "Encanto"
For 'Best rap performance' Doja Cat - 'Vegas'(photo right) was disappointingly beaten by Kendrick Lamar, 'The Heart Part 5' At the 2023 Grammy Awards 'Album of the year' was awarded to Harry Styles 'Harry’s House' Best New Artist winner was Samara Joy
and 'Record of the year' was Lizzo with 'About Damn Time'
In other major news Beyoncé won her 32nd Grammy award, breaking record for most wins of all time.
She won for 'Best dance/electronic music album'
"I'm trying not to be too emotional," the superstar said as her husband Jay-Z stood and applauded her. (News, Source;Grammy/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 27 January 2023
Oscar-Nominated ELVIS is Returning to US Theaters For A Limited Run: Following announcement of its 8 Academy Award nominations, Baz Luhrmann's biopic is returning to US cinemas for a limited run.
The Austin Butler-led film was a surprise box office success the first time around, and now the flick is headed back to the big screen from Friday, January 27, 2023.
It's typical for Best Picture nominees to make their way back to theaters ahead of the Academy Awards telecast, but in an especially cinematic year, ELVIS in particular is a movie that deserves to be caught in theaters. The overstuffed, campy, colorful 2-hour and 39-minute film stars Butler (who also earned an Oscar nomination today) alongside Tom Hanks in one of the latter's oddest performances ever. Hanks plays Colonel Tom Parker, the singer's manipulative manager who witnesses the rise and fall (and rise and fall again) of the famed rock star.
The film earned the distinct honor of becoming the highest-grossing film of 2022 that was not a part of an existing franchise and is the second highest grossing biopic globally, behind the Freddie Mercury / Queen release, Bohemian Rhapsody. (News, Source: slashfilm.com)
Not everyone liked the ELVIS biopic!: On the subject of the Elvis film, the Washington Post recently published an article about the "22 movies critics hated in 2022"; ELVIS was on the list: .. Elvis (PG-13) - “The result is a dizzying, almost hallucinatory experience- akin to being thrown into a washing machine and mercilessly churned for 2½ hours. That isn’t to say that ‘Elvis’ doesn’t provide moments of insight, or even genuine inspiration; it’s just that they occur fitfully, when the viewer is briefly pasted up against the window before being plunged into the barrel of [writer-director Baz] Luhrmann’s lurid sensibility once again.” — Ann Hornaday Washington Post EIN would like to point out that Ms Hornaday does not like Baz Luhrmann’s films in general. Her review of the double Oscar winning Great Gatsby included the ludicrous, "Luhrmann has made a “Great Gatsby” for idiots; it’s more like he’s made it for infants, who prefer their nourishment pre-masticated and their stories pictorialized by way of bright, arresting images - baubles you can try to grab are always nice, and help develop fine motor skills."
As Luhrmann himself explained, "I don’t make subtle, naturalistic films I leave that to others. I like to challenge.
I like bright colours and very fast-edited cuts, surrealistic zooms and loud challenging soundtracks. I like to create a line and push the audience, I don't make movies for everyone and that's fine by me, they can always opt out" EIN thinks Ann Hornaday should stick to her favourite run-of-the-mill, boring mainstream directors instead. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 25 January 2023
ELVIS gets eight Oscar Nominations: The 2023 Academy Awards nominations were announced yesterday. Crowd-pleasing mind-bender Everything Everywhere All at Once led the pack with 11, followed by Netflix’s German war movie All Quiet on the Western Front and the Irish dark comedy The Banshees of Inisherinwith nine and ELVIS with eight.
Just two days after Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin attended the memorial service for Lisa Marie their grief carried even more emotion knowing that Lisa Marie would not see Elvis being nominated for eight Oscars including Best Picture.
The Australian director and his four-time Oscar winning wife are both producers of ELVIS which is also up for best actor, cinematography, costumes, production design, make-up and hairstyling, editing and sound at the 95th Academy Awards.
Other big grossing films Top Gun: Maverick, Black Panther: Wakanda Forver and Avatar: The Way of Water received 6, 5 and 4, respectively.
The 95th Oscars are on March 12 in Hollywood and televised live on ABC.
One of the real shocks was that Baz Luhrmann did not get nominated for Best Director. In the eyes of many this was creative robbery since the syrupy-schmaltzy-by-numbers 'The Fabelmans' saw Steven Spielberg getting a nod.
With Baz Luhrmann showing his stunning directorial style to-the-max with ELVIS, many wondered what was wrong with the Academy - Best Picture - “All Quiet on the Western Front” / “Avatar: The Way of Water” / “The Banshees of Inisherin” / 'ELVIS' / “Everything Everywhere All at Once” / “The Fabelmans” / “Tár” / “Top Gun: Maverick” / “Triangle of Sadness” / “Women Talking”
The other contenders and rivals could be
- Actor in a leading role Austin Butler (“Elvis”) up against Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”) - Cinematography ELVIS against “All Quiet on the Western Front” - Costume design ELVIS against “Babylon” - Film editing ELVIS against “Top Gun: Maverick” - Makeup and hairstyling ELVIS against “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” - Production design ELVIS against “All Quiet on the Western Front” - Sound ELVIS against “All Quiet on the Western Front” (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
UK BAFTA 2023 Nomimations: The British "Academy Awards" has announced its nominees for this year's film awards, which take place on 19 February. ELVIS,Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Banshees Of Inisherin, and All Quiet On The Western Front are among the films up for the 2023 BAFTA awards. Austin Butler, Colin Farrell, Ana de Armas, Viola Davis, Cate Blanchett, Brendan Fraser and Bill Nighy are among the acting nominees. 'All Quiet on the Western Front' emerged with the most nominations today securing 14 nods.
Baz Luhrmann's colourful biopic ELVIS earned nine nods. ELVIS has been nominated for .. BEST FILM, LEADING ACTOR (Austin Butler), CASTING (Nikki Barrett, Denise Chamian) , EDITING (Jonathan Redmond, Matt Villa), CINEMATOGRAPHY (Mandy Walker), MAKE UP & HAIR (Jason Baird, Mark Coulier, Louise Coulston, Shane Thoma), PRODUCTION DESIGN (Catherine Martin, Karen Murphy, Bev Dunn), COSTUME DESIGN (Catherine Martin), and SOUND.
Somewhat a surprise Baz Luhrmann was not nominated for Best Director. (News, Source;Paul A. Clarkson UK/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 14 January 2023
Lisa Marie Presley to be buried at Graceland: Lisa Marie Presley will be buried near her father and late son at the family's Tennessee estate, Graceland, according to a family representative.
The singer, who died after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest in her home Thursday, was 54 years old.
"Lisa Marie's final resting place will be at Graceland, next to her beloved son, Ben," a representative for her daughter said.
Presley's son, Benjamin Keough, took his own life in August 2020 aged 27.
In one of her final posts on social media, Lisa Marie shared an essay she wrote for People Magazine about her struggle with grief after her son's death.
"I've dealt with death, grief and loss since the age of 9 years old. I've had more than anyone's fair share of it in my lifetime and somehow, I've made it this far. Death is part of life whether we like it or not — and so is grieving."
She is survived by her three daughters, Riley Keough and twins Finley and Harper Lockwood and her mother, Priscilla. (News, Source;BBC)
EIN and all our readers are still in total shock: Her untimely death has been marked by touching reactions from family and friends... James Burton Family
- OUR HEARTS ARE BROKEN, WE HAVE BEEN CRYING SO HARD
This can't be true!!!!
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY ������
We know how hard it is to lose a Child & Mother ����
Lisa is now with Elvis & Benjamin in Heaven ✝️�� The James Burton Family��
Baz Luhrmann - “Over the last year, the entire Elvis movie family and I have felt the privilege of Lisa Marie’s kind embrace. Her sudden, shocking loss has devastated people all around the world. I know her fans everywhere join me in sharing prayers of love and support with her mother, Priscilla, and her wonderful daughters Riley, Finley and Harper,”
Austin Butler - "My heart is completely shattered. I am eternally grateful for the time I was lucky enough to be near her bright light and will forever cherish the quiet moments we shared. Her warmth, her love and her authenticity will always be remembered."
John Travolta - “Lisa baby girl, I’m so sorry. I’ll miss you but I know I’ll see you again”
Jerry Schilling - My heartfelt condolences to Lisa Marie's kids and family.
You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you the best and know that you have my full support at every moment.
Leah Remini - “I’m heartbroken over the passing of Lisa Marie Presley. Lisa did not have an easy life, as some might think. May she be at peace, resting with her son and father now.”
Rita Wilson / Tom Hanks - “Our hearts are broken with the sudden and shocking passing of Lisa Marie Presley tonight. Tom and I had spent some time with the family during the Elvis movie promotional tour. Lisa Marie was so honest and direct, vulnerable, in a state of anticipation about the movie. She spoke so eloquently about her father.”
Beach Boys Brian Wilson - “It’s hard to take when someone so young and full of life passes on. I feel so bad about Lisa Marie and I wish the best for her children and her family.”
Bette Midler - “Dear God, Lisa Marie has died; I’m in shock. So beautiful and only 54 years old; I can’t actually comprehend it.”
Nicolas Cage - This is devastating news. Lisa had the greatest laugh of anyone I ever met. She lit up every room, and I am heartbroken. I find some solace believing she is reunited with her son Benjamin.
Dolly Parton - Priscilla, I know how sad you must be. May God comfort you at this time. Elvis, I know how happy you must be to finally have her home and to have her back with you. Lisa Marie may you rest in peace. We all love all of you.
Yoko Ono - Rest in peace, beautiful Lisa Marie. Our love and deepest condolences go out to Priscilla, Riley, Finley and Harper and all the Presley family - our hearts are with you. love, yoko
Seán Ono Lennon - I had only met her a few times briefly. But I have to admit I felt a kinship with her. Not many people know what it’s like. I know she was a special person. My heart aches for Priscilla.
Julian Lennon - So sad to hear of Lisa Marie’s Passing….She was so lovely when I met her… My Heart goes out to Priscilla…. I’m so sorry ��
LeAnn Rimes - “How heartbreaking. i hope she is at peace in her dad’s arms. my heart goes out to her family. too much grief in just a couple of years."
Octavia Spencer - “So sad that we’ve lost another bright star in Lisa Marie Presley. My condolences to her loved ones and multitude of fans.”
Marlee Matlin - “I had the chance to know Priscilla Presley when I was on Dancing With the Stars and as a mother, I can’t imagine the pain she must be going through with the untimely passing of Lisa Marie.”
Pink -(below with Lisa Marie) - “Oh, this one hurts my heart. Lisa Marie, you were one of a kind. Funny as s**t, smart as a whip, sensitive, talented, witty, mean, loving, generous, judgmental but always right, loyal, and you adored your children. My heart breaks for you and your beautiful family and your children. The world lost a rare gem today. May your soul rest in peace, friend.”
Friday 13 January 2023
Lisa Marie Presley Has Died: In absolutely shocking news, Lisa Marie Presley only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, has died at the age of 54, after suddenly being hospitalised on Thursday.
Her 77-year-old mother confirmed Presley’s death later on Thursday night. “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us
She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known.
We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss.
Thank you for the love and prayers.
At this time there will be no further comment.”
Lisa Marie was rushed to hospital from her home in Calabasas, California, following a cardiac arrest.
Priscilla asked fans to keep her daughter in their prayers in a statement issued when the news first broke.
Photo: Daughter Riley-Keough, Lisa-Marie and Priscilla. (News, Source;AP/Presley)
Wednesday 11 January 2023
'ELVIS' wins Golden Globe!: So 'Elvis' did finally win another Golden Globe - "Take That Col Parker!" - but disappointingly not for Best Picture
It was Austin Butler who won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an actor for his performance in ELVIS and thanked Elvis Presley himself in his acceptance speech.
Butler said, "You were an icon and a rebel, and I love you so much. You are remembered and I will never forget you." and also thanked director Baz Luhrmann, co-star Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington for “championing me when you did not have to.”
Washington and Butler worked together in the Broadway revival of The Iceman Cometh, and Washington called Luhrmann to vouch for Butler.
Butler also thanked the Presley family, with Lisa Marie and Priscilla in attendance at the Tuesday night ceremony: “Thank you for opening your hearts, your memories, your home to me. Lisa Marie, Priscilla, I love you forever," he said as both women teared up, clearly emotional. Just as the music started playing as a hint for him to wrap it up and get off the stage Butler joked, "You could at least play 'Suspicious Minds' or something!"
Unfortunately Best Director and Best Picture went to Steven Spielberg and his film 'The Fabelmans' with the awards once
again supporting a rather disappointing, typically schmaltzy mainstream release.
The Golden Globes were back at the Beverly Hills Hilton after a year break following criticisms over a lack of diversity within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and a lawsuit filed by a reporter that accused HFPA members of accepting thousands of dollars in payoffs from industry awards campaigns.
Lisa Marie and Priscilla attended Golden Globe Awards in support of critically acclaimed ELVIS.
Lisa Marie was joined on the carpet by Jerry Schilling, now 80, Elvis' longtime friend and member of the so-called Memphis Mafia.
She sat with her mother Priscilla in the hotel ballroom during the awards ceremony and became emotional when Austin Butler, 31, won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture.
(News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
New exhibit "The Making of ELVIS" opens: Graceland's new exhibit about Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS film titled "The Making of ELVIS" opened for Elvis' birthday! The movie exhibition, done in partnership with Warner Bros., National Film and Sound Archives of Australia, and Baz Luhrmann, looks at the beginning of the creative process for the celebrated film and follows it through its journey to the big screen, taking the story from paper to film.
Highlights of the exhibition include behind-the-scenes videos of the making of the film, including videos shot while researching Memphis and Tupelo, during the set builds in Australia, and in rehearsals, plus handwritten notes, drafts of scripts, storyboards, and more.Props from the film, set pieces, and costumes and accessories worn by Austin Butler (Elvis), Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge (Priscilla) and other actors will also be on display, plus a look at the worldwide media frenzy surrounding the film.
GO to EPE-Graceland for more info (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS Wins Best Picture and Director at Capri, Hollywood Film Fest: Buz Luhrmann’s ELVIS has swept the Capri, Hollywood International Film Festival, including wins for Best Picture and Best Director.
The Italian 27th Capri Hollywood Fest awards were held at the Mercandante Theatre in Naples, Italy. ELVIS ended up wining eight prizes including Best Picture, Best Director, Makeup and Hairstyling and Production Design.
Sadly Austin Butler didn’t win Best Actor with the judges favouring Brendan Fraser for his comeback performance in The Whale.
Ana De Armas earned the Best Actress for her lead performance as Marilyn Monroe in Blonde while Angela Bassett earning the best supporting actress trophy for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
(News, Source;EP/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 6 January 2023
Elvis / Britney Spears ‘Toxic Las Vegas’ Mash-Up: As part of Elvis Presley’s birthday celebration, Jamieson Shaw has remixed the ‘Viva Las Vegas’ singer with Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ for one epic mashup.
Three months ago Baz Luhrmann explained that he was working on releasing the fan-favorite ‘Toxic Las Vegas’ remix from his recent film ELVIS which fuses Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” with Spears’ 2003 hit, “Toxic.”
Luhrmann said, “There’s a lot of love, a lot of intense love for the Britney / Elvis track in the movie, and it’s my commitment to release the song”.
The remix appears in the scene depicting a montage of Presley’s Hollywood career throughout the Sixties.
It quickly massed views on YouTube and TikTok with one fan version getting 100+million views on TikTok.
Hollywoodzone states "The song is a bonafide club banger, with Elvis leading the first verse singing over Britney’s unforgettable beat. “Bright light city, bright light city, gonna set my soul on fire,” he croons. Spliced vocals of Britney’s “can’t calm down” lyric from “Toxic” then cut in as Elvis continues over the beat for a memorable and infectious track." (News, Source;Sony;Hollywoodzone/EIN)
'Just a Boy from Tupelo' HBO-Max birthday Special: 'Just a Boy from Tupelo: Bringing Elvis to the Big Screen' is a new exclusive 30-minute special on the making of Baz Luhrmann's epic movie about the King of Rock and Roll that will screen on HBO Max on Elvis’ Birthday, Sunday January 8th.
HBO-Max notes, 'Just a Boy from Tupelo' offers viewers the opportunity to see the phenomenon that was Elvis Presley and the making of Baz Luhrmann's film, ELVIS.
The special appears to be different from the bonus features included in the Blu-ray release of Elvis.
HBO Max is also streaming the HBO documentary Elvis Presley: The Searcher, 1964 movie Viva Las Vegas, plus Elvis: That's The Way It Is (1970) and Elvis on Tour (1972).
The new documentary is part of Warner Bros big awards season push for ELVIS, which could be one of the few blockbuster hits nominated for the Best Picture Oscar this year.
Warner Bros is also hosting free screenings of ELVIS in 10 US cities on Jan. 8, as well as a special screening at Graceland in Memphis.
Luhrmann and actor Austin Butler have recorded a new introduction.
The ELVIS movie is also showing as birthday special in selected Australian cinemas. ELVIS is the highest-grossing original movie of 2022, with $286 million globally. Only about 52% of its total came from North America, so its success proves that Presley is still a global phenomenon. The film is nominated for three Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture – Drama. Butler and Luhrmann were also nominated for Best Actor and Best Director, respectively. The movie's soundtrack also picked up a Grammy nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. (News, Source;BusinessWire/EIN)
Tuesday 27 December 2022
Austin Butler on Saturday Night Live: EIN meant to include this on Christmas Day but it slipped away in a flash of reindeers!
Austin Butler's recent appearance on SNL was a smash hit and the ELVIS star was hilarious in his debut. The final “Saturday Night Live” of 2022 proved doubly emotional, as it was announced mere hours before the episode aired that it would be Cecily Strong’s final “SNL.” She said her own goodbye earlier but an iconic moment was born towards the end of the show as Austin Butler transitioned into the Elvis classic Blue Christmas... 'And I know I speak for everyone else when I say, 'I'll have a Blue Christmas without you...' and sang “Blue Christmas” as a farewell to Strong and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
As the song wound down to a close, a tearful Cecily gave a hug to Austin and to her other fellow cast members as she bid them all a final farewell on stage.
The track was a perfect way to end the SNL episode, but Austin Butler was a brilliant success as a debut host on the show, beginning with his opening monologue where he choked up as he paid tribute to his late mother.
The former Disney channel star stepped onto the decorated stage as the audience excitedly welcomed him with a cheerful applause at the beginning of the episode.
He opted for a sleek, black suit comprising of a double-breasted jacket and loose-fitting slacks.
The star chose to not add a shirt underneath the jacket for a stylish flare.
You can see all the Highlights here via NBC Insider (News, Source;NBC/ElvisInfoNet)
Remember who else played Elvis on screen?: The LA Times recently posted... Three years after Rami Malik won an Academy Award for playing Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Orange County native Austin Butler has been generating Academy Award buzz for channelling Elvis Presley in the Baz Luhrman-directed bio-spectacle ELVIS. In the lavish production, Butler’s Elvis shakes, rattles and rolls in all the right places, but he’s hardly the first actor to walk a mile in the King’s jumpsuit.
Here’s a look at six eye-popping on-screen portrayals of Elvis Presley, with at least another half-dozen out there.
Photo, clockwise from bottom left: Kurt Russell and Season Hubley from TV’s “Elvis”; Stephanie Zimbalist and Don Johnson from “Elvis and the Beauty Queen”; Jonathan Rhys Meyers from CBS’ miniseries “Elvis”; Austin Butler from Warner Bros movie “ELVIS”; Michael Shannon in “Elvis & Nixon”; Harvey Keitel in “Finding Graceland.”
Austin Butler in ELVIS (2022) Singing: Butler does most of his own singing on the pre-1960s material, recording his vocals in the same Nashville studio favored by Presley back in the day. For Las Vegas-era Elvis, Butler lip-syncs to Presley recordings. Dancing: To master Elvis’ rubber-legged wiggles and wobbles, Butler worked with British movement coach Polly Bennett, who also trained Malik for “Bohemian Rhapsody.” All dressed up: Butler moves through more than 90 costume changes, from Young Elvis in pink blazer to the black leather outfit from Presley’s 1968 TV “Comeback Special,” culminating in the ‘70s era Las Vegas jumpsuit from designer Bill Belew. Significant other: Manager Col Parker (Tom Hanks) stunted Elvis’ artistic growth with a rapacious contract that contributed to the star’s tragic later years. Credit where it’s due: Little Richard (Alton Mason), Big Mama Thornton (Shonka Dukureh), Sister Rosetta Tharpe (Yola), B.B. King (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Arthur Crudup (Gary Clark Jr.) demonstrate how Black artists inspired early Elvis covers like “That’s All Right” and “Hound Dog.” Preparation: Butler studied with numerous vocal coaches and dialect experts for two years before production began.
Michael Shannon in “Elvis & Nixon” (2016) Singing: Shannon’s Elvis does not sing. Dancing: He does not dance. However, this Elvis does show off karate moves in the Oval Office. All dressed up: Shannon wears a jet-black pompadour wig, black pants, gold belt, white shirt with spread collar and a cape-like black jacket in near-perfect emulation of the clothes worn by Presley in a photo op with Nixon that would become the National Archives’ most requested photograph. Significant other: Sidekick Jerry Schilling wrote a memoir detailing this stranger-than-fiction 1970 incident. In the film, Schilling (Alex Pettyfer) and Johnny Knoxville’s Sonny dramatize the essential role played by Presley’s “Memphis Mafia” entourage. Gunplay: Elvis opens fire on a TV set at Graceland. Later, he shocks White House security guards by casually opening a briefcase loaded with pistols. Preparation: Shannon visited Elvis’ tiny bedroom in Memphis’ Lauderdale Court public housing complex. Standing 6 feet 3, the actor focused less on physical verisimilitude and more on the star’s soft-spoken offstage demeanor.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers in “Elvis” miniseries (2005) Singing: Rhys Meyers lip-syncs to original Elvis Presley recordings. Dancing: Rhys Meyers pulls off one of Young Elvis’ most audacious moves by skidding across the stage on his knees like he’s sliding into home base. All dressed up: A shimmering 1958 gold-leaf suit highlights a 1958 performance of “Blue Suede Shoes” at Chicago‘s International Amphitheatre. Significant other: “I didn’t think of Elvis as the King of rock ‘n’ roll,” Rhys Meyers once said in an interview with Larry King. “I thought of him as a poor, talented boy from Tupelo, Miss., who wanted to buy his mother a house.” Preparation: The Irish actor visited Graceland and met with members of Presley’s family. Rhys Meyers previously portrayed another charismatic musician, with his David Bowie-like role in 1998’s “Velvet Goldmine.”
Harvey Keitel in “Finding Graceland” (1998) Singing: Keitel lip-syncs “Suspicious Minds” to a performance by an uncredited vocalist that bears little resemblance to Presley’s actual singing voice. Dancing: Stocky 5-foot-7 Keitel puts everything he’s got into Elvis’ signature windmill gestures and hip thrusts. All dressed up: Keitel’s “Elvis” wears a spangly blue jumpsuit for the movie’s climactic musical sequence. Suspension of disbelief: Keitel’s drifter, claiming to be the not-really-dead Elvis Presley, hitches a ride to Memphis and dispenses home-spun wisdom along the way to his new friend (Johnathon Schaech). Telling quote: Before Keitel’s nervous Elvis walks on stage, a friend advises: “If you forget any of the words just do some karate.”
Don Johnson in “Elvis and the Beauty Queen” (1981) Singing: Three years before he found his alpha-male groove as Sonny Crockett in “Miami Vice,” Johnson lip-syncs in this TV movie to country singer Ronnie McDowell’s performance of the 1972 ballad “Separate Ways.” Dancing: Minimal. All dressed up: White jumpsuit in public. Wide-collar shirts, half-buttoned, in private. Significant other: Melodrama trumps music in this story about Elvis’ tumultuous relationship with Miss Memphis State University Linda Thompson (Stephanie Zimbalist) in the 1970s. Gunplay: “A hotel room is not an appropriate place for target practice,” Thompson scolds Elvis after shots are fired.
Kurt Russell in “Elvis” (1979) Singing: Russell lip-syncs to his rockabilly-style “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and a raft of other Presley songs voiced by go-to sound-alike Ronnie McDowell. Dancing: Well-placed hip shakes help Russell as Elvis sell “Blue Suede Shoes.” All dressed up: Sequined jumpsuits in public. Silk shirts open at the neck in private. Significant other: Priscilla Presley (Season Hubley) struggles to keep Elvis focused as he prepares for his first appearance at Las Vegas’ International Hotel after 10 years away from the stage. Preparation: At age 10, child actor Russell, in character, kicked Presley in the shins on the set of “It Happened at the World’s Fair.” Between takes, Russell tossed a football around with the affable star.
EIN Note: Some of the other portrayals of Elvis on screen include Michael St. Gerard (“early” Elvis mini-series), Dale Midkiff (Elvis and Me), David Keith (Heartbreak Hotel), George Thomas (Memphis Rising: Elvis Returns aka Elvis From Outer Space (….in which Sonny West plays himself), Rob Youngblood (Elvis and the Colonel….the Colonel was played by Beau Bridges), Jacob Elordi (in the upcoming film, Priscilla). (News, Source: Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times/EIN)
Luhrmann explains Tom Hanks’ accent in 'ELVIS': Director Baz Luhrmann knows that Elvis fans thinks Tom Hanks’ accent as Col Parker in 'ELVIS' is rather strange or O-T-T.
However during a recent interview Luhrmann explains that it was all according to plan.
“We were consciously getting audiences to lean forward and go, ‘What the hell is that all about?’
It was a gambit worthy of Hanks’ character in the film, Colonel Tom Parker. Parker, who is both the narrator and villain of the film, is a “snowman,” an expert at luring in audiences, giving them a show and leaving them with empty wallets and smiles on their faces.
And the accent certainly seemed to help lure in audiences. ELVIS ranks #11 for US box office gross in 2022 and is the highest-grossing original movie, not an adaptation or sequel, on the list.
But Hanks’ idiosyncratic speaking style isn’t just a marketing tactic. It is also a product of Luhrmann’s
marketing tactic. It is also a product of Luhrmann’s intensive research into Presley’s life, which he says began in earnest about a decade ago. One memorable sequence, in which shots of Butler’s Presley and the real Presley are intercut was created five years ago, Luhrmann says. His research involved multiple trips to Graceland, and among the materials Luhrmann unearthed was a series of recordings of Parker, which included some “very strange vocalizations.”
“One moment he’d be sort of speaking like Bela Lugosi, and the next moment he’d be sort of speaking with thith lithp like Elmer Fudd a bit, but with this kind of strange cadence... And so the thing was to lay crumbs, enough for people to go, like, ‘What’s that all about?’”
Parker’s accent is not just a mystery for audiences. It’s also a puzzle for everyone in the film but the snowman himself.
“I was just a boy from Huntington, West Virginia,” Colonel Tom Parker protests in one scene, with a decidedly un-West Virginian affectation.
The revelation of Parker’s origins, about three-quarters of the way through “Elvis,” comes as a shock. Even with the bizarre accent,
facial prosthetics and fat suit, Tom Hanks is, after all, Tom Hanks. His charisma shines through, lulling both viewers and Butler’s vulnerable Presley into a state of trusting bemusement. Hanks’ tremendous skills and reputation made him the ideal person to bring the complex colonel to life, Luhrmann says.
“I always say that Col Parker was a bit like a clown with a chain saw, playing games. And the gigantean scale of the character needed a really, really, really brave and gigantean actor. There’s no bigger actor in some regards than Tom Hanks because you know he’s such a great actor, he will step up to the plate.”
It’s a role that Hanks, who is from the East Bay, was reportedly eager to accept.
“It was a 15-minute conversation because he was dying to do something that would unsettle,” Luhrmann says, adding that the unsettling character of Parker was central to his vision for “Elvis.”
'The movie is not a music biopic!' Luhrmann says. He compares ELVIS to 1984’s 'Amadeus', where the film explored the theme of jealousy through the character of Antonio Salieri and his perceived rivalry with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Luhrmann wanted “Elvis” to explore the relationship between greed and art.
“I only wanted to deal with it in a Shakespearean sense of using someone’s life to explore a larger idea. I knew that Elvis was great because he’s at the crosshairs of culture at the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, but I couldn’t find the ‘in’ for the larger idea until I really started to double down on Parker.” (News, Source: VictoriaSepulveda/SFGate.com/EIN)
Sunday 18 December 2022
'ELVIS' at Critics Choice Awards 2023: Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS has received seven nominations for the 2023 Critics Choice Awards. In comparison art-house 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' got 14 nominations as the highest among films in contention for the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards for Film.
ELVIS got seven nominations including Best Actor for Austin Butler and Director for Baz Luhrmann.
The winners will be revealed at the star-studded Critics Choice Awards gala on Sunday, January 15.
-- BEST PICTURE ELVIS
-- BEST ACTOR Austin Butler – Elvis
-- BEST DIRECTOR Baz Luhrmann – Elvis
-- BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN Catherine Martin, Karen Murphy, Bev Dunn – Elvis
-- BEST EDITING Matt Villa, Jonathan Redmond – Elvis
-- BEST COSTUME DESIGN Catherine Martin – Elvis
-- BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP ELVIS (News, Source;Baz/ElvisinfoNet)
ELVIS for more Golden Globes?: Now confirmed ELVIS is up for three Golden Globes. NBC will host the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 10, 2023. Best Motion Picture (Drama) ELVIS (Warner Bros.)
“The Fabelmans” (Universal Pictures)
“Top Gun: Maverick” (Paramount Pictures)
“Tár” (Focus Features)
“Avatar: The Way of Water” (20th Century Studios) Best Actor in a Leading Role Austin Butler — ELVIS
Brendan Fraser — “The Whale”
Bill Nighy — “Living”
Hugh Jackman — “The Son”
Will Smith — “Emancipation” Best Director Baz Luhrmann — ELVIS
"ELVIS" could win another Golden Globe! Suck on that Tom Parker!
50 years ago in 1973 'Elvis On Tour' won the Best Documentary Film at the 30th Golden Globe Awards.
(News, Source;BazL/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 11 December 2022
ELVIS for more Golden Globes?: Variety have recently posted their predictions for the up-coming Golden Globe Awards. NBC will host the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 10, 2023.
Recognizing both film and TV the nominees will be announced tomorrow Monday Dec 12.
Variety expects Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS to be a contender!
Variety nomination predictions. Best Motion Picture (Drama) ELVIS (Warner Bros.)
“The Fabelmans” (Universal Pictures)
“Top Gun: Maverick” (Paramount Pictures)
“Tár” (Focus Features)
“Avatar: The Way of Water” (20th Century Studios) Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) Austin Butler — ELVIS
Brendan Fraser — “The Whale”
Bill Nighy — “Living”
Hugh Jackman — “The Son”
Will Smith — “Emancipation” Best Director Baz Luhrmann — ELVIS
Steven Spielberg — “The Fabelmans”
Martin McDonagh — “The Banshees of Inisherin”
James Cameron — “Avatar: The Way of Water”
Gina Prince-Bythewood — “The Woman King” "ELVIS" could win another Golden Globe! Suck on that Tom Parker!
50 years ago in 1973 'Elvis On Tour' won the Best Documentary Film at the 30th Golden Globe Awards. (News, Source;Variety/ElvisInfoNet)
Possible Baz Luhrmann Austin Butler Full ‘Elvis’ Concert: A story we missed from 2 weeks ago. ELVIS director Baz Luhrmann has mentioned his 4-hour director's cut in the past but last week he ignited more anticipation by revealing that he may edit a complete Austin Butler’s full concert performance.
While Butler’s on-stage performances were tighlty edited for the film Luhrmann did film the majority of the concerts in full just as the real Elvis Presley did. Luhrmann now says that he wants fans to see Butler’s uninterrupted concerts.
Luhrmann recently told IndieWire, “It’s a directors’ assembly. It’s not a cut. There’s a whole lot of material that adds up to four hours… Austin did his concerts in full. He did all the numbers. Austin just did it and it was an out of body experience to watch him do those full concerts, so one day I will cut those full concerts together.
I thought it would be great for fans to have the experience we had, which is to watch Austin do the entire concert. So I can’t say exactly when because I have got to get through this, but I can say one thing: there will be a day when we do that concert version.”
Austin Butler first earlier revealed that Luhrmann filmed full concert-length performances of him in character as Elvis Presley. “We weren’t going to have a moment where suddenly we’re talking about acting. So I would come on stage, like in Vegas, do the entire concert, curtain comes down, I walk off. So every time the audience is getting the experience of the show. And if we would cut for any reason, I would entertain the crowd as Elvis.”
Luhrmann has however noted that any potential four-hour “Elvis” cut would take another four to six months to edit and he’s simply too tired right now to finish it. The earliest the director could see
himself starting to work on the four-hour ELVIS would be in 2025. ELVIS became a breakout 2022 hit for Warner Bros getting thunderous standing ovations at Film Festivals worldwide and earning $284 million at the worldwide box ffice. The musical biopic outgrossed 'The Great Gatsby' at the US box office making it the highest-grossing US earner of Luhrmann’s career so far. (News, Source;Indiewire/ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 8 December 2022
'ELVIS' dominates Australian Oscars:- Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' won an incredible 11 Australian 'Oscars' at this week's annual Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards. The Australian Academy awards are a mix of Industry and Audience Choice selected trophies. ELVIS was nominated in 15 categories and took home a stunning 11 trophies: Take that Col Parker!! o Best Film – ELVIS
o Best Direction in Film – Baz Luhrmann
o Best Actor – Austin Butler
o Best Supporting Actress Olivia deJonge
o Best Cinematography– Mandy Walker*
o Best Costume Design– Catherine Martin
o Best Production Design – Catherine Martin, Karen Murphy and Beverley Dunn
o Best Editing – Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond
o Best Sound – David Lee, Wayne Pashley, Andy Nelson, Michael Keller
o Best Hair and Makeup – Shane Thomas, Louise Coulston, Mark Coulier, Jason Baird
o Best Visual Effects or Animation – Tom Wood, Fiona Crawford, Julian Hutchens, Joshua Simmonds, Adam Hammond * Mandy Walker smashed a glass ceiling at the Australian AACTA Awards by winning for best cinematography – a feat no woman has ever achieved in Australia, or in the history of the Oscars and British academy awards.
In addition two-time US Oscar winner Catherine Martin (Luhrmann’s partner on and off stage) received the prestigious AACTA Longford Lyell Award in recognition of her vast contribution to enriching Australian cinema and TV. It is the highest honor that the Australian Academy can bestow on an individual.
The categories where ELVIS was also nominated but unsuccessful in getting top honor, were Best Screenplay, Best Casting, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Original Score.
Coincidentally, also unsuccessful in the Best Original Score category was Tom Holkenborg for Three Thousand Years of Longing – Tom is better known to Elvis fans as Junkie XL, the DJ who remixed the global smash hit, A Little Less Conversation (Elvis vs JXL) in 2002.
EIN was the only Elvis fan club organisation to get an interview with Tom (Junkie XL) at the time. You can read the interview here. (News, Source:GarryMaddoxSMH/ElvisInfoNet)
'I Will Always Love You' cut from ELVIS biopic: There is a poignant scene in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis where Austin Butler’s character says the words, “I will always love you.” It’s a shot that comes toward the end of the film, and Luhrmann describes it as the film’s actual death scene.
But in a recent conversation for Variety with cinematographer, Mandy Walker, Luhrmann revealed a scene of Butler singing Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” that didn’t make the final cut.
After Elvis and Priscilla Presley break up, Elvis drops off their daughter, Lisa Marie, at the airport. The couple have a short heart-to-heart in the back of a Pullman Mercedes, and it’s a heartbreaking moment that foreshadows Elvis’ death and examines his isolation. As Elvis walks up the stairs leaving his family behind, that to Luhrmann was the film’s death scene.
“The script was pretty long, but I always wanted another moment where Priscilla came back into his life and that they were friends. In a way when he walks on that plane and it takes off, we don’t need to see him die, he’s dead,” the director says.
He explains Dolly Parton had always wanted Elvis to sing the song, “but the Colonel interceded and he never recorded it.”
Parton states that Elvis was set to record the track but “The night before the session, Col Parker called me and said, ‘You know, we don’t record anything with Elvis unless we have at least half the publishing.’ I said, ‘I can’t do that.’ And he said, ‘Well, then we can’t do it.’ And I cried all night, because I’d just pictured Elvis singing it. I know it wasn’t his decision, but it’s true. I said no.”
Luhrmann explains the scene was a special moment because it was coming toward the end of the shoot: “Austin sang ‘I Will Always Love You’ in the back of the car. The scene begins with Priscilla saying, ‘It’s a beautiful song,’ and he says, ‘Yeah, Dolly wants me to sing it, but the Colonel…’” However, the moment wouldn’t work for the scene and the film, so it was cut.
Luhrmann reveals, “When Austin got out of the car, he looks across at Priscilla and says that line, so that’s where it comes from.”
The filmmaker credits production designer Catherine Martin (also the film’s costume designer…see news item above) for getting a rare Pullman Mercedes for the scene. The production found one in Melbourne, Australia, and had it shipped to the film’s location shoot.
But Luhrmann and the production faced another obstacle: They were running out of time and he wanted to shoot the sequence on the tarmac at an airport. “We just didn’t know how we would fit it into the schedule. We couldn't drive the car so it’s my guy, Fletch, pulling the car with a piece of rope. There’s no plane and no tarmac. Just a wind machine and the actors,” he said. Check the ELVIS Airport scene on YouTube. (News, Source:Variety/EIN)
Wednesday 30 November 2022
Oscars: ‘Elvis’ Gets Rapturous Standing Ovation at Academy Screening: Some people thought I was crazy declaring Baz Luhrmann’s “ELVIS” an Oscar contender way back in May, but I saw something in this film that made me believe it would be immensely liked by AMPAS voters.
Fact of the matter is that for all of the artful ambition Luhrmann paints his films with, he’s first and foremost a man of the people. He makes movies for the mainstream and that can be seen not just in “Elvis,” but also “Moulin Rouge,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Strictly Ballroom” and “Romeo & Juliet.” All of these were crowd pleasers. So it’s not really that surprising to learn that “Elvis” had a rousing screening for Oscar voters on Saturday. There were standing ovations throughout the film. When Luhrmann and Austin Butler’s names appeared on-screen the crowd roared. It felt like a concert rather than a movie screening.
The film has made around $286 million worldwide, and has more than tripled its $85 million budget. It’s also one of the few major studio films of this
past summer to have earned mostly positive reviews (along with “Nope,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “The Black Phone”). “ELVIS” is not the train wreck a few critics would have had you believe. Luhrmann’s biopic is a flashy, and does make you feel pummelled by the end of its 159 minute runtime, but it’s not unworthy. There’s real passion in the delivery. Luhrmann clearly knows the essence, the legend, of Elvis Presley, and what made him such a paradigm-shifting figure immediately after his first single “That’s All Right Mama” was released. Compared to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” at least this was a musical biopic that was more original than the norm. I fully support its Oscar run and believe a Best Picture nomination is more than likely.. (News, Source: Jordan Ruimy-worldofreel.com)
Friday 25 November 2022
'ELVIS' wins again: 2022 is turning out to be a big Awards year for our hero! The American Music Awards took place last weekend in Los Angeles. The show from dick clark productions was hosted by Wayne Brady.
The star-studded event celebrated the year’s best music and performances, as voted on by fans.
While the night belonged to Taylor Swift who won in all six categories for which she was nominated. This makes her the most decorated artist in AMAs history, with 40 career wins.
However 'ELVIS' won for favorite soundtrack of the year!
Other soundtrack nominees were 'Encanto', 'Sing 2', 'Stranger Things Season 4', and 'Top Gun: Maverick'.
Lionel Richie was honored with the Icon Award for his career contributions to the music industry.
Elton John took home his first AMA win since 1988 for best collaboration with Dua Lipa, becoming the longest-recognised artist in the awards show’s history. Congrats to ELVIS and the Baz Luhrmann team
(News, Source;ElvisDayByDay/EIN)
Baz Luhrmann and ‘ELVIS' DoP Mandy Walker at Poland Film Festival: Baz Luhrmann brought his ELVIS roadshow to Poland Monday evening with a thunderous screening of the music biopic at the Camerimage film festival, followed by a raucous Q&A alongside his longtime DoP Mandy Walker. However, when Luhrmann spoke to Deadline the next day, he cut a more somber figure.
Dressed in all black, Luhrmann was in a self-reflective mode after spending the day with a group of young Ukrainian refugees who now call the city of Torun, the festival’s main hub, home.
“It was unexpectedly very emotional,” Luhrmann said sporting a bedazzled heart-shaped brooch in the colors of Ukrainian yellow and blue pinned to his suit.
The trip had been inspired by a short documentary he and Walker caught at the festival by a pair of Ukrainian filmmakers. The doc screened as part of the festival’s opening ceremony and features the names and images of former Ukrainian film industry professionals who have joined the country’s armed forces and are currently
serving on the front line.
“When you see people who do what we do, which is point cameras and lay dolly and put up a microphone and try to record a story, with weapons, it just sort of brings it all home,” the director said before praising the efforts Poland has made to support those fleeing the conflict.
“The generosity of Poland is on another level. We’re not talking thousands, we’re talking millions of people they’re taking in. And amongst that is this festival,” he added.
ELVIS is among the 12 titles in the main competition at Camerimage, which is dedicated to the art of cinematography. The film is also Luhrmann’s latest collaboration with Walker, who he described as his “joint at the hip DoP.”
As always Walker joined Elvis early on, shooting audition tapes and mapping out a visual language for the film, a task complicated by the pair’s desire to shoot inch-for-inch recreations of Elvis Presley’s most famous live performances.
As part of the process, Walker had special bespoke camera lenses made to match images of Elvis from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, as well as effective but period-appropriate lighting fixtures. For the film’s marquee recreation of Elvis’s 1968 NBC “comeback special”, Walker had modern ARRI cameras fitted into old TV floor cameras so that every camera angle could match up to the original broadcast.
“We were replicating footage that exists, and that anyone can look at on the internet. And Austin was perfectly in sync with the real Elvis,” Walker said.
Luhrmann told Deadline that each of the film’s live performances were shot all the way through, with Austin Butler performing full concerts on screen. The director said he would almost certainly release footage of these extended concerts
at some point in the future, but he killed rumors that an extended theatrical cut of the movie is on the way.
“There is no such thing as the four-hour cut. It’s a four-hour director’s assembly, and that just means we put all the stuff together,” he said.
The Warner Bros. pic is currently one of the year’s highest-grossing movies, with $286 million worldwide, and throughout the film’s promotional campaign, Luhrmann has discussed the importance of the theatrical experience to his filmmaking practice.
Luhrmann said he fought hard during negotiations for the film to keep it off streaming services and in the cinema. “I said I’m gonna withdraw this film if it goes straight to streaming. The promise was that it wouldn’t only be in a theater, but we’d double the window of it being in the theater.” ELVIS was Luhrmann’s first return to feature filmmaking since 2013’s The Great Gatsby.
'We made ELVIS during the pandemic and it almost died. But we got it through the pandemic and it was the smoothest shoot we’ve ever had. It came in on time and under budget, which is rare for me, so I feel energized.” (News, Source: Zac Ntim, deadline.com)
'ELVIS' soundtrack nominated for two Grammys: Australian director Baz Luhrmann may help ELVIS win not only an Oscar but also another Grammy Award!
The 'ELVIS soundtrack' is nominated for "Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media"
Along with 'Encanto', 'Stranger Things', 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'West Side Story'
From the ELVIS movie soundtrack Doja Cat's 'Vegas' is also nominated for 'Best Rap Performance' single. Interestingly she is also nominated for her single 'Woman' in the 'Best Pop Solo Performance' category.
Finger crossed.
The 2023 Grammys Awards are on Sunday, February 5th from Los Angeles Crypto.com Arena
(News, Source;BazL/ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 10 November 2022
ELVIS at the Oscars 2023: The anticipation for ELVIS to get his first Oscar - Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS that is - is still building.
Back in the sixties Elvis was furious when he found out that producer Hal Wallis used the profits from his light-hearted movies to fund 'Oscar worthy' films.
Similarly the uncaring Col Parker even stated that "All Elvis’ films are good for is making money."
Well in 2022 it suddenly looks like ELVIS may get the last laugh and will finally get an Oscar!
Indiewire has recently reported...
One prevailing narrative currently forming around the 2023 Oscars race for Best Picture is acknowledging the films that have been vital toward keeping the moviegoing experience alive.
Movie sequels in particular like 'Top Gun: Maverick', have never been more on the Academy’s radar, upcoming 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' is another.
However Original Screenplays like 'ELVIS','Everything Everywhere All at Once' and 'The Woman King' also benefit from their unexpected box office triumphs. And they also showcase their powerful leads including Best Actor contender Austin Butler.
With a guaranteed 10 best picture contenders, ABC hopes that Oscar voters in 2023 will include blockbusters such as 'Top: Gun Maverick' and Luhrmann’s musical biopic 'ELVIS'.
Best Picture frontrunners (as of Nov 2022) 'ELVIS'
'The Banshees of Inisherin'
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'
'Everything Everywhere All at Once'
'The Fabelmans'
'Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio'
'TÁR'
'Top Gun: Maverick'
'The Woman King'
'Women Talking'
The Best Actor Oscar race is also shaping into a year full of possible first-time Oscar nominees like Austin Butler, Colin Farrell, Bill Nighy and Brendan Fraser.
On the tail end of festival season the Best Actor race is starting to form around a final few contenders.
Colin Farrell leads the pack a few steps ahead of Brendan Fraser in 'The Whale'. 'ELVIS' star Austin Butler is still holding strong as Warner Bros. prepares a second wave of campaigns for the hit biopic, while Jeremy Pope has started to gain momentum for his triumphant turn as a gay Marine in 'The Inspection.' Best Actor frontrunners: Austin Butler 'ELVIS'
Colin Farrell - 'The Banshees of Inisherin'
Brendan Fraser - 'The Whale'
Bill Nighy - 'Living'
Jeremy Pope - 'The Inspection'
Meanwhile in Best Costume Design Oscar predictions 'ELVIS' (costumes by Catherine Martin) still leads the field of contenders whose costumes tell stories of showbiz, social change, and superheroics.
Other contenders include 'Amsterdam', 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', 'Blonde', 'The Fabelmans', and 'Bardo.' (News, Source;Indiwire/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann ELVIS 4-Hour Director's cut On-Hold: Fans hoping for the publicised 4-hour director's cut of Baz Luhrmann ELVIS biopic may be waiting a long time. (EIN NOTE: It's 50 years later and we still do not have our 'On Tour' box-set - we are used to waiting!)
Fans, and EIN, have been desperately hoping for a director's cut of the film but Luhrmann has now said he won't be working on it any time soon.
It was back in June at the Sydney Premiere when Luhrmann first said there was an extended original cut of ELVIS that ran an impressive four hours.
Since then the musical biopic was released to rave reviews and Austin Butler is currently the favourite to win Best Actor at the next Oscars for his incredible performance as Elvis.
However in a recent interview with ScreenRant, Luhrmann noted that despite the passion fans have an extended cut of the movie there wont be an extended cut any time soon even though he's still open to the idea.
“Not now, and not probably next year. But I don't close my mind to the idea that in the future, there might be a way of exploring another cut.”
Luhrmann explained that a finished director's cut of Elvis isn't exactly just sitting there, waiting to be released. “It isn't just like I've got it, and you just put it out there. Every minute in post-production, you have to do visual effects, grading, cutting, refining, and ADR sound. It's not like it's just sitting there finished, and I can just push a button and it comes out. You'd have to get back in and work on it. To do an extended cut, you'd be working on it for another four or six months something. I'm not closed to it, but not now. I'm a little bit on the tired side.”
According to the director it's not all up to him as Warners still owns the film and they'll have to agree not only to release a different version of it but to put up the funds for the crew to complete it. Luhrmann thinks this could happen, given how successful the film has been in theaters and on HBO Max, but it's not a foregone conclusion.
The fatigue is understandable as Luhrmann has been working intensively on the idea of his Elvis film since 2014.
Go here to every news story about Baz Luhrmann ELVIS (News, Source;ScreenRant/ElvisInfoNet)
Austin Butler’s ELVIS playlist: Austin Butler recently revealed, to UK magazine NME, his key Elvis songs that he listened to while filming the movie.
Seeing his performance in the film Butler pulls off the astonishing task of getting beyond Elvis' omnipresent image and countless imitations. “You need to be incredibly meticulous. I wanted every gesture and everywhere that his eyes go and the way that he moves his entire body to feel as truthful and identical to him as possible but it’s got to feel as though it’s happening for the first time.”
Austin Butler then revealed the key songs that helped him slip into Elvis’ (blue suede) shoes.
– ‘Milkcow Blues Boogie’
“Starting from his early stuff, I’d go for ‘Milkcow Blues Boogie’. I love listening to that song as far as hearing him going from the slow stuff in the beginning to when he kicks it up. Also, hearing Elvis' live performances on ‘A Boy From Tupelo' was helpful, because you hear different qualities, like when he sings ‘Long Tall Sally’ onstage, it has an explosive power, so that helped me a lot for those early performances.”
– ‘(There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)’
“Throughout his career, Elvis would go back to spiritual music as his solace so there’s a number of different gospel songs that I would return to, including ‘(There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)’. When we went down to Nashville and recorded all the gospel numbers for the film, getting to be in these small churches listening to gospel being sung for eight hours straight, it sent chills down my spine and I couldn’t help but move.”
- 'Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Laughing Version)’
“There’s a recording of Elvis singing ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ onstage where he can’t stop laughing. He’s almost crying! When I show that to people who haven’t heard it before, they can’t help but fall in love with him because he had one of the greatest, most genuine, open-hearted laughs. I felt like this gave me a window into him.”
– ‘Polk Salad Annie’
“Every day, I listened to two songs while driving to work which were ‘Polk Salad Annie’ and ‘Never Been to Spain’. There’s a live performance of ‘Polk Salad Annie’ he does in 'That’s the Way It Is' which is great because you get to see how dynamic his energy is and how he uses humour in the music.”
- ‘Never Been to Spain’
“It just fires me up. I love to turn it on super-loud in the car and drive. Singing ‘Never Been to Spain’ once on set, my voice went out. I lost the mid-range of my voice for a couple of days. Thankfully, it was on a Friday so we could take the weekend off, so I went on vocal rest and didn’t speak for two days to let the vocal cords rest. It’s a tough sing!”
– ‘Unchained Melody’
“Every time I watch or hear ‘Unchained Melody’, it brings tears to my eyes. It was a tricky one to sing, because at that point, I was quite large and so my breathing was constricted because you’re strapped into the jumpsuit.”
- ‘Separate Ways’
“It’s interesting tracing the songs around the time of his divorce, like ‘Separate Ways’, and knowing that when he recorded it, he just stared up at the ceiling afterwards and shook his head, with tears in his eyes. And would listen to it over and over. You’re hearing the voice of a man going through an incredible amount of pain and there’s such honesty to certain lines he sings, so that made me feel very connected to his soul.”
– ‘Trouble’
“That was fiery and exciting! What I loved is you can read a lot of stories about Elvis performing on stage in that small amount of time before he goes into the army and his mother passes away, where he’s at the height of his primal, animalistic power. You can see images of it, but you can’t see a lot of footage, because if he was on television, he didn’t push it quite as far as he would live. There are stories of him spitting on the stage, and rolling around on it,
and completely giving what sounds like a punk-rock show. So it was fun to perform ‘Trouble’ and for it to be at this pivotal point in the story, with real emotional meaning behind it. It’s a moment where he’s rebelling and being true to his own artistic and moral integrity. The way he sings ‘Trouble’ in the ’68 Comeback Special became an influence for the way I performed it in the 1950s scene because he has more grit, and does a growl that became very influential for me.”
and also - Howlin’ Wolf – ‘Smokestack Lightnin’’
“For the most part, I listened to Elvis, but I also listened to Howlin’ Wolf, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Little Richard and all the other people who are in the film a lot. I was constantly drawn to the passion of Howlin’ Wolf because you can watch videos of him singing and imagine Elvis being in Beale Street, Memphis, and watching him sing and that’s exciting.
Go here for full article (News, Source;NME/ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 20 October 2022
Baz Luhrmann’s ‘ELVIS’ receives 9 AACTA technical craft nominations: The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) has announced the nominees for its technical awards, with Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS leading the charge in film, nominated in all nine categories. Catherine Martin is also up for both the production and costume design gongs for Elvis.
This year’s AACTA Awards are to be held in Sydney December 7. The full list of AACTA nominations received by ELVIS:
o Best Casting - Elvis – Nikki Barrett, Denise Chamian
o Best Cinematography in Film - Elvis – Mandy Walker
o Best Costume Design in Film - Elvis – Catherine Martin
o Best Editing in Film - Elvis – Matt Villa, Jonathan Redmond
o Best Hair and Makeup - Elvis – Jason Baird, Mark Coulier, Louise Coulston, Shane Thomas
o Best Original Score in Film - Elvis – Elliott Wheeler. (also nominated in this category is Tom Holkenborg for Ten Thousand Years of Longing – Tom is best known by his stage name, Junkie XL….and was responsible for the global hit (Elvis remix) single in 2002, Elvis vs JXL (A Little Less Conversation) - read EIN’s exclusive 2002 interview with Tom
o Best Production Design in Film - Elvis – Catherine Martin, Karen Murphy, Beverley Dunn
o Best Sound in Film - Elvis – David Lee, Wayne Pashley, Andy Nelson,
o Best Visual Effects or Animation - Elvis – Tom Wood, Fiona Crawford, Julian Hutchens, Joshua Simmonds, Adam Hammond
'ELVIS' Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Gold Vinyl) Walmart Exclusive: A neat addition for any Elvis VINYL collector. ELVIS – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack in GOLD Vinyl. Exclusive to Walmart. The music companion to the Warner Bros film ELVIS, from Baz Lurhmann. This critically acclaimed film stars Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The soundtrack features a sampling of original songs from Elvis’s extraordinary body of work from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, and new recordings celebrating his diverse musical influence and enduring impact on popular artists of today.
The single album with 13 tracks plus the short Elvis "Vocal intro"
Release Date 18 November 2022
Go here to Walmart to order - US$29.97 (News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Original Soundtrack Vinyl:'ELVIS' director Baz Luhrmann promised a vinyl edition of his original soundtrack and the first announcements have it as a single album with 13 tracks plus the short Elvis "Vocal intro" 'Elvis - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' is the music companion to the Warner Bros. film 'Elvis' This critically acclaimed film stars Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Vinyl track list is
Side A
1 Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley
2 Vegas- Doja Cat
3 The King and I - Eminem & CeeLo Green
4 Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo
5 Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves
6 Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
7 Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis Presley & Tame Impala
8 Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis & PNAU
Side B
1 Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan
2 If I Can Dream - Måneskin
3 Power of My Love - Elvis Presley & Jack White
4 I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis & Stuart Price
5 Suspicious Minds - Paravi
6 In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis Presley feat. Nardo Wick
RCA Records. OUT November 18, 2022
Amazon US listed at US$27.98 (News, Source;Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 30 September 2022
ELVIS continues its reign at #1: With its global box office gross now approaching US$286M, on streaming channels the Elvis biopic maintained its #1 status on both HBO and Hulu up to September 28.
Documenting the highs and lows of Elvis’s (Austin Butler) life from childhood to becoming the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll through his complicated relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), the movie ousted Paramount Home Entertainment’s Top Gun: Maverick from its recent four-week stint atop the chart.
ELVIS is still Number One!
(News, Source:Box Office Mojo/Flix Patrol/EIN)
Monday 19 September 2022
Elvis biopic #1 on streaming channels and best-selling Blu-Ray charts: The Baz Luhrmann biopic is streaming on HBO in 27 countries and was the #1 streaming film in all 27 over its first week. The countries are Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and the US.
Data was not available for the biopic's streaming in the UK on HBO Max. ELVIS was also the #1 film globally on Hulu.
Circa September 16, ELVIS was at #3 on the Amazon US Blu-Ray best-sellers chart behind Top Gun: Maverick (#2) and The Batman (#1).
On the Amazon UK chart, the ELVIS Blu-Ray was #1, ahead of The Batman, Jurassic World: Dominion and Top Gun: Maverick.
Downunder, the Blu-Ray was #4 and the DVD edition #5 on the Amazon Australia best-selling films chart.
(News, Source: Flix Patrol, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Australia)
Elvis biopic could have grossed a lot more: As we reported Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS biopic is still doing good business at US cinemas. This is particularly impressive given the film is now available to stream and the DVD and Blu-ray editions are in US stores this week. In the US the film has passed US$150M, and globally over US$284M. It is still playing in more than 1000 cinemas in the US so will continue adding to its gross.
While Elvis has done exceptionally well at the box office (it is the #1 "original" film so far in 2022), if not for two factors, it could have been a lot more!
Due to China's limits on, and banning of many USA and other western films, Elvis has not screened in the world's biggest film market - China.
Its global gross has also been impacted by the sluggish return of older patrons to cinemas following the pandemic and continuing restrictions in some countries.
At US$284M+ return so far for the $85m budget we are sure that Baz Luhrmann is a happy man. (News, Source:Box Office Mojo;YahooFinance)
Tuesday 13 September 2022
'ELVIS' Hits US Box Office 2022 Top 10: Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' has now past $150 million at the domestic box office, making it the ninth highest-grossing film of 2022. 'ELVIS' is also the only original film included in the list. 'ELVIS' has been a consistent performer at the box office since its premiere on June 24. Since then its total gross has risen to $282 million worldwide, off a budget of $85 million.
It is now also the fourth highest-grossing Australian production of all-time behind It is now also the fourth highest-grossing Australian production of all time behind 'Happy Feet' 2006, Luhrmann's 'The Great Gatsby' 2013, and 'Crocodile Dundee' in 1986 .
It is also the second highest-grossing music biopic in history behind Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned an Oscar for Rami Malek as Queen's Freddie Mercury.
If 'ELVIS' wins some Academy Awards we can expect its profits to grow even further. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 6 September 2022
'ELVIS' Trending after HBO-Max movie Debut: Once again our long-departed hero is getting another positive blast on Social Media after the film's debut on HBO Max four days ago.
Fans at home are now sharing their thoughts via Twitter and other socials on the high-rated Baz Luhrmann biopic.
New viewers who may have been reluctant to go to the theatres have got ELVIS trending once again. During its theatrical run, there had been a lot of chatter about the film. While opinions varied when it came to different aspects of the movie, it was pretty much unanimous that viewers loved Austin Butler as the King of Rock 'n Roll. It's a thought that even more are now being impressed after streaming the film at home on HBO Max.
One viewer tweeted "Saw the #ElvisMovie yesterday. It's Amazing. Movie making as art. Intense at times. Bitter sweet story tho. But such a great movie on a lot of levels. And what a performance by Austin Butler."
Another raves, "Oh my, if you get a chance this is a must see. Austin Butler what a doll, it was as Elvis was still alive. You have got to see it and if Austin doesn't get a oscar for portraying Elvis Presley it would be a damn shame. I give this movie, five, out of five."
The publicity adds.. 'White-hot star-in-the-making Austin
Butler gives a tour de force performance as Elvis, his own vocals blending with the King's to create a multilayered transition from the 1950s to Elvis' final years. Given how many Elvis impersonators there are in the world, Butler's ability to take on the role without falling into stereotype is admirable -- as is his commitment to nailing Presley's iconic moves and The Voice'.
EIN Notes how fantastic to see 'ELVIS' doing so well on streaming services while it is still playing twice daily at our local cinema in Sydney. (News, Source;HBO/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 29 August 2022
'ELVIS' Grosses $276 Million: Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' biopic is still showing in Sydney cinemas, even having gone to streaming services, and it continues its box office success ahead of its HBO Max release.
This week the movie has earned another $1.9 million from 64 overseas markets bringing the film's worldwide total to $276.7 million. 'ELVIS' overseas box office total, outside North America, is now close to 50% of the film’s total gross. 'ELVIS' is currently the 11th highest-grossing film of the year tucked between 'Uncharted' (based on the video game franchise at $401 million) and 'The Bad Guys' (DreamWorks animation at $245 million). 'ELVIS' is now earning more through its PVOD release, while it is a week before the film’s HBO Max release date of September 2 and its 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD release of September 13.
'ELVIS' is Luhrmann’s highest-grossing film in North America but has a long way to go to catch 'The Great Gatsby's' worldwide gross of $353M. (News, Source;imdb/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Soundtrack holds at Number Two: Five weeks after the release of movie's 'ELVIS Original Soundtrack'CD the charts still show excellent sales and chart positions. 45 years on and Elvis is still holding strong at Number 2! UK Official Charts have 'ELVIS' the #2 Soundtrack album(down from last week's #1) 'ELVIS' at #19 Compilation Album chart 'Elv1s 30#1 Hits' at #11 Top 100 Album chart.
USA Billboard charts 'ELVIS' holds at #2 Soundtrack album
'ELVIS' up again to #54 Top 200 Album chart
'Elv1s 30#1 Hits' #44 Top 200 Album chart
Irish charts
'Elv1s 30#1 Hits' sits at #10 on the Irish Official Album charts.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' on HBO Max soon: The massive success of 'ELVIS' meant that it was the first 2022 Warner Bros movie not released on HBO Max within 45 days of its theatrical release.
However, seeing as the film is now available as PVOD on multiple streaming services, the ELVIS movie will begin streaming on HBO Max on Friday, September 2. 'ELVIS' hit US theaters on June 24 and it is still playing in theaters and has racked up $271.2 million worldwide, including $145.4 million in North America.
It is the 10th-highest-grossing movie of the year in North America and the highest-grossing movie that isn't part of an established franchise. It is also the 11th highest-grossing 2022 movie in the world.
In 2021 Warner Bros released all its films on HBO Max the same day as theaters while in 2022 they all had a 45-day theatrical
exclusive window before hitting HBO Max. Once again in 2022, 'ELVIS' is a first. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 25 August 2022
ELVIS tops ‘Great Gatsby’ as Luhrmann’s Top-Grossing in US & Canada: This week 'ELVIS' edged ahead of The Great Gatsby, on Tuesday Aug. 23, to become director/ writer/ producer Baz Luhrmann’s top-grossing film in the US and Canada. According to boxofficemojo ELVIS has now grossed $145,111,000 domestically, a shade more than Luhrmann’s previous film, The Great Gatsby, which has grossed $144,858,000 domestically. The Great Gatsby continues to be Luhrmann’s top film in global box office, with worldwide receipts of $353Million compared to $271Million for ELVIS so far.
Luhrmann, who turns 60 next month has written and directed just six films, but the last five have become box-office hits. Moreover, four of his first five films have received Oscar nominations. Two became double Oscar winners.
Four of his six films as a director have spawned hit soundtracks. Romeo + Juliet and The Great Gatsby both reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200, Moulin Rouge! hit No. 3 while the ELVIS soundtrack has climbed as high as No. 26.
Luhrmann received both an Oscar nomination for best picture and a Grammy nod for best compilation soundtrack album for his 2001 film
classic Moulin Rouge! The 2019 Broadway adaptation of that film swept 10 Tony Awards, including best musical, though Luhrmann wasn’t personally nominated.
Luhrmann has a passion for turning contemporary audiences on to great music from all eras. The best example of this the “Elephant Love Medley” extravaganza from Moulin Rouge!, which included such wildly diverse songs as David Bowie’s “Heroes,” Thelma Houston’s “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and KISS’ “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.”
The lead single from that film, an all-star remake of LaBelle’s 'Lady Marmalade' topped the Hot 100 for five weeks. Romeo + Juliet included a new version of Candi Staton’s 1976 R&B classic “Young Hearts Run Free” by Kym Mazelle. ELVIS includes several updates of Presley classics, including Doja Cat's 'Vegas', PNAU 'Don't Fly Away/Suspicious Minds', Maneskin’s “If I Can Dream” and Kacey Musgraves’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (News, Source; Billboard/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS is Second Highest Grossing Musical Biopic at $270Million: With the film's release to VOD and the long US summer movie season coming to a close, it looks like Baz Luhrmann’s over-the-top Elvis biopic is sailing into the sunset. This week Luhrmann's ELVIS took in $2 million dollars from the 68 overseas territories in which the film is still in theaters. That is a 35 percent holdover drop from the previous week as the King's summer outing winds down, having arrived on PVOD earlier this month. This week's box office brings the running international total for the film to a whopping $125 million dollars, with a worldwide box office of $270.6 million.
Elvis is the second highest-grossing musician biopic in history, behind Bohemian Rhapsody. Released in 2018 Rami Malek took home an Oscar for his role as Freddie Mercury in the film. Austin Butler's rendition of Elvis has, like Malek's Mercury, garnered an intense amount of praise. Butler's dedication to the role extended to vocal training, accent work, and a thick slick of dyed black hair over his signature blond hair, a move that mirrors Elvis's own dyed black, naturally blond hair. Austin Butler even sang many of Elvis' signature songs in the film, as the composer blended his vocals
with the singers for the most authentic performance. Luhrmann is such a natural fit for who could translate tremendous Elvis' life to film. His penchant for intense colors, glitter, and glamour is perfectly suited for Elvis' life and aesthetic, which tended towards sequined jumpsuits, bright colors, and some very stiff pompadour.
It all comes together in the film to present a heavily stylized study of one of the most captivating musical artists of our time.
Along with Butler, the film starred Tom Hanks as the artist's manipulative and villainous manager Colonel Tom Parker and Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley. ELVIS was originally released to theaters in the US on June 24, 2022, and is now available to rent on Video On Demand. The film is now available to rent on multiple VOD services including Prime Video, Vudu, and YouTube. (News, Source:HilaryRemneycollider.com)
Sunday 21 August 2022
'ELVIS' Soundtrack Number One: 45 years and Elvis is still Number 1! Four weeks after the release of movie's 'ELVIS Original Soundtrack'CD the charts still show excellent sales and chart positions. UK Official Charts have 'ELVIS' the #1 Soundtrack album(as last week)
'ELVIS' up to #11 Compilation Album chart 'Elv1s 30#1 Hits' up to at #7 Top 100 Album chart.
USA Billboard charts 'ELVIS' drops to #2 Soundtrack album
'ELVIS' sadly down to #61 Top 200 Album chart
'Elv1s 30 #1 Hits' #65 Top 200 Album chart
Australia ARIA chart
'ELVIS' #24 on Australian Top 50 album chart
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
‘Elvis’ Sweeps VOD Charts: On the 45th Anniversary of Elvis' passing, Forbes reports that 'ELVIS' has swept the VOD ratings charts over the weekend.
The acclaimed Austin Butler / Tom Hanks flick, which is almost sure to be a major awards season winner, debuted on US PVOD ($20 to rent or $25 to buy) this past Tuesday to bring its total above US $141 million. 'Bohemian Rhapsody' earned a total of $216 million and 'A Star Is Born' $215 million in 2018.
The Baz Luhrmann-directed movie has already earned $262 million box-office on an $85 million budget and may flirt with $300 million by the end. It also isn’t noted to be on HBO Max anytime soon. 'ELVIS' is an encouraging sign that some of the older, irregular moviegoers are heading back to cinemas and more
evidence that Warner Bros. is more than just Batman and Harry Potter. 'ELVIS' has been a well-reviewed, fan-loved theatrical hit that will end up earning 3.5 x its budget and isn’t slowing down even as it dominates the VOD charts. In other words, 'ELVIS' is an old-fashioned hit. (News, Source;Forbes/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 14 August 2022 - - - - Elvis Week 2022 - - - -
Elvis Week 2022 attracts younger fans:US KAIT8 reports that.. It’s been nearly 45 years since Elvis Presley passed away. Each year thousands of fans from all over the world mark the occasion with Elvis Week at Graceland.
It’s a 10-million-dollar economic boost for the city, and thanks to a growing younger fan base, Memphis could see huge crowds for the annual event for years to come.
22-year-old Texan college student Taylor Reed explains, “It’s my first Elvis week, and it’s been so much fun so far. We came in on Tuesday. I mean, come on, younger Elvis. You can’t say he’s not super cute, his “Comeback Special. I love it and then his music, all the movies he’s been in and everything.”
All around Graceland, you’ll find millennials and even younger enjoying the festivities.
Many were born into the Elvis fandom.
“Our grandparents and our parents love Elvis, so we also stopped by,” said one Elvis fan.
Of course the new Baz Luhrmann blockbuster 'ELVIS' has introduced super-star to a whole new fan base.
“Of course, the movie helped my excitement, but I bought my tickets back in February. I knew I was going back then, but just watching the movie and coming out so close to Elvis week it made me so excited to come.” 20 to 25,000 fans are expected for this milestone Elvis week. Many have waited two years for the celebration.
Last year, organizers held a hybrid Elvis week with virtual and in-person activities.
Super-fan Lauren Elise noted, "It’s refreshing to see a new generation falling in love with Elvis. It’s weird because as a child, I was bullied at school for loving Elvis, so it’s really fabulous to see Elvis movie at #1 and the soundtrack is number one, and you know is all of that is really crazy for me, but it’s amazing."
The most anticipated event for Elvis week is the candlelight vigil which is Monday, August 15th 8.30pm in front of Graceland. (News, Source;KAIT8/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 6 August 2022
'ELVIS' Soundtrack Number One: The week after the release of movie's 'ELVIS Original Soundtrack' CD the charts have shown excellent sales and chart positions. UK Official Charts have 'ELVIS' #1 Soundtrack album (up from last week's #14). 'ELVIS' #3 Compilation Album chart 'Elv1s #30 Hits' #12 Top 100 Album chart.
USA Billboard charts 'ELVIS' #4 Soundtrack album 'ELVIS' dropped to #95 on Top 200 Album chart
Australia ARIA chart 'ELVIS' #4 on Australian Top 50 album chart - an amazing jump up from last week's #102
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Oscar for Austin Butler campaign: A Best Actor campaign for 'ELVIS' star Austin Butler has clearly been under way ever since the film premiered at Cannes this past May.
It takes hell of a performance to receive the glowing praises of Leonardo Dicaprio, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman, but Butler has done just that. All four are Oscar of these actors are Oscar winners, by the way.
In Luhrmann’s OTT pop-art statement, Butler gives a consummate performance that defies caricature. Elvis, despite being so open for interpretation, was a very specific iconic and American personality, and Butler brings him to life in ways that aren’t stereotypical, but uniquely their own. You can dismiss the actual movie all you want, but can anyone actually deny that Butler’s work here is astoundingly pitch-perfect? 'ELVIS' is doing extremely well at the box office as well and has brought back adult audiences to movie theaters throughout the summer, something no film has been able to do since the pandemic began. It’s currently the 9th highest grossing movie of the year with $131 million made, and counting. A Best Picture nod isn’t out of the question either.
Indiewire also has Baz Luhrmann (ELVIS) as a contender for Best Director along with otehrs such as Oliver Hermanus (Living) and Jordan Peele (Nope).
With what looks to be a potentially weak field in the 2023 Best Actor race, I currently have Butler as the frontrunner. Other actors getting good traction include Brendan Fraser (The Whale), Hugh Jackman (The Son), Bill Nighy (Living) and Adam Driver (White Noise).
Butler is coming and there really is no stopping him. Anyone betting against him right now should cancel that bet, he will get nominated and maybe, even, win the Oscar next March.
(News, Source: Jordan Ruimy, worldofreels.com /ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Pre-order in Amazon's Best Sellers: Demonstrating the popularity of Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' movie the new DVD, BluRay and 4K Blu Ray are all sitting in Amazon's 'Best Sellers in Movies and TV' and these are purely for Pre-orders as they are not being released until September 13, 2022. 'ELVIS' DVD is even Number One!
The two Blu-Rays are sitting at #8 and #22. This of course does not take into account the future Digital streaming release.
He died 45 years ago but ELVIS is still topping the charts! (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 1 August 2022
ELVIS earnings still rolling in!: As at 31 July, Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' biopic continues to perform strongly with its worldwide gross now at US$234.3M. In the US the gross is now $129M, with an additional $105.3M in other markets. It is one of the rare films without superheroes or dinosaurs to reach that mark.
'ELVIS' has easily past Elton John's 'Rocketman' which grossed a worldwide total of $195.2 million but still has a long way to go to catch up with Freddie Mercury's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' with the final worldwide total gross of $910 million - against a production budget of about $52 million.
ELVIS costars Tom Hanks as manager Col Parker with relative newcomer Austin Butler in the title role. Butler, who beat out higher profile actors has attracted Oscar buzz. 'Elvis' is now the second highest-grossing film of Luhrmann’s career. 'The Great Gatsby' at $355.6 million worldwide is the highest-grossing film of Luhrmann's career so far.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Måneskin ‘If I Can Dream’ Video: Million-selling Italian glam rock Måneskin - winners of Eurovision Song Contest 2021- have now released their video for ‘If I Can Dream’ recorded for Baz Luhrmann’s ‘ELVIS’.
The band first teased the track during their performance at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, before releasing it on streaming services last month.
Måneskin frontman Damiano David explained, “We were talking about it with Baz Luhrmann, who had this really cool, super-smart idea, because it would have been so easy to give us an up-tempo song and go super rock-ish. He saw that between the lines that we were going to be able to give something else to show the sweet side of Elvis. I think we did a great job!”
The meaning of the song is very contemporary: ‘If I can dream of a better land / Where all my brothers walk hand in hand.’ It’s about uniting, it’s about
peace, freedom and happiness, and it’s coming out at the right moment. We’re really proud of what we did, and to be part of this project. I have a feeling it’s going to be amazing.”
The video is well-worth watching as it incorporates the ELVIS movie as Måneskin visit to Graceland.
go here to YouTube to see the clip (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Fats Domino and Elvis, Mutual Admiration: In the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' drama - in the scene about the 1969 Las Vegas Press Conference Elvis says, "I'm not the King of Rock'n'roll.. here's Fats Domino, he's the real King of Rock'n'roll".
While Elvis loved Fats Domino some fans have commented that Elvis did not actually state that line. However EIN would like to note that Elvis' words, when asked about Fats Domino, were in fact "I love him, he's the greatest!"
From a dramatic point-of-view, along with Elvis' previous comments to Jet magazine, a similar point is made.
As reported by super-fan Maria Columbus "Elvis was asked what he thought of Fats Domino. Elvis beamed and said, "I love him, he's the greatest!""
Recently, making a similar splash, is Fats Domino singing 'Blueberry Hill' at Austin City.
On stage the great Fats Domino says.. "Right now I'm going to do a number - and I play it for such a wonderful man I loved so well.
I just can't help it but I say this when I play this number every night. I've played this number so many times and I think of this man every time I come to my bandstand. I play this for the great Elvis Presley"
Elvis was Not Racist: Priscilla recently appeared on Sky News to discuss the ELVIS movie, as well as Elvis' iconic legacy.
When asked by Sky News how Elvis would fare in "this weird cancel culture" Priscilla confirmed that "Elvis was not prejudiced in any way and not racist in any way.
Elvis was never racist. Elvis had friends, black friends and friends from all over. Elvis loved their music. He loved their style. He loved being around, you know, black musicians."
Priscilla cited his friendships with Fats Domino and Sammy Davis Jr., who she said would "always come into the dressing room" when Elvis performed in Las Vegas.
"He loved, loved being around blacks and being around anyone actually."
Priscilla praised Luhrmann's new biopic "Elvis" which stars Austin Butler as Elvis and Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla herself. Elvis' friendship with B.B. King is a key part of the movie.
Recently due to a wider understanding of cultural appropriation Elvis' legacy has again come under scrutiny during the film's promotional cycle.
In the movie Luhrmann shows how Elvis repackaged historically black genres, styles and performances, along with Gospel and country, to become a star.
Elvis first single was a cover Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup's blues classic "That's All Right". This is highly acknowledged in the film and the lead-single also being a re-working Big Mama Thornton's 'Hound Dog' as Doja Cat and "Vegas" which is now top-ten worldwide. (News, Source,ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS Original Soundtrack' CD OUT NOW: At last the 'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' CD has been officially released worldwide today - OUT NOW.
The CD is twenty-two tracks, whereas the Digital Release is 36 tracks.
CD priced at Australia AU$22 and UK £10.99 and US$14 "The soundtrack features Elvis's extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, '60s and '70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today."
1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley
2. Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
3. Vegas - Doja Cat
4. The King And I - Eminem & CeeLo Green
5. Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo
6. Baby, Let's Play House - Austin Butler
7. Craw-Fever - Elvis Presley
8. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day - Yola
9. Trouble - Austin Butler
10. Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves
11. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Lenesha Randolph
12. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan
13. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis & Tame Impala
14. Power of My Love - Elvis Presley and Jack White
15. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
16. Suspicious Minds (Film Edit) - Elvis Presley
17. Burning Love (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
18. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis Presley & Stuart Price
19. Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis Presley & PNAU
20. If I Can Dream - Måneskin
21. Suspicious Minds - Paravi
22. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis feat. Nardo Wick
(News, Source/ElvisInfoNet)
Luhrmann on 'four-hour' 'ELVIS': As Baz Luhrmann revealed at the Sydney ELVIS movie premiere he had to edit his extended movie version down to a realistic 2 1/2 hours for cinemas. He has always talked about a four hour version, which fans hope will be released on the future DVD. Recently Luhrmann talked with the Radio Times about scenes that were cut from the film. "I have a four-hour version. I do. But I had to bring it down to 2 and a half hours.
I would have liked to lean into some of the other things more and there’s so much more. I mean, there’s lots of stuff that I shot like the relationship with Elvis' original the band, I had to pare them down. And it’s so interesting how the Col Parker got rid of them.
Similarly Elvis' relationship with his first girlfriend Dixie Locke featured more .. And later on how once Elvis is caught in a trap. And he’s discombobulated and doesn’t understand… someone who’s got such a hole in his heart like Elvis constantly looking and searching for love and finding it on stage but nowhere else.
The last section was edited.. Elvis' addiction to barbiturates and all of that, and like what happens when he started doing wackadoo things like going down to meet President Nixon. I had that in there for a while but there just comes a point where you can’t have everything in, so I just tried to track the spirit of the character.”
EIN is looking forward to the 4 hour version. (News, Source;RT/ElvisInfoNet)
Interview with actor Adam Dunn / Bill Black in 'ELVIS':Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, interviews actor Adam Dunn who plays Bill Black in Baz Luhrmann's movie 'Elvis'.
The interview is particularly of interest as Paul Bélard recently published the first detailed biography of super-bassist Bill Black.
In the interview Adam Dunn reveals.. - how he got the role,
- how he learnt to play double-bass Bill Black style,
- about meeting Tom Hanks and Austin Butler,
- working with Xavier Samuel and Terepai Richmond who played Scotty and D.J.
- the 'trouble' filming the Russwood Park riot
- and much much more...
Elvis biopic soars past $200M globally: Stunning news that Baz Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' has crossed $200M global with a great -32% hold internationally in 73 markets.
Internationally outside the US it’s nearing $100M with $91.8M through Sunday.
It is one of the rare films without superheroes or dinosaurs to reach that mark.
Grosses US Domestic $118,376,000. International $91,800,000 - Worldwide $210,176,000. ELVIS costars Tom Hanks as manager Col Parker with relative newcomer Austin Butler in the title role. Butler, who beat out higher profile actors has attracted Oscar buzz. 'Elvis' will soon pass 'Australia' to become the second highest-grossing film of Luhrmann’s career. 'The Great Gatsby' at $355.6 million worldwide is the highest-grossing film of Luhrmann's career so far.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Austin Butler 'went home in tears': It is perhaps more like method acting but Austin Butler's emotions were shaked, rattled and rolled after he endured a particularly hard filmmaking experiment at the hands of director Baz Luhrmann. Austin Butler recently explained to VMAN....
"Well, when I was on my first day in the recording studio, Baz wanted me to get as close to performing as possible. He had all the executives and everybody from RCA, who were back in the offices, he brought them into the recording studio and he goes, 'I want you all to sit facing Austin,' and he told them to heckle me. So then they were making fun of me and stuff while I was singing."
The 30-year-old actor suggested that there was no malice in Luhrmann's tactic, but rather the filmmaker's intent was to get Butler to empathize with the criticism Presley faced throughout his career. "When we were filming this moment when Elvis first goes on stage and he's getting heckled by the audience, I knew what that felt like. I went home in tears that night. I really did."
Previous Luhrmann movie star Leonardo DiCaprio had previously warned Butler.
"Leo told me, 'Baz is going to constantly keep you off balance, and it's going to pull things out of you that you never knew you had inside you.' That's exactly the experience that I had. There were days where I just thought, 'Baz, why don't we just do what we prepared?' I realized that he would push me right to the edge of what I was capable of. You capture
lightning in a bottle in a way — if you had just done the thing that you had prepared, it may have been more stale." prepared, it may have been more stale."
“I was so nervous, and we were recording on actual equipment that Elvis recorded ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ on,” he remembers. Butler was told that the studio visit would be "laid-back and playful" and saying that
they’d just be recording one line or so at a time while workshopping the voice. “We got down there and it was not that at all. We were recording old school, where all the musicians - some of the best musicians in the world - were recording the entire song. And so that was how I cut my teeth in the recording studio.”
Butler's experience with Luhrmann seems to have paid off as his performance as ELVIS has already got Oscar buzz for 'Best Actor'. (News, Source; VMAN/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 22 July 2022
'ELVIS' actor Shonka Dukureh (Big Mama Thornton) found dead in Nashville home: In shocking news, Shonka Dukureh, who played rhythm and blues singer Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann's recent ELVIS biopic, has been found dead at her home in Nashville. She was 44. Police said there were no signs of foul play.
Shonka Dukureh was a singer, actor and former teacher who had recently made her big screen debut as Big Mama Thornton.
Dukureh’s performance of the song 'Hound Dog' which Thornton recorded in 1952, four years before Presley, went viral online after the film was released.
The actor and singer, who also shared the stage at Coachella this year with Doja Cat, had a theatre degree and an education degree from Trevecca Nazarene.
In an interview last month Dukureh recalled the moment she heard she got the part in Elvis and was being flown to Australia for the shoot.
"I thought it was the best Christmas present I had ever received. I knew to really pay tribute to her, I had to tap into myself, my own self-confidence, my own voice.
I was just so honoured."
In 1952, Big Mama Thornton became the first singer to record Hound Dog, four years before Elvis.
Her recording, released in February 1953, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013 and is listed as one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll".
Elvis' version became one of the best-selling singles of all time with 10 million copies sold globally, and was simultaneously number one on the US pop, country and R&B charts. (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Four stunning 'ELVIS' movie shots with Austin Butler and including 24-year-old model Alton Mason making his film debut as Little Richard, plus Kelvin Harrison Jr who plays B.B. King.
(Film review) "Austin Butler dazzles as Elvis": In the post pandemic dystopian cinema box office, Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS is racking up robust ticket sales. Despite the saturation of Elvis’ biopics, TV series, biographies and ubiquitous iconography, people are fascinated with the enigmatic, trailblazing, and ultimately tragic King of Rock and Roll. ... Luhrmann’s flamboyant filmmaking seems like a perfect match for Presley’s flashy performances, but style alone doesn’t make a good film. Substance and emotional impact depend highly on the actor playing the King, and Austin Butler is a great choice.
Luhrmann’s typically dazzling storytelling; fast editing, split screens and shots that don’t last longer than a few seconds, is great to look at it, but can be disorienting when you are trying to find an emotional, or even coherent foothold into the story. This is the dilemma I felt during the first third of the film. In this gorgeous kaleidoscope it is difficult to create a credible performance, how can an actor be memorable when they come and go so quickly on the screen? Much of this earlier part of the film is devoted to Elvis as a child (Chaydon Jay) and the influence of black music during his rural upbringing in the South.
Fortunately, as the film progresses the editing becomes less frantic, and Austin Butler, who still must struggle with being an actor in a Luhrmann film – sort of like being a back-up singer to Barbra Streisand - begins to weave a beguiling, charismatic performance. Butler is especially impressive during the concert and performance scenes. Here he somehow manages to inhabit Elvis without imitating him.
Influenced and inspired by the non-fiction book, The Colonel by Alanna Nash the story focuses a lot on Elvis’ controversial manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) and their tumultuous long relationship. Parker is almost as enigmatic as Presley, and his permanent, often maleficent presence in the film, resembles a villain in a fable. Hank’s performance with its bizarre hybrid accent (Dutch + American southern?) is polarizing. If Hanks and the writers had made the character a bit more mythical and less realistic it might be better to swallow and would also mesh better with Luhrmann’s magical realism touches. However as is, I don’t know what to make of it. It is too bizarre and keeps me at such a distance, that it began to annoy me.
The film is overlong, and the beginning is emotionally off-putting. No matter though, because I found the last third of the film completely involving and when Luhrmann’s originality meets Black’s authenticity the film soars. Sitting in the theater, watching it on the big screen is fun, it’s a unique experience that too often escapes us these days. (News, Source: Craig Thornton, wwnytv.com)
Tuesday 19 July 2022
'ELVIS' tops $100million US box office: Last week Baz Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' topped $100 million at the US domestic box office on Friday becoming one of the rare films without superheroes or dinosaurs to reach that mark. Globally, the Warner Bros. film has made over $170 million, an impressive result for this kind of material.
With its high production values 'ELVIS' was not a cheap film to produce. The movie which looks at Elvis' rise to become one of the hottest acts in rock ‘n’ roll, as well as his struggles with his bad manager played by Tom Hanks cost $85 million to produce and tens of millions more to market.
Warner Bros. president Jeff Goldstein noted, "We are not only pleased to cross this milestone, but truly thrilled to see it happen with a film like ‘Elvis. In today’s market and especially in the summer corridor, to see a non-branded IP with an up-and-coming lead create not just box office noise but also result in a significant spike in other areas is so gratifying and speaks to the quality of the film on every level. With strong playability, positive word of mouth and cross-generational multiple viewings, we expect ‘Elvis’ to continue to deliver and we congratulate Baz, Austin and everyone involved in the film and the soundtrack on its ongoing success."
ELVIS costars Tom Hanks as manager Col Parker with relative newcomer Austin Butler in the title role. Butler, who beat out higher profile actors has attracted Oscar buzz. 'Elvis' has a good chance to bypass 'Australia' and its $211.8 million haul to become the second highest-grossing film of Luhrmann’s career.
'The Great Gatsby' another Warner Bros. release, netted $355.6 million globally to rank as the director’s most popular film.
See EIN's original Sydney Premiere 'ELVIS' Movie review here (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Movie Soundtrack VINYL release: Baz Luhrmann confirmed that - as expected - there will be a VINYL release of the 'ELVIS' Original Movie Soundtrack.
House of Iona / RCA Records will release the highly anticipated VINYL version of the 'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack'. The soundtrack album features highlights from Baz Luhrmann’s blockbuster film ELVIS. The soundtrack has a variety of artists, mixing different genres and sounds to create something special alongside the movie. It features tracks from some of the biggest stars – Eminem & CeeLo Green (“The King and I’), Tame Impala (“Edge of Reality (Remix)” with Elvis Presley), Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak (“Cotton Candy Man”) and Jack White’s duet with Elvis Presley (“Power of My Love”). From Kacey Musgraves’ angelic version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” to Doja Cat’s “Vegas”
the album blends the old classics with a unique flare that brings new life to these Elvis Presley classics.
GO HERE to 'Elvis The Music' for some fun listening (News, Source;BL/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' biopic continues to post strong box office:'ELVIS' is still making waves; this last weekend, it has brought in an estimated $9.8m at 72 markets, including the openings in Mexico, Brazil, and Korea. Currently, the international total is $79.4m and the worldwide total is $185.6m. Overall, Elvis has had an incredible -32% in holdover markets with the holdovers ranging with Denmark (-15%), Spain (-20%), Australia (-25%), the UK (-27%), New Zealand (-29%) Italy (-30%), Holland (-33%), Japan (-36%), and Germany (-39%).
The film opened in Mexico to $1.6m on 1,360 screens. This marks the biggest opening for a Baz Luhrmann film in the country so far; 'ELVIS' also brought in more than some classic films, opening +132% over Rocketman, +61% over the Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga remake of A Star Is Born, and +60% ahead of House of Gucci.
In Brazil, 'ELVIS' was also the biggest opening for a Luhrmann film and tracked over both House of Gucci and Rocketman, bringing in $970k on 825 screens.
For South Korea, (poster shown right) the film tracked slightly behind Rocketman but brought in $443k on 665 screens.
There are still three final markets that have yet to receive the film and 'ELVIS' is opening there on July 21.
So the box office totals for the film are nowhere near finished yet and the final three markets could continue to make new records for Luhrmann as a director in these countries and so on and so forth. (News, Source: AP/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 16 July 2022
Making ELVIS' clothes: Or 'How 'Elvis' Costume Designer Catherine Martin transformed Austin Butler Into Elvis'! In a fascinating 10 minute video, acclaimed costume designer Catherine Martin (she has won four Academy Awards for her work and Baz Luhrmann is her husband), discusses how she approached making the costumes Austin Butler wears in the Elvis biopic. “I think one of the things the Graceland archive allowed me to see was a world that formed Elvis. Both his mother and father were products of the Depression, and his father kept every single receipt and every single check that ended up back at the bank. I saw the kind of financial simplicity that he came from, and how extraordinary his fashion choices actually are because he’s completely self-created. Elvis lived in a time before stylists and before people helped to create the image. This was totally Elvis creating the look himself.”
Ms Martin also makes several incisive observations about what Elvis' clothing meant to him as a person....
Gohere to 'Vanity Fair'to watch (News, Source:EIN/Vanity Fair)
Chaydon Jay Discusses his Role in 'ELVIS': While Austin Butler has dominated the media with his impressive lead role in Luhrmann's ELVIS biopic, Australian actor Chaydon Jay also played a lead role as the younger Elvis. His performance is inspirational especially considering that it is his debut movie role. He astounded both critics and fans who are now excited about seeing him in future projects.
After finding his "ELVIS' in Austin Butler, the search for a perfect young Elvis was a difficult task for Luhrmann who explained that finding Jay was a true stroke of luck and praised the young actor’s performance. “After finding someone with the interpretation that Austin Butler achieved, I thought the chances of doing that again were very very slim. And Chayden was like finding a needle in a haystack to be honest. And he’s wonderful in it.” Chaydon Jay explained more to CBS News... “It was very important to be able to get Elvis within my own bones. Not just moving like Elvis but understanding where that movement comes from. His passion. His energy." An early sequence in the film shows Elvis’s first exposure to gospel music during a tented church service. Elvis grew up in a poor small town, Tupelo,
Tupelo, Mississippi, and Lurhman does a fantastic job of recreating the electricity in the air when a young Elvis discovered the music.
The Gospel music sequence in that Tupelo tented church service.. “Walking into that tent, everything was so real. Which was so exciting. It was electric. It was alive. There was real praising going on. And it was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in my life.
Working with Baz is such a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He made every single moment on set just feel electrical. He just really laid out the path for me in getting a good understanding and feel for the role. So there really wasn’t any pressure for me. It was just excitement cause he really is amazing.
My passion is to be on set and bring the world of fantasy to light. To be given the opportunity to play young Elvis, one of the significant and impactful musicians ever was such an honor. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Chaydon Jay were reunited at the film's Australian Premiere.
And last week the 15-year-old actor got a chance to visit Graceland and see Elvis' home for himself.
The Australian newcomer has a fine career ahead. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 8 July 2022
Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, reviews Luhrmann's 'ELVIS':Prolific Elvis author, Paul Bélard, wrote down his detailed thoughts after watching the Elvis biopic. His energetic review is great reading and starts..
...Well, I came, I saw, I was conquered! What a wild and unpredictable rollercoaster ride it was. I often had goosebumps and I must confess tears welled up in my eyes when Elvis appeared in all his sorrowing condition at the end of the movie, but still singing his heart out with a voice that never left him, a solemn testament to the music he had always cherished. It brought home the irreparable loss we suffered upon his untimely death.
- For added interest EIN has also assembled a “baker’s dozen” of review excerpts from a variety of other reviews for the new Elvis biopic...
Luhrmann narrates the 'Hayride' sequence from ELVIS: The New York Times features an 'Anatomy of a Scene', where directors reveal the secrets that go into making key scenes in their movies. This week Baz Luhrmann narrates the 'Hayride' sequence from his ELVIS biopic.
It was the ELVIS hip swivel that changed a generation. And it is at the heart of this scene in the biopic “Elvis” that introduces the musician to the world.
In the sequence, Elvis (Austin Butler) is giving one of his first performances in front of an audience while Col. Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), the man who would become his manager, watches on.
Luhrmann explains.. "We discussed many, many ways in how you get to meet Elvis. We felt that you should discover him in performance mode.
Because Elvis wasn't just about what he sang, it was just as much about how he looked and how he moved.
But most importantly it was his effect upon the audience.
So the decision was made to meet Elvis at what we determined would be his first performance.
And in that moment of being mocked you can see Elvis trigger..
Because it happened all the way through his life..
Elvis was mocked for being different, mocked for being shy, mocked for being poor, mocked for his association with black music and having black friends.. he was mocked.
And in that moment it triggered within him what we termed his superpower..." Go HERE to New York Times to see the full clip and discussion.. (News, Source;NYT/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS box office update: As of late Sunday, the Elvis biopic had a worldwide box office of US$113.5M, with the USA accounting for $67.3M (59.3%) of that total.
New major movie releases ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ are coming soon and may challenge ELVIS at the box office.
However with ELVIS' budget of $85 million Baz Luhrmann certainly has a success on his hands.
(News, Source:ElN/Box Office Mojo)
Hugh Jackman praises Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis: One of Australia’s leading international stars, Hugh Jackman, had this to say about the Elvis biopic, via Twitter, after seeing it with his wife, Deborah Furness:
.. "Baz You have done it again, ELVIS is incredible. Deb and I went to see it last night here in New York City with a packed audience, and everyone went crazy. The music, the visuals, the acting, the production design, everything about is just so beautifully done. It is just so much fun, and I highly, highly recommend you all go out to see it.
Austin [Butler] crushes.. you crush it, man, as Elvis. You did an amazing job. Tom Hanks, you're always incredible, but as Colonel Tom Parker, you're just astonishing. We just absolutely loved it. It was a brilliant, brilliant night at the theater, and Baz and Sam, you're just one of the greatest teams out there, and I'm thrilled, thrilled, thrilled you're making movies. This one is special."
(News, Source: CinemaBlend.com)
ELVIS #1 on IMDb Top Movie Meter: On the IMDb user voted Top Movies list, ELVIS is currently ranked at #1 (last week it was at #5) with a satisfaction rating of 7.8 (out of 10) as voted by 24 thousand users.
On Rotten Tomatoes - ELVIS - Reviewer rating is 78% Audience Rating 94%
(News, Source: IMDb/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 3 July 2022
Elvis’ Aussie box office opening is 2nd biggest “debut for a film produced in Australia": Elvis raked in $6.74 million across Oz in its opening weekend – the 2nd-highest debut for an Aussie film, just behind Luhrmann’s 2013 film The Great Gatsby.
Interestingly, US movie buffs say The King has drawn in older crowds who have been slow to return to the cinemas since pandemic restrictions lifted – but in Oz, half the moviegoers were said to be under 44 years old.
(News, Source: The Squiz)
'ELVIS' biopic was #1 in 10 countries in its opening weekend (June 23/24-26): The biopic was the #1 film last weekend in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy Norway, Poland, Switzerland, Croatia and Iceland.
With the film debuting in several other European countries in late June and Argentina and Brazil in mid-July, it is possible Elvis will register even more #1 openings.
(News, Source: Box Office Mojo)
'ELVIS' Biopic & "Real Elvis" inserts: Variety recently talked with 'ELVIS' editors Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond about the use of "real Elvis" inserts within the movie. The article includes...
.. Austin Butler’s performance of the King is so captivating that many viewers are unable to tell when Luhrmann cuts to the real King, Elvis Presley.
The film is peppered with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, real-life Elvis appearances and split screens. But the most powerful of the King splices was presented in the grand finale, Presley’s last performance in 1977 in Rapid City, South Dakota. The scene begins with Butler sitting down at the grand piano, and seamlessly cuts to Presley.
Editors Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond were careful not to overload the film with too many Presley intercuts, at least visually as it would take from the viewing experience, but 'ELVIS' has
been praised for the sprinkles of reality that elevated the hyper-stylized film. A big topic of discussion is when Elvis sings “Unchained Melody.” Villa: The finale when Elvis sings “Unchained Melody”, from a prosthetics standpoint, it was a huge job putting Austin into that makeup, and that was the most significant of his makeup. There wasn’t that much material of Austin, but there were a few takes of him singing the song all way through. Austin did sing 'Unchained Melody' in its entirety because there was a question mark towards the end as to whether we were going to get the real footage of Elvis and if we would be allowed to use it. Redmond: The attention to detail that Austin went into was extraordinary. In that sequence, with the breaths and pauses, he was spot on. Villa: Thankfully that famous footage came through and we were able to use it, and that’s the real Elvis. It’s so interesting that a lot of people don’t realize we cut to the real Elvis because it punches me in the heart every time I through. Austin did sing 'Unchained
Melody' in its entirety because there was a question mark towards the end as to whether we were going to get the real footage of Elvis and if we would be allowed to use it. Redmond: The attention to detail that Austin went into was extraordinary. In that sequence, with the breaths and pauses, he was spot on. Villa: Thankfully that famous footage came through and we were able to use it, and that’s the real Elvis. It’s so interesting that a lot of people don’t realize we cut to the real Elvis because it punches me in the heart every time I see that scene and you see Elvis’ face. When we’re watching the film with an audience, I’ll look around to see if people have that same emotion, and so often there isn’t. It took me a long time to realize that a lot of people don’t realize that is Elvis, and that’s a huge testament to Austin, but we do cut to the real Elvis.
Redmond: At the very beginning where Elvis comes out in the blue suit, where he’s doing karate moves, there’s a two-panel split-screen. There’s real Elvis on one side and Austin is on the other. It’s Austin from a costume test. It’s right before he turns around and starts “American Trilogy.” Both of those shots were not part of the principal photography. They’re stolen moments.
During “Burning Love,” there are a few shots of the real Elvis in there. It was all sublime. We didn’t want to distract audiences too much, but there are quite a few shots of him in the movie. Redmond: For the film's' introduction, the idea of flashing
forward at the very beginning was something born out of one of the reels we did in pre-production. It’s the scene were “American Trilogy” plays and there’s a split-screen, that was in our original pitch.
We wanted that because it was a powerful introduction to Elvis’ voice – this image of the man in the blue jumpsuit that the world was familiar with. The big stage with lots of screaming fans. Villa: There was a lot of evolution to that scene. It was one of the big things we toyed with throughout. The cut to the Colonel [Tom Hanks] reflecting on his time from a point in the present was always there. There was a big sequence at the beginning that involved him getting to that place. It was a very fanciful sequence that we decided to tone down a bit.
But the introduction of Elvis on stage was always a staple because it’s such an iconic series of images.
Go here to the full Variety article (News, Source;V/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis biopic 'Original Soundtrack Album' #1 in US and UK: With the Elvis biopic and Alanna Nash's book, The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley hitting #1 on box office and book sales charts respectively, the film's 'ELVIS Original Soundtrack' album is also #1 on Amazon UK's Film Music and Amazon USA's Soundtracks sales charts.
"Why I couldn’t help falling in love with Austin Butler’s Elvis": The Sydney Morning Herald's Meg Watson neatly explains why Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS biopic is hitting all the right spots. Her article includes...
... Like many people who flocked to see Baz Luhrmann’s new film in the past week, I was prepared to hate 'ELVIS'.
I mean, the reviews didn’t give me much of a choice. This 159-minute biopic (yes, you read that right) has been labelled “utterly deranged” and “tirelessly inescapable”. It’s been derided as “a pointless explosion of super-spangly sparkles” and a “gaudily decorated Wikipedia article”.
Some critics (mostly men) may call it boring. But Austin Butler captures the excitement and sex appeal of Elvis for a whole new generation.
Then there was the added cringe of Tom Hanks. His performance as Elvis’ manipulative manager Colonel Tom Parker is widely regarded as the worst of his career. And, in one critic’s estimation, Parker – part Mike Myer’s Goldmember, part Foghorn Leghorn – is “the most insufferable movie character ever conceived”.
But I think it would be a mistake to let that overshadow the film’s best performance.
Whatever you make of Hanks’ fat suit and Luhrmann’s trademark flair, as the titular Elvis, Austin Butler is undeniable.
Butler is so good, in fact, that critics, fans and Elvis’ own daughter are tipping him for the best actor Oscar – nine months out from the awards.
The task of performing Elvis – let alone performing Elvis for his immediate family – is monumental when you think about it. Elvis was a unique and almost other-worldly figure who redefined the bounds of fandom and popular entertainment in the 20th century. He was the King of Rock and Roll. That comes with a phenomenal amount of pressure and expectation.
But it’s not just that. The King also inspired an entire industry of impersonators and tribute artists (many operating while he was still alive) attempting to capture a glimmer of his likeness and talent. And, partly because of this and partly because pop culture mythology isn’t static or set over time, his image has been distorted
with each year since his death. How do you go about delivering a fresh performance of a man who has likely been performed more than anyone else on the planet? And how do you do that in a way that is sincere and affecting for a generation that has largely grown up associating him with fried peanut butter sandwiches and cheesy Vegas matinées?
Butler found a way. And, when you combine that with the Oscars’ love of both biopics and method acting (the actor is still strangely doing the Elvis voice in press junket interviews), his work probably will earn him a nomination.
I’ve spoken to a lot of Elvis tribute artists in the past, both for work and pleasure, and they always say the act of performing Elvis well comes down to two things: respect and joy. It’s about honouring his legacy and keeping the magic of his performances alive.
For all its glitz and frenzy, ELVIS does just that. And through Butler’s performance (especially on stage during Elvis’ electrifying and hip-gyrating early years), that magic is strong enough to enthral people who haven’t previously cared about Elvis at all.
Sure, some critics have called the film boring or tedious. But with a 94 per cent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Austin Butler’s Elvis is clearly giving cinema-goers a very real understanding of what their grandmas were once screaming about.
(see full SMH article here) (News, Source;SMH/ElvisInfoNet)
The Day After: Austin Butler's hospitalised after he finished filming Elvis: Having seen his stunning performance it can be no surprise that Austin Butler suffered exhaustion once the movie wrapped. The actor said he devoted two years of his life to the film, obsessively researching Presley and gradually transforming into him. Butler went through daily routines wondering how Presley did them. When the movie wrapped, Butler struggled to let go.
"Suddenly, it was me brushing my teeth, now it’s me doing these mundane things. It was a real existential crisis when I finished," said Butler. "The next morning, I woke up, and I couldn’t walk. I thought my appendix burst. It was the most excruciating pain in my stomach, so they took me to the emergency room. It’s wild how your body can kind of hold on for the duration of doing something."
The virus simulated appendicitis and left Butler bedridden for one week.
Considering how Butler immersed himself in the role of Elvis it is perhaps not surprising his body reacted when filming wrapped. As GQ reported - “The producers were ready to whisk Butler home to Los Angeles, but he decided to stay put and hole up and use the break to dig even deeper into his character. He basically turned his apartment into a detective scene, à la Charlie in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ unearthing a vast mail-room conspiracy. ‘Just images of Elvis everywhere, from every time period,’ says Butler. ‘I think the film would have been very different if we had started shooting at that point, and I’m grateful I had the time to let myself marinate.'”
Butler also prepped for “Elvis” by meeting with the late music icon’s ex-wife Priscilla Presley. “She looked like an angel,” Butler said. “I walked down the hall with Baz afterwards with tears in my eyes.” Priscilla, along with her daughter Lisa Marie and granddaughter Riley Keough, have all since raved about “Elvis” and have praised Butler for his performance. (News, Source:AAP/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 27 June 2022
'ELVIS' tops Australia box-office: On its opening weekend Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS biopic became Australia's second-highest opening for any Australian film in box office history - just shy of the record set by Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby in 2013. ELVIS also opened impressively in the US, with a higher-than-expected $US30.5 million, equalling 'Top Gun: Maverick' at the top of the box office as the resurgence of cinema-going continued.
Managing director of Universal Pictures Australasia, Mike Baard, said he was “Absolutely thrilled. People came out in big numbers even though there were a lot of other distractions like 'State of Origin', Minions opening, Top Gun, Jurassic World, Lightyear plus a lot of other movies in theatres. So we are chuffed that it was seen and loved.”
Luhrmann shot Elvis in Queensland with the backing of Hollywood studio Warner Bros and Australian federal and state filmmaking incentives.
Surveys of patrons leaving Australian cinemas showed 91 per cent rated Elvis either “excellent” or “very good” which matched the pre-covid result for 2018's 'A Star Is Born' with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Fifty-six per cent of the film’s weekend audience were female and, despite expectations the film would largely appeal to older viewers who are fans of Presley’s music, 50 per cent were aged under 44. ELVIS took as much on the weekend as the biggest musical
biopic of recent years 'Bohemian Rhapsody' which opened with $6.8 million before making $55.4 million all up.
While that total is considered unrealistic, Elvis could easily pass Luhrmann’s Gatsby ($27.4 million) and Moulin Rouge! ($27.8 million).
Luhrmann's biggest hit in this country is the romantic epic Australia ($37.6 million) which is the second-biggest Australian film hit behind Crocodile Dundee.
American entertainment website Deadline notes that 'ELVIS' had a rocking start with a $50.5 million debut around the world. (News, Source;JM/ElvisInfoNet) - Read EIN's detailed review of the film here.
There is 4 hour cut of the Elvis biopic!: In an interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, writer-director Baz Luhrmann explained... SW: Your editing is very unique compared to a lot of other filmmakers, your style. I'm curious, what is it actually like for you? How long does it for, say Elvis, how long is it for you in the editing room putting this thing together? Baz L: I've got this actually great team. I have two editors that I work with, Mattie and Johno, Matt Villa and Johno Redmond. Then they have a vast team around them. But you're so right, Steven. See, I look upon editing as writing. I write it, then I shoot it. But then I keep writing it in a sense through editorial. Because also I've got a four hour version. I shouldn't say that, but I have.
But I have to make a two and a half hour version and I have to serve the main art. So here's something beautiful. Last night, and we didn't expect this, but the Presley family have been so suddenly embracing of the movie. They brought us back to Graceland and we had a barbecue and we go inside the building,
we're drinking in the jungle room, hanging, like it's a home. We're in Graceland and we're being treated to a warm, loving home.
I'm sitting there with Olivia DeJonge and she says, "Baz, this is crazy. Because remember you rebuilt the jungle room. I've never been here to Graceland. This is exactly like the jungle room set that we shot In the Ghetto, Elvis recording." Now, I didn't use that in the movie. As much as you love that scene, you go, "No. Structurally if we go there, we're not going to go onto the drama of the next beat." So it's relentless cut and recut, try and restyle. I'm even doing revoice overing and pickups as I go through the editorial process. It's like molding clay. I never finish. SW: I would love to see a longer version of this movie as a fan of Elvis and as a fan of yours. You mentioned you have like a four-hour cut. Is that a cut that you were happy to show it or is it like that's an assembly cut? Baz L: It's an assembly. It's a different kind of movie. I wanted to make a movie for the theater, right? I make theatrical movies. My mission is to make a movie that's not a franchise movie. All respect to franchise movies by the way. I love my Batman.But I want to make a movie that cross generations, will come in that's not a franchise and sit in a dark room with strangers and commune in a vast American story, a vast American opera. That's what I hope this will be and that's what I'm fighting for is to try and bring audiences of all types back to the theater.
EIN Note: At the Sydney premiere (see EIN exclusive here) Luhrmann also explained that he never feels he is truly finished with his films edit and noted that his "longer cut" could come out later on a DVD release. (News, Source: Steve Weintraub, collider.com/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis honoured with Presley Family hand-prints At Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre: Elvis' family - along with director Baz Luhrmann and friend Jerry Schilling - have honored Elvis' contribution to Hollywood by having their hand prints included outside the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Lisa Marie noted, “My family and I are so truly honored and grateful to have been asked to put our handprints in such an incredible and historic place together”
Priscilla Presley said, “Certainly if Elvis had lived he would have been given this honor as having been become a part of his tradition of Hollywood history."
“One of his biggest dreams was to be acknowledged in Hollywood,” added Baz Luhrmann. “That is why we are here today. To honor and acknowledge his legacy”.
The photo shows, Back row: Jerry Schilling, director Baz Luhrmann and actor Austin Butler
Front row: Harper Presley Lockwood, Lisa Marie, Priscilla Presley, Riley Keough and Finley Presley Lockwood. (News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 23 June 2022 - - - "ELVIS" opens in Australia - - -
'ELVIS' opens in Australia: Today Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS biopic opened in cinemas throughout Australia. The theatres were packed and audiences thrilled as they relived the power and excitement of the King Of Rock'n'Roll almost 45 years after his untimely death.
The Australian ABC channel posted their review today noting...
.. The story of Elvis Presley is no less than the story of rock 'n' roll, from the backwater shacks and steamy late night clubs of the American south to prime-time national television.
And Luhrmann bravely takes it all in his kaleidoscopic sweep: with its often-hyperactive camerawork, the film plays as a 159-minute musical roller-coaster ride through Elvis' 42 years. You're liable to get all shook up, if not from tenderness of feeling then possibly from motion sickness.
Stepping into the King's blue suede shoes is Austin Butler, a blue-eyed Californian whose previous credits are mostly limited to teeny-bopper TV. A relative unknown, he's able to disappear into the role in a way that a bigger player (like Michael
Shannon, playing the lonely King in 2016's Elvis & Nixon, for instance) couldn't.
Much like Kurt Russell previously, Austin Butler gives a performance that should grant him entrée to the pantheon of hot young silver screen stars.
The film's sidelong look at its subject evokes Citizen Kane and like Kane.. Luhrmann's Elvis ultimately remains elusive; a larger-than-life figure able to be known only through so many layers of mediation – through his gold sunglasses and the camera lens.
The musical anachronism that felt egregious in The Great Gatsby, a story that is on some level about taste, plays better here.
It works in part because there's a discernible logic to the more outré numbers: Doja Cat's Vegas, woven into a scene of Black nightlife on Memphis' Beale Street, gives Hound Dog back to Big Mama Thornton the first artist to record the track.
But it's also because Elvis himself, once just a boy with "greasy hair" and "girly make-up" who dreamed of buying a hot pink Cadillac, always defied good taste. In his landmark 1968 TV special, he sandwiched a musical number set in a brothel between a gospel medley and a
"kung fu spectacular". The King didn't discriminate – and it's precisely for that reason that he would come to define rock 'n' roll. - Luhrmann is no Elvis Presley, but you gotta love a spirited impersonation. (News, Source:ABC/ElvisInfoNet)
"ELVIS" Behind The Scenes: A neat seven minute clip from Screen Australia about Behind The Scenes of the new ELVIS movie.
Baz Luhrmann, Designer-Producer Catherine Martin and producer Schuyler Weiss talk about their experience making Elvis, from filming on the Gold Coast, the effects of COVID on production and why Luhrmann continues to return to Australia to make his films.
More critics' reactions to Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS: With Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS biopic opening globally this week here are takeaways from some of the most recent reviews:
ELVIS delivers the icon like never before - Can it be that we really don't know Elvis anymore — not as the seismic force that shook people and remade the popscape? Barring those who actually lived through it (a group to be envied), that's almost certainly the case. Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, a dazzling, splatter-paint evocation of the myth and the man, does a mighty job of bringing us closer to what that revolutionary moment must have felt like. It may not be slavishly devoted to the facts (this isn't your typical birth-to-deather), but as with Todd Haynes's glam fantasia Velvet Goldmine, the movie achieves something trickier and more valuable, mining shocking intimacy from sweeping cultural changes. (Joshua Rothkopf, ew.com)
To Luhrmann’s credit, Elvis is a far more straightforward and factually accurate film than it had to be.The Get Down, Luhrmann’s very expensive 2016 series about the birth of hip-hop that Netflix canceled after one season, turned 1970s South Bronx into a sort of mythical b-boy paradise.. But Elvis, though it retains the director’s dreamlike signature tone and prioritizes emotion and iconography over straightforward storytelling, is in most respects a pretty conventional biopic that distorts or omits far less than Bohemian Rhapsody did. (Al Shipley, consequence.net)
As for the big question of whether Butler could pull off impersonating one of the most indelible icons in American pop-culture history, the answer is an unqualified yes. His stage
moves are sexy and hypnotic, his melancholy mama’s-boy lost quality is swoon-worthy and he captures the tragic paradox of a phenomenal success story who clings tenaciously to the American Dream even as it keeps crumbling in his hands. (David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter)
But for all its flaws and questionable choices, Luhrmann’s films are a spectacle that needs to be seen to be believed. Luhrmann’s very distinct style can feel like a breath of fresh air at times, especially when wrapped around the standard biopic tropes. Yet after the adrenaline rush of the beginning, it’s hard to maintain that energy throughout the 160 minutes of Elvis. In the final moments of Elvis, Luhrmann shifts from Butler’s portrayal of Elvis into real footage of the King of Rock & Roll, and it feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s like binging Skittles for two and a half hours, then getting a vegetable. And while Luhrmann can do his best to recreate the glitzy, nonstop nature of Presley’s life, in those final moments, it’s easy to see that Elvis lacked the weight that this real footage captures. It’s that little bit of substance that reminds how hollow the previous hours of style have been. (Ross Bonaime, collider.com)
If this were really Col. Parker telling the story, of course, it’d be far more sanitized and a lot less entertaining, and it certainly wouldn’t
immediately launch into a blazing split-screen montage that layers one grandiose moment on top of another. Shot by Mandy Walker with a gloss worthy of The King and designed to the last sequin by Catherine Martin (give her the assignment to create Graceland and stand back!), this is a super-sized, two-hour-and-39-minute extravaganza even if it starts in county fairs and blues shacks in the rural South. (Steve Pond, The Wrap)
Hanks’s domineering on- and off-screen presence as Parker threatens to overshadow Butler’s revelatory performance. Your average Elvis impression typically boils down to a curled lip, a ducktail haircut, and a mumbled “thank ya very much.” Butler never stoops to cheap impersonation, though this is one of the most uncanny channelings of the King that you will ever see. The actor imbues the young Elvis with a believable insecurity and vulnerability that lasts well into the singer’s megastar era; even when Elvis is at his most strung-out and aggressive, there’s a certain softness in his eyes that reminds us of the humble farm boy that he once was. That tender quality also helps to explain how he so consistently fell for Parker’s manipulations, even when he was trying to extract himself from under his manager’s thumb. (Jake Cole, slantmagazine.com)
Butler, previously best known in movies for playing Tex Watson in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, is an ideal choice as Presley both visually and vocally, and he actually sings himself in the first half during
the early Elvis era (replaced by tracks of the real Elvis in the later years). Perhaps more than anyone who has seriously taken on Elvis, Butler thrillingly succeeds, especially in the film’s first half, with an authentic rhythm that makes us wonder what greater heights Elvis could have climbed had he not succumbed to the dark side of his own fame. (Peter Hammond, Deadline) (News, Source/NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 19 June 2022
'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' CD: At last the 'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' CD release has been officially announced and with the worldwide release date of 29th July (odd that it is not the same week June 24 as the movie release)
The CD is twenty-two tracks, whereas the Digital Release is 36 tracks.
CD priced at Australia AU$22 and UK £13.25 "The soundtrack features Elvis's extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, '60s and '70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today."
1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley
2. Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
3. Vegas - Doja Cat
4. The King And I - Eminem & CeeLo Green
5. Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo
6. Baby, Let's Play House - Austin Butler
7. Craw-Fever - Elvis Presley
8. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day - Yola
9. Trouble - Austin Butler
10. Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves
11. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Lenesha Randolph
12. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan
13. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis Presley & Tame Impala
14. Power of My Love - Elvis Presley
15. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
16. Suspicious Minds (Film Edit) - Elvis Presley
17. Burning Love (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
18. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis Presley & Stuart Price
19. Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis Presley & PNAU
20. If I Can Dream - Måneskin
21. Suspicious Minds - Paravi
22. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis Presley feat. Nardo Wick (News, Source/ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 16 June 2022
'Tom Hanks and Austin Butler in the Jungle Room!': USA's GMA program included an interview with Tom Hanks and Austin Butler live from the Jungle Room at Graceland.
While it is not the greatest in-depth interview it is still fun to see these lead actors sitting in the Jungle Room laughing together and chatting live about ELVIS and the Baz Luhrmann-directed biopic.
Interestingly Tom Hanks comments that this is (only) the third time he has watched the movie and this time it was with the Presley family.
The Presley family at 'ELVIS' Movie screening: At the weekend Baz Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' was screened at the Graceland Guesthouse Theatre. In attendance was a large number of the films stars - including Tom Hanks and Austin Butler and Olivia DeJonge who got to watch the movie with Elvis' actual family Lisa Marie, Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley. What a night that must have been.
Priscilla posted, "Hello all! What a weekend it has been here at Graceland!
We’ve had screenings for family, friends, guests and fans for Baz Luhrmann’s film, ELVIS at our theater at the Guesthouse. Baz, Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge, Jerry Schilling, me, Lisa and Riley were all on stage to welcome our
guests. We each spoke openly about our personal reaction or experience on seeing this film. By all accounts, Austin Butler has recharged the life of of Elvis Presley. Not that it has ever left us but it will, I feel, give our younger generation a taste of why Elvis is “still” the king of R/R, beloved, and always will be. As I’ve mentioned, This movie is a true story about the up and down relationship Elvis had with his Manager Col Parker. Baz Luhrmann has made a film about Elvis that I feel will leave a mark as one of the most artistic, creative, stylized, and sensitive films to date, on an important part of Elvis’ life.
Thank you to: Warner Bros, Baz Lurhman, Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Olivia
DeJonge for giving your heart, soul and belief in making this sensitive, heartfelt movie." (News, Source;JM/Warners/ElvisInfoNet)
Austin Butler plays Elvis' guitar: While the "ELVIS" movie cast were assembled at Graceland, Austin Butler got to play Elvis' genuine guitar in the Jungle Room!
It must have been a surreal experience both for him and for Elvis' actual family who were there..
Riley Keough commented on Instagram: "We got to spend time with Austin Butler this weekend in the house, at Graceland. It was such a special and overwhelming experience I haven’t quite processed. One of many sweet things that happened while we were there- Austin played my grandfather’s guitar in the house. This guitar hasn’t been played by many people. I know it was tuned by Paul McCartney once, but as far as people sitting down and playing it Austin Butler is one of very few people aside from my grandfather. ❤️"
ELVIS 'Austin Butler Pre-Production Test Footage': This is a sensational clip. Forget all those average Elvis Impersonators you might have seen, here Austin Butler truly inhabits Elvis character showing what he could do
at a pre-production jam.
As 'Depper' rightly comments, "Austin was a brilliant choice as there are millions of new young Elvis fans just based on the trailers alone. Many more will join us in the Elvis fanbase as soon as the movie drops. This movie successfully explains the contributions to music of Elvis Presley, to today's current generation. Elvis' legacy has been given a tremendous boost, and will help young people understand that he was a force of good for American music and humanity." (News, Source;EIN)
Priscilla on the 'ELVIS' movie: Yesterday Priscilla chatted with New Zealand's radio 'Newstalk ZB' about what she thought of the new Baz Luhrmann movie.
In the interview Priscilla noted.. "I loved the film - I told him (Baz Luhrmann) that he was a genius!
The film was unreal, really. I thought he did an amazing job. I said that his artistry showed in how he made the film, and that it's very different. You're seeing an artist really at work, filming a beautiful story, in such a creative way.
Actually I had Baz Luhrmann and his wife "CM" come over for lunch with me, just so we'd get an idea of what it was Baz wanted to do. I heard that he wanted to do a film about Elvis, I know Baz's work well ... what his concept was what I was trying to get to. I liked where he was going. In other words, the story about Elvis and the Colonel really has never been done. And it shows the up and down relationship that they had.
I had a very good relationship with Col Parker but Tom Hanks' portrayal of him is good.
He really did have a heart. But when he would put his business hat on, that's when he was tough, and that's what we explained to Tom Hanks.
As for Austin Butler - he was Elvis.
Let's just put it this way: that boy studied him for one year, that whole entire year. He got his voice, got his mannerisms, his smirk, his smile, his movements, and it's outstanding. absolutely outstanding. He's a nice kid, a great kid, serious about what he does.
This film will allow a new this generation to really see what Elvis was all about.
Why people fell in love with him, would not miss a show, went to Vegas seven or eight times in the early times of his performances.
I thought Austin - I told Baz - if Elvis were here today, he'd say, 'Damn, you're me!'"
'ELVIS' Soundtrack Tracklist: Finally we get the tracklist for the Baz Luhrmann soundtrack album.
It's great to get something new that will hopefully push a new generation to discover Elvis' immense back-catalogue
In Australia you can hear the first single 'Vegas' by Doja Cat playing everywhere. A cool sign.
From RCA Records / Sony Music
Pre-order started today June 10, 2022 Release Date: June 24, 2022 Tracklist
1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) – Elvis Presley
2. Also Sprach Zarathustra / An American Trilogy – Elvis Presley
3. Vegas – Doja Cat
4. The King and I – Eminem & CeeLo Green
5. Tupelo Shuffle – Swae Lee & Diplo
6. I Got A Feelin’ In My Body – Elvis Presley & Stuart Price
7. Craw-Fever – Elvis Presley
8. Don’t Fly Away (PNAU Remix) – Elvis Presley & PNAU
9. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kacey Musgraves
10. Product of the Ghetto – Nardo Wick
11. If I Can Dream – Maneskin
12. Cotton Candy Land – Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
13. Baby, Let’s Play House – Austin Butler
14. I’m Coming Home (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
15. Hound Dog – Shonka Dukureh
16. Tutti Frutti – Les Greene
17. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day – Yola
18. Hound Dog – Austin Butler
19. Let It All Hang Out – Denzel Curry
20. Trouble – Austin Butler
21. I Got A Feelin’ In My Body – Lenesha Randolph
22. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) – Elvis Presley & Tame Impala
23. Summer Kisses / In My Body – Elvis Presley
24. ’68 Comeback Special (Medley) – Elvis Presley (News, Source; Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
25. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child – Jazmine Sullivan
26. If I Can Dream (Stereo Mix) – Elvis Presley
27. Any Day Now – Elvis Presley
28. Power of My Love – Elvis Presley & Jack White
29. Vegas Rehearsal / That’s All Right – Austin Butler & Elvis Presley
30. Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley
31. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
32. Burning Love (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
33. It’s Only Love – Elvis Presley
34. Suspicious Minds – Paravi
35. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) – Elvis Presley & Nardo Wick
36. Unchained Melody (Live at Ann Arbor, MI) – Elvis Presley
'ELVIS' - Australian Vogue Issue Out Now: The special ELVIS issue of this month's Australian Vogue magazine is out now.
"Step into the wonderful world of Elvis this month with Vogue's June collector's issue guest edited by Baz Luhrmann" “I want to introduce newcomers to the world of Elvis, explore his ongoing impact on music and culture, and for those who are already Elvis fans, offer an insight into where we, the storytellers, have come from in our own creative journey.”
The magazine is packed with interesting articles, plenty about the creative side of Luhrmann's movies as well as tons of fashion. It includes Luhrmann speaking to some of his closest Aussie friends and colleagues, from Nicole Kidman to Kylie Minogue, sees Australian supermodel Adut Akech Bior grace the pages in haute couture to celebrate Memphis’s Beale Street in the 1950s, and of course, features a cover shoot with the Australian actress playing the role of Priscilla Presley in Luhrmann’s Elvis, Olivia DeJonge.
EIN was interested in the interviews with Priscilla Presley, Luhrmann's Musical supervisor Anton Monsted, Film Designer Catherine Martin, a great discussion between Baz Luhrmann andMad Maxdirector George Miller, as well as Riley Keough telling how she found her Australian husband.
...Below are a few interview excerpts...
In local stores from June 6 - only AU$9.00 and well worth buying!
Go here to the Oz Vogue website for details
Cinematographer Mandy Walker, Baz Luhrmann's frequent collaborator, notes, "With 'ELVIS' we held meetings with Panavision to source specific camera equipment for Elvis. "We had bespoke lenses made using old glass from that era, which evoked different looks designed for this movie specifically. Panavision even added a little Elvis symbol on them!"
Musical supervisor Anton Monsted explains, "To capture the energy and innovation that made Elvis one of the defining artists of a century, you need to call up some of today's best. Like Diplo and Swae Lee – coincidentally both born in Elvis' birthplace of Tupelo, whose voices mingle with Butler's on a track that is a freewheeling, upbeat blend of country music, hip-hop and swing. Kacey Musgraves sings a hauntingly beautiful, stripped-back rendition of Elvis's legendary Can't Help Falling in Love. Tame Impala's Kevin Parker works his magic on a modernised version of Edge of Reality, and Doja Cat turns Hound Dog into a rallying cry for all the women
who've ever been let down by a playboy.
We have an actor portraying Big Mama Thornton. She's singing Hound Dog in a bar. It's the song we all. know and love, but as the camera pans down to find Elvis, things change and, slowly, Big Mama Thornton's voice gives way to the hip-hop beat of Doja Cat's take...
And Priscilla recalls, "When I was married to Elvis I didn't look at him as a star, I looked at the man I fell in love with. I thought we'd have a great life together. He had an innate quality that will never repeat. He was who he was the most giving, the most passionate, the most trustworthy human being.
People tried to duplicate him in many ways, especially with the dressing, but as a human being he was very, very special. He was meant to be who he was, but he doubted his right to fame. He didn't think it would last, saying "When is it going to be over?" He didn't want to lose what he had
accomplished. He feared that it would all disappear.
Someone asked me the other day: "Who have you met that you've been impressed by?" but no one person impresses me. We are all human beings, all doing our best to survive. I respect anyone who is
carrying out their wishes and their love of life. I just don't want to be around negativity. I had somebody who was impressive. His impact is still profound. But I don't have that ego-driven part of me that says,
"Oh my god, look I married this guy, the most admired and desired person on the planet." I just look at that part of my life as something that happened. I never pondered it, I never questioned it, I just lived it..."
Austin Butler on The Graham Norton Show: This is a very interesting 12 minutes "radio interview". Reveals a lot about Austin Butler and the making of the film, including a discussion about the issue of the "mono" acetate recordings from the 1950s.
Why Austin Butler was chosen over Harry Styles: Well over two years ago there was discussion about who might get the key role for Baz Lurhman’s Elvis biopic
Chart-topping Harry Styles was already well-known to most people as a musician whether via his work in One Direction or his more recent solo projects and he was up for the role. And also more recently he has garnered recognition for his acting work, appearing in the 2017 Christopher Nolan film Dunkirk, as well as the highly anticipated Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman, which are both set to release later this year.
In May, Styles confirmed that he had auditioned for Baz Lurhman’s Elvis. “Elvis was probably the first person I knew besides my family when I was a kid. For that reason, there was something incredibly sacred surrounding him, so I thought I should try to get the part.”
Given Styles's level of fame, it may come as a surprise that Luhrmann passed on the former boy band member for the role of Elvis, opting instead to go with young actor Austin Butler.
This week on Australian radio Luhrmann explained why Styles wasn’t cast.
“The real issue with Harry is, he's Harry Styles. He's already an icon.” Luhrmann further explained that he thinks Styles is a talented actor and would love to work with him on a future project.
Styles later said he wasn’t offended by the decision. “If they think the movie’s going to be better with someone else then I don’t want to do it because I don’t want to be the not-as-good version,” he told Stern.
Perhaps things work out in the end, as Butler clearly had a special connection to Elvis. At the Cannes Film Festival, he revealed that he basically put his life on hold for two years for the role, admitting he “went down the rabbit hole of obsession.”
Butler certainly inhabits both the look and the style of the real ELVIS.
Luhrmann noted, “The thing about Austin was that he will tell you himself, I didn’t pick him: It’s as if he was drawn, like the role drew him in because he was almost born to play it."
Butler also recently spoke to the New York Times about his commitment to playing the King. “I want everybody to love the film, obviously, but the pressure I have really felt is doing justice to Elvis. Humanizing him. Adding to his legacy and maybe, hopefully, even reclaiming some of his legacy.” (News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 6 June 2022
Baz Luhrmann ELVIS Sydney Premiere: The Sydney Premiere of Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS movie was presented in the glorious Sydney State Theatre where Luhrmann's first film 'Strictly Ballroom' was featured thirty years ago at the 1992 Sydney Film Festival.
The evening was part of Sydney's VIVID festival and before the actual Premiere, director Baz Luhrmann spent an hour in conversation discussing his life in movies as well as his thoughts on ELVIS.
The Sydney Media were out in force to celebrate the international cast of the movie, including Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Australia's Olivia DeJonge, along with Director Baz Luhrmann.
EIN's Piers Beagley was lucky enough to be part of the ELVIS celebration - and who knew that his night would include an Elvis sing-a-long with Tom Hanks! Go here for the Baz Luhrmann discussion and plenty of Premiere pics.
(Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Diplo & Swae Lee 'Tupelo Shuffle': Another track released from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ELVIS, this time Diplo & Swae Lee 'Tupelo Shuffle'.
At the Sydney Premiere director Baz Luhrmann noted the interesting connection that both DJ / songwriter Diplo and US rapper Swae Lee were both actually from Tupelo! Now that's a coincidence.
As the movie's credits rolled Luhrmann who was on-stage made a special mention of this track. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 4 June 2022
'Becoming Elvis Featurette': Don't miss out on this fabulous 'Becoming Elvis Featurette' for the new Baz Luhrmann movie.
In it Austin Butler and Baz Luhrmann describe the intricacies and difficulty of properly representing ELVIS on the big screen.
It is a knockout two minute look at the new film.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Doja Cat - 'Vegas' (Official Video): Finally the official video for the lead single from the 'ELVIS' soundtrack.
If you are a longtime Elvis fan who doesn't understand why this would be the lead single from the film you need to know that Doja Cat (aged 26) has already sold 12.5 million albums and her first album reached 4.6 billion streams on Spotify. She has received one Grammy Award, five Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards and three MTV Video Music Awards.
As Doja Cat fan Shantel Killion commented, "Her voice is AMAZING!! And Doja My Queen You NEVER Disappoints!! I am so Proud of you embracing Big Mama
Thornton's version. I am from Memphis TENN!! and Elvis was loved in the Black community! People need to know that. This is no shade to him but much Homage to a Lady that is well deserving of her rendition of Hound Dog!! Thank You!!" (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Austin Butler Discusses 'Elvis': A new interview with Austin Butler in Cannes has been posted and it captures how perfect it was for Austin Butler to get the lead role of Elvis "I knew what Elvis' loss felt like when he lost his mom. I keep saying this, but I've never loved anybody than I'd never met more than Elvis. After spending two year with all the good, bad and ugly of his life I'm feeling like my heart is so connected to his. At the premiere last night it was so emotional, I wish Elvis was here to see how loved he is.."
(News, Source;Variety/EInfoNet)
Saturday 28 May 2022
Baz Luhrmann getting ELVIS out to the New Generation: Indiewire recently interviewed ELVIS director Baz Luhrmann. The highlights include.. Luhrmann's style of a dense wall of visuals and music sets out to hypnotize, overwhelm, and entertain. Telling the Elvis story through three decades of his life, from rangy heartthrob to Vegas lounge singer, ticks all of those boxes.
And he wants to get ELVIS out to the Post-Millennial generation. "Oh, yeah, they don’t care about Elvis. In a way, I like that. Because they’re very honest about it. Even when I was a fan as a kid, I was more Bowie and Elvis became wallpaper. And I think they know him through ‘Lilo and Stitch,’ or he’s in a video game. Like he’s the guy in the white jumpsuit.”
He’d already spent 10 years moving “Elvis” from one back burner to another. “I’d been talking about using Elvis as a way of exploring America. Actually, the world had changed to this idea of the commercial carnival barker figure who puts his name on everything and knows how to exploit
people and emotions and the artist. This suddenly became relevant to me, So I came back to the idea of doing it.”
Luhrmann uses music to layer initial crowd reactions to the way Elvis moved at his Hayride performance. ‘All of a sudden, the girls were screaming, and he actually said, ‘What are they reacting to?’ ‘It’s the way you’re moving.’ And the truth is the pleated trousers and all of that.”
The director also figured out how to cinematically unite the two worlds of Elvis, the juke joint and the gospel tent. That stemmed from obsessive research: Luhrmann not only took over a room at the vast Graceland archives in a barn behind the Presley mansion, but also tracked a childhood friend of Elvis’, Sam Bell, who told the story of the Presleys living in a black neighborhood, Elvis joining his gang, and soaking up both kinds of music. “The whole issue of Elvis and race, you can’t explore America in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, and use Elvis at the center of that if you’re not dealing with race.” The film also delves into Presley’s friendship with B.B. King as well as Little Richard.
The director promised himself he would not make the movie if he couldn’t find someone to embody Presley and he put Harry Styles and Miles Teller through workshops. But then came a taped audition from this young Californian, Austin Butler, who had been a working actor since he was 13 but his highest-profile role was a small part as Manson killer Tex Watson in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
“I got this tape of this young guy playing ‘Unchained Melody’ and crying. It was just strange. I mean, it was so moving. I thought, ‘This isn’t really acting.’ Now I learned
years later that it was Austin thinking about his mother, who passed at the same year that Elvis’ mother did.”
When Luhrmann met Austin Butler, the actor fooled the director with his southern accent. “He had this kind of naivete about him. He was kind of Elvis. He has basically lived as Elvis for nearly three years.”
There’s dramatic license and there’s compressions because you’ve got to compress times. My rule is, as long as it doesn’t fundamentally change the truth. I mean, you’re telling a 42-year-long life in two-and-a-half hours.”
Also in play is Warner Bros marketing who must find the audience for the movie beyond older adults who revere the king of rock ‘n roll. In turn, that task will fall to Butler, not veteran Hanks, who is buried beneath a fat suit and prosthetics.
“I make theatrical movies, it's a theatrical experience... Right now, we haven’t really proved that non-franchise movies can bring all quadrants back into the theater. I consider that to be on my shoulders.”
Go here to IndieWirefor the full interview. (News, Source;IW/ElvisInfoNet)
'Can't Help Falling In Love' Kacey Musgraves 'ELVIS' Trailer: Another teaser from Baz Luhrmann's 'Elvis', this time you can check out a first listen of 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Kacey Musgraves.
The clip features some terrific movie images.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Check out this brilliant seventies live image from Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS'
Thursday 26 May 2022
Luhrmann’s ‘ELVIS’ gets Cannes 10-Minute Standing Ovation: Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS strutted its way up the Cannes Film Festival red carpet last night for the film’s world premiere which was greeted by explosive applause inside the Palais. The crowd got to its feet during the end credits, clapping in rhythm before the lights came up, and remained standing for 10 minutes to mark a 2022 record so far at the festival.
Amid shouts of “Bravo!” from the crowd, an emotional Luhrmann told the audience inside the Lumière Theatre he’d had a “bit of an epiphany” because “30 years ago my wife and I made a little film called Strictly Ballroom and the one exhibitor who had given him
one screen said, “That is the worst film I have ever seen!"
So we went up the coast and I thought my film was never really going to work out when I got a phone-call from a Frenchman, who offered me a chance with a screening at the Cannes Film Festival. Eventually we showed the film in this Palais cinema … and my life has never been the same."
Luhrmann noted about making ELVIS, “I really believed that we would come to Cannes, but then the Covid came and the film was shut down and it was never going to happen, but for the bravery of Tom Hanks to come back and the bravery of this cast and this crew to go on through Covid and finish this film. And we are back in Cannes. And to see these streets so full of people who love movies of every form of life, every kind of movie, says so much more about what this place means and what it means to be back in the cinema. For that we are eternally grateful, Cannes… All I can say is, merci beaucoup, merci beaucoup.”
'ELVIS' Biopic gets Positive Reviews: With its premiere yesterday Baz Luhrmann’s ‘ELVIS’ is receiving some truly stunning and detailed reviews. The Hollywood Reporter review includes.. "The King of Rock and Roll gets suitably electrified biopic treatment"
How you feel about Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis will depend largely on how you feel about Baz Luhrmann’s signature brash, glitter-bomb maximalism. Just the hyper-caffeinated establishing section alone, even before Austin Butler’s locomotive hips start doing their herky-jerky thing when Elvis Presley takes to the stage to perform “Heartbreak Hotel” in a rockabilly-chic pink suit, leaves you dizzy with its frenetic blast of scorching color, split screen, retro graphics and more edits per scene than a human eye can count. Add in the stratified, ear-bursting sound design and this is Baz times a bazillion.
... The live performance sequences are electrifying, shot by cinematographer Mandy Walker with swooping moves to match Presley’s dynamic physicality and with intimacy to capture the molten feeling he poured into his songs. The bold use of color and lighting is eye-popping. The same goes for the production design by Luhrmann’s wife and career-long collaborator Catherine Martin and Karen Murphy; likewise, Martin’s utterly fabulous costumes.
... Luhrmann is often criticized for molding material to serve his style rather than finessing his style to fit the material. Many will dismiss this film’s unrelenting flamboyance as bombastic Baz in overdrive, a work of shimmering surfaces that refuses to stop long enough to get under its subject’s skin. But as a tribute from one champion of outrageous showmanship to another, it dazzles.
Seethe full HR review here. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
UK Tabloids 'ELVIS' 4-Star Reviews: For the ELVIS biopic to get to a large fan-base it is obviously important that the movie appeals to everyone, and not just the Luhrmann Art-House movie fans.
The great news is that both UK Tabloids 'The Sun' and 'The Mirror' have given the movie 4-Star raves. The Sun review notes. "Get ready to be all shook up by this high tempo, ferociously flamboyant take on Elvis Presley’s life.
Similar to Baz Luhrmann’s direction of The Great Gatsby and Romeo and Juliet, the first half hour barely lets you blink.
It kicks off with a high speed spin through the first 20 years of Elvis’ life that makes you feel as though you’ve eaten too many E numbers and then visited the circus.
All with a huge dollop of glitz, glamour and decadence sprinkled on top.
Later the pace evens out and everything suddenly becomes very watchable indeed.
A lot of this due to an extraordinary performance from Austin Butler. While not only portraying a convincing likeness, he like a young Elvis, is a simply beautiful creature to watch.
Hypnotic and somehow different from the rest of us.
In a scene where he gyrates and thrusts on stage for the first time in front of an audience, the women of the 1950s are shocked by their carnal reactions.
But watching him now, it’s totally understandable. Even in 2022.
Despite the gift of a vast soundtrack of Elvis songs, some modern tunes are sprinkled in, which jars and feels unnecessary. But that aside, you can’t help falling in love with this shake, rattle and roll through the life of the biggest star the world has ever seen." The UK Daily Mirror says.. 'Austin Butler nails the moves, the mannerisms and the soulful voice'
30-year-old Austin Butler repays director Baz Luhrman’s faith with a genuine star-is-born performance. Butler nails the moves, the mannerisms, the soulful voice and somehow even channels the icon’s charisma. When girls scream at him in the film’s electrifying musical sequences, you wonder how much acting
was required.
Surprisingly, the film is as much about his corrupt manager as it is about the rock and roll pioneer. Parker admits he knows nothing about music, but he knows plenty about making money. When he sees Elvis perform for the first time (and hears those ecstatic screams) you can imagine dollar signs in his eyes.
His attempts to tame the rebellious Elvis, lead to conflict but the old charmer always manages to reel him back in. As Elvis needs to provide for an extended family, Parker knows he always has the upper hand.
Highlights include a behind the scenes look at his 1968 TV special and a concert where Elvis baits the police with “If you’re looking for trouble” and whips the crowd into a frenzy with those sinful hips.
Telling the story from someone else’s viewpoint has one drawback - we don’t really get under the skin of the icon. But this is a foot-tapping, spine-tingling testament to a musical pioneer." (News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' overall reviews 88% Positive: A large number of various Media reviews of the 'ELVIS' biopic are in - and the Rotten Tomatoes agregator gives them an overall 88% Positive.
Sadly one rather negative review is in the well-respected Guardian newspaper. "Baz Luhrmann’s squeaky-clean King is shaking no one up. Another pointless explosion of super-spangly sparkles in celluloid form..."
However Peter Bradshaw, their reviewer, dislikes all Baz Luhrmann films so it is no surprise he gave it a bad review.
His review of Moulin Rouge was 2 Stars"It is as if a jeroboam of champagne has been shaken up far too much and then uncorked in our faces. That isn't a very refreshing or tasty experience." Great Gatsby was 2 Stars "Having watched this fantastically unthinking and heavy-handed adaptation.. Directed by Baz Luhrmann a man who can't see a nuance without calling security for it to be thrown off his set."
CHECK OUT all the 'ELVIS' movie reviews via 'Rotten Tomatoes' here (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 25 May 2022
ELVIS Official Trailer #2:“I’m gonna show you what the real Elvis is like tonight”, the second trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS biopic has been released. And it sure looks stunning. In contrast to the first clip this trailer focuses on the power of Elvis' on stage performances and the personal sacrifices and highlights the darker side of fame and Elvis' ascension to God-like status.
In this trailer we see more of the impressive cast such as Helen Thomson аs Glаdys Presley, Richаrd Roxburgh аs Vernon Presley with Jerry
Schilling plаyed by Luke Brаcey, Nаtаshа Bаssett as Dixie Locke аnd Hаnk Snow by Dаvid Wenhаm. Jr. Kelvin Hаrrison is B.B King, Xаvier Sаmuel is Scotty Mooreаnd Jimmie Rodgers Snow is plаyed by Kodi Smit-McPhee. Shonka Dukureh is "Big Mama” Thornton. EIN is very impressed - as are 'Non-Elvis-fans' who are just looking forward to the creativity and excitement of a new Baz Luhrmann film.
There is no doubt that it will be stunning in the Cinema on the Big Screen. (News, Source;BL/ElvisInfoNet
'ELVIS' movie soundtrack album: The full artist lineup for the ELVIS soundtrack has been revealed (but not all the tracks they are performing) and among those takin’ care of business on the album are Eminem, Tame Impala, Stevie Nicks, Jack White and Jazmine Sullivan.
We already know that Kacey Musgraves will be singing 'Can’t Help Falling in Love' for the film, that Måneskin will perform their take on 'If I Can Dream' and the already released Doja Cat single 'Vegas' (with Hound Dog sample).
But there are still plenty of surprises in the artists announcement. Notable others include Tame Impala, Stevie Nicks, Jack White plus CeeLo Green as a collaborator with Eminem, the combination of Swae Lee and Diplo, Chris Isaak, Pnau among others.
The artists list also includes plenty of cast members whose contributions are no doubt featured in the movie, such as Austin Butler, Yola (Sister Rosetta Tharpe), Gary Clark Jr. (Arthur “Bigboy” Crudup), Shonka Dukereh (Big Mama Thornton), Alton Mason (Little Richard) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (Jimmie Rodgers).
Top-billing still goes to Elvis Aaron Presley and rock'n'roll fans will be happy to see the late Rufus Thomas also listed as a contributor. (News, Source;Baz/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' movie posters for 50s/ 60s/ 70s - plus a great shot of Austin Butler
Tom Hanks at Australian ELVIS Premiere: Good news for keen Australian Elvis fans as Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks will be at the Australian ELVIS Premiere on the Gold Coast (where the film was shot) on June 4 - and then at the Sydney premiere the following day. (EIN will be there!)
The 65-year-old who plays Elvis' manager Col Parker in the movie will join his co-stars for the red-carpet event.
Austin Butler will also be attending the premiere, as will his Aussie co-star Olivia DeJonge.
Priscilla commented that, "Tom Hanks was Col Parker in this film. What a character he was. There was two sides to Colonel. Jerry and I witnessed both. The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending.
But I think you will understand a little bit more of Elvis' journey, penned by a director who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film.
I want to make sure these young ones learning about him now will take the torch and keep it going,
Elvis has a phenomenal legacy, and I will always cherish my moments with him."
The new Elvis biopic will have its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival next week.
Scheduled for theatrical release in the USA June 24, 2022 and will be released in Australia on June 23. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Riley Keough finds ELVIS movie very emotional: Riley Keough (Elvis' granddaughter) is at the Cannes film festival and told fans that it was "very intense" watching the new ELVIS biopic about her grandfather.
Actress Keough, now 32, known for films 'Logan Lucky' / 'American Honey' and TV series 'The Girlfriend Experience' is in Cannes for her directorial debut "War Pony" just days before the world premiere of Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS.
She told an audience at the French Riviera festival she saw the film recently with her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and grandmother, Priscilla Presley.
She said, "Watching the movie was a very emotional experience.
There's a lot of family trauma and generational trauma that started around there. It was a very intense experience."
Despite the discomfort of seeing her family on screen, Keough said she was "honoured" that it was handled by Luhrmann.
"The first movie I ever watched in a theatre where I knew I wanted to make movies was ´Moulin Rouge!´ when I was 12," said Keough.
She said it was immediately evident how much effort Luhrmann and Butler had put into capturing the essence of The King.
"That made me emotional and I started crying five minutes in, and didn´t stop, so I need to watch it again," said Keough.
The family was involved in helping Luhrmann get access to Presley's Graceland, and other people from Elvis' life.
"But at the end of the day, we´re not going to tell Baz Luhrmann how to make a film!" Keough said. ELVIS premieres in Cannes on Wednesday (News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann on Col Parker and Elvis: Elvis author Alanna Nash (see EIN interview) recently interviewed ELVIS director Baz Luhrmann for AARP.
In the insightful interview Luhrmann explained more about the Parker/Elvis love story. Q. What is the inherent drama of the Presley-Parker relationship? Baz L: My takeaway as the ultimate outsider is that the Presley - Parker relationship is probably the real love story. Not that there isn’t a great and genuine romance between Elvis and Priscilla, but the love story that soars brilliantly, but gets a little too close to the sun and tumbles, is Elvis and the Colonel. It’s almost a codependent marriage that, while toxic and destructive, cannot be unwound. Q. Why does Tom Hanks have a much
stronger accent than Parker did in real life?
Baz L: I found it interesting that Parker became obsessed with tape recorders and started taping himself. I spent many hours at Graceland listening to those obscure tapes. His accent changed dramatically depending on what situation he was in. What a gargantuan personality he was — he’d walk into a room and suck all the air out of it, using humor to manipulate and control. You couldn’t back away from the enormity of the character. So I thought it was very important that Hanks present the audience with a strangeness: “What is going on with this guy?” Q. How much of the narrative revolves around 1968, with the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King? Baz L: I always say: no issue of race in America, no Elvis. The fact that he grew up in one of the few white houses in a Black community allowed him to be around a young group of African American kids and his great love, spiritual gospel. I tracked down Sam Bell, an African American childhood friend of Elvis. And Jerry Schilling told me how they’d been filming when King was shot. Elvis just collapsed holding his guitar, rocking back and forth, and he said the very quote that’s in the
movie: “Dr. King, he always spoke the truth.” Q. Your films often end in tragedy. What’s the unraveling of Elvis’ story? Baz L: Elvis is no saint, but he was a deeply spiritual, creative person. Towards the end of his life, he didn’t know that the Colonel was plotting to keep him in Las Vegas partially for the Colonel’s gambling addiction. The Colonel represented the monetization, commercialization, the branding of Elvis. The sell — the marketing, the making of money — became dominant over the new, the authentic. And that always begets tragedy. That actually motivated me to commit to doing this film.
For the complete interview go here to AARP. (News, Source;ANash/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 16 May 2022
Måneskin 'If I Can Dream' UK / Ireland Trailer: Following on from the Eurovision Song Contest grand final featuring Eurovision 2021 winners, Italian glam rock band Maneskin performing a sneak-peak of 'If I Can Dream' - The new UK / Ireland movie trailer has now been released.
Luhrmann is known for infusing period films such as 'Moulin Rouge' and 'Romeo + Juliet' with modern songs. Check this new 'If I Can Dream' UK promo clip on YouTube..
(News, Source;NeilC/ElvisInfoNet)
Lisa Marie Loves Baz Luhrmann ELVIS movie: Lisa Marie posted a brilliant note on instagram saying that Baz Luhrmann's portrayal of 'Elvis’ brought her to tears.
It included... "I can't tell you enough how much I love this film and I hope you love it too. Everyone involved poured their hearts and souls into it, which is evidenced in their performances.
Baz, your utter genius combined with your love and respect for my father and this project isjust so beautiful and so inspiring. I know I'm being repetitive, but I don't care, Thank you for setting the record straight in such a deeply profound and artistic way."
(News, Source;Neil/ElvisInfoNet)
Hello everyone,
I haven't posted in quite some time because there really isn't much to say, as I am and will forever be mourning the loss of my son. Navigating through this hideous grief that absolutely destroyed and shattered my heart and my soul into almost nothing has swallowed me whole.
Not much else aside from my other 3 children gets my time and attention anymore. However, that being said, I do want to take a moment to let you know that I have seen Baz Luhrmann's movie "Elvis" twice now, and let me tell you that it is nothing short of spectacular.
Absolutely exquisite.
Austin Butler channeled and embodied my father's heart and soul beautifully. In my humble opinion, his performance is unprecedented and FINALLY done accurately and respectfully.
(If he doesn't get an Oscar for this, I will eat my own foot, haha.) You can feel and witness Baz's pure love, care, and respect for my father throughout this beautiful film, and it is finally something that myself and my children and their children can be proud of forever.
What moved me to tears as well was watching Riley and Harper, and Finley afterwards, all 3 visibly overwhelmed in the best way possible way, and so filled with pride about their grandfather and his legacy in a way that I have not previously experienced.
It breaks my heart that my son isn't here to see it. He would have absolutely loved it as well. I can't tell you enough how much I love this film and I hope you love it too. Everyone involved poured their hearts and souls into it, which is evidenced in their performances.
Baz, your utter genius combined with your love and respect for my father and this project isjust so beautiful and so inspiring. I know I'm being repetitive, but I don't care, Thank you for setting the record straight in such a deeply profound and artistic way. Love you -LMP
'ELVIS' Billboard Posters: Fans are getting their first look at Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS movie posters, and they look very impressive. The film is making a great pre-release impression in Italy. (left)
They capture the style, tension and excitement of not only Elvis Presley but also the grandeur of Luhrmann's movie. (News, Source;NigelP/FECC/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 14 May 2022
Baz Luhrmann Talks Elvis: Entertainment Weekly recently featured an interview with ELVIS biopic director Baz Luhrmann. The interview hightlights included.. Baz Luhrmann:I was a Elvis fan when I was young. We had a little movie house in my Australian hometown and we used to have the Elvis matinees, so I came to know Elvis through the movies. I loved him as a child. But I'm not doing a biopic of Elvis Presley. .. In the US there's been a lack of balance lately - we are really too much about "the sell" now. That motivated me to commit to this idea of using Colonel Tom Parker, the ultimate seller, who was never a Colonel, never Tom, never Parker. He was really a carnival barker, who saw this kid and goes, "That's a great act." That's the beauty and the tragedy of the movie — you see them rise and fall.
- 'ELVIS' is a drama. But music in this film is as important as words. Because Elvis was a man of few words. When he spoke, he spoke with such intent and meaning, but where he really communicated himself was through song. Austin Butler is incredible when he sings the early Elvis. And we also have the latter Elvis blended in. You hear a lot of classic Elvis, but we also have in the
score all sorts of DNA and some contemporary interpretations — ways to make younger audiences understand what Elvis felt like. It isn't a nostalgia piece. While respecting and loving the fans, I'm opening Elvis' journey out to a new audience that knows only the guy in the jumpsuit and doesn't understand that he was a rebel. He was the first real pop-cultural youth rebel on a mass level.
- I come from a very tiny town in the middle of nowhere on a highway. It left in me a need to always journey and to absorb. I'm still fulfilled by just watching people and engaging and meeting new people. And I think Elvis was like that. Elvis was always in pursuit of some sort of impossible dream. And it's the impossibility of it that keeps you moving forward. I thought at first it was a very intellectual, academic reason why I thought it would make a great exploration, but I've come to understand that his journey and mine are not
dissimilar in the sense that, for different reasons, Elvis through music and for myself through story, it was our escape from the world around us and also our way to travel.
- Elvis' life fits beautifully into three acts. There's Elvis the punk, if you like, the original punk rocker, the rebel. Then there's Elvis the movie man, and that's when he is pop and family-friendly. And then there's '70s Elvis, which is epic. The Apocalypse Now of musicals is what I've joked about calling the movie — and that's the '70s period. It's so sprawling and it's beautiful, but it's powerful. It's a three-act pop-cultural opera.
- You can't discuss Elvis or America in the '50s, '60s and '70s, without talking about the issue of race. I spent so much time in and out of Memphis. I had a workspace in the back of Graceland and met people who knew Elvis. And I met a man called Sam Bell. When Elvis was a young kid and his father had been to jail and was doing itinerate work, he suddenly had to move with his mom alone into one of the few white houses in the Black community during segregation. And this man, Sam Bell, and the gang of other kids, adopted Elvis, and they would run off to juke joints and gospel tents. Sam told me verbatim these stories. Elvis actually lived in the Black community.
He didn't just synthesize Black music and soul and rhythm and blues, but he loved country as well. And he loved white gospel music and he loved anything new."
Go HERE to EW for the full interview (News, Source;ET/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 8 May 2022
'ELVIS' Biopic Trailer #2 'Hayride' Clip: The second trailer is now officially out. The new clip shows the transformation of its lead character Elvis Presley into the rock and roll legend. The film produced by Warner Bros is set for its debut in the U.S. on June 24.
The film from Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrmann, (‘The Great Gatsby’) promises to examine the life and music of Elvis (Austin Butler) through the prism of his complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker - Tom Hanks. The biopic ELVIS will chart their dynamic over the course of 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Lisa Marie gives ELVIS movie her seal of approval: While we haven't heard from Lisa Marie herself, Priscilla revealed on Instagram post that her daughter is thrilled with the way the movie has turned out.
Priscilla posted, "I've seen ELVIS the film and I watched the trailer over a dozen times. But the words I heard from my daughter on how much she loved the film and that [her daughter] Riley will love it too when she sees it brought tears." I relived every moment in this film and it took me a few days to overcome the emotions as it did with Lisa."
Priscilla also added "Beautifully done Baz, Tom, Austin and Olivia" adding her praise to director Baz Luhrmann plus stars Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, as well as Olivia DeJonge who portrays Priscilla herself! see photo right.
(News, Source;Insta/ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 5 May 2022 . . . . "ELVIS" takes over the N.Y. Met Gala!
ELVIS fashion at the NY Met Gala: Known as “Fashion's biggest night out” the Met Gala is a fundraising benefit for the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. And while we know 2022 is going to be a HUGE year for Elvis we have never seen publicity like this...
Only days after Priscilla praised Austin Butler for his performance in the ELVIS movie (see news item below) the two were posing together at the 2022 Met Gala.
Priscilla looked rock-and-roll chic in head-to-toe black Prada, while Butler looked dapper in a matching black Prada suit.
But it was director Baz Luhrmann who best channeled Elvis’ later style most vividly with his custom black mohair jacket with a dramatic collar and red embroidery being more than worthy of the King. His wife, Martin, who is the costume designer for Elvis, wore a sophisticated top and trousers that were also embroidered. Alton Mason, who plays Little Richard, wore a bedazzled cape.
In a clever move the whole team behind Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming biopic ELVIS all wore coordinating looks that paid tribute to the legendary musician’s love for bling. Their Prada ensembles, most of which were accentuated with colored stones, were singularly sophisticated. But together, their dazzling impact would have made the King proud.
Austin Butler, Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Priscilla Presley, Olivia DeJonge, Kacey Musgraves, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. all showed up on the carpet in looks by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. Butler, who plays the titular character, led the pack in a custom black kid mohair bolero jacket and trousers with a black satin scarf and black shoes.
DeJonge, who plays Priscilla, wore a custom silk satin strapless gown with a bow train, embroidered head-to-toe in green starbursts.
Priscilla Presley herself, meanwhile, wore a signature padded black headband and a long-sleeve sheath gown with embroidered gold cuffs on the biceps.
Priscilla took the opportunity to gush over the film with Austin Butler right by her side... in her red carpet interview she said.."I love the movie. I think the young generation is gonna see and know what Elvis is all about, and learn a little more about him. Even the people who've heard stories about Elvis before, they're gonna learn something new".
Butler also added that the most important thing to him was "making all the people who loved Elvis so much proud and doing him justice. I just set out to find his humanity as much as I could and bring that out with as much life as much as I could."
(News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS - Prada-Style": The 'ELVIS' movie ensemble at the Met Gala, N.Y, 2022 ..Catherine Martin (designer), Alton Mason, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Olivia DeJonge, Austin Butler, Priscilla Presley, Jerry Schilling (adviser), Kacey Musgraves with director Baz Luhrmann. (News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet)
Priscilla Raves about Luhrmann ELVIS biopic: Having seen a private screening, Priscilla recently took to Instagram to give her seal of approval to Luhrmann's vision as well as Austin Butler's performance as the titular rock legend.
Priscilla posted...
.."For those curious about the new film ELVIS, Baz Luhrmann, the director, provided a private screening for me and Jerry Schilling at Warner studios recently. This story is about Elvis and Colonel Parker’s relationship. It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered.
Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding.
Halfway through the film Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW!!!
Bravo to him…he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this part. I can only imagine.
Tom Hanks was Col Parker in this film. What a character he was. There was two sides to Colonel, Jerry and I witnessed both.
The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending. But I think you will understand a little bit more of Elvis’ journey, penned by a directer who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film."
Last year Priscilla noted about her life with Elvis,"My God, I had to learn everything. Women gravitated to him, so I would be nervous when he had to go places alone. I would even go with him to get his teeth cleaned! I always had an eye on him because everyone in the world was after him.
Priscilla, now 76-years old, added, "I truly cherish the great times. As you grow up, there are always fears and insecurities. But as you get older you understand it all."
(News, Source;Insta/ElvisInfoNet)
Kacey Musgraves 'Can’t Help Falling in Love' in ELVIS Biopic: American singer / songwriter Kacey Musgraves is a million-seller with six Grammy awards plus an RIAA platinum certification. She was also at the Met Gala to promote ELVIS, because as Baz Luhrmann revealed she has covered Elvis' 'Can’t Help Falling In Love' for the movie soundtrack.
When released in 1961 'Can’t Help Falling in Love' reached No.1 in the UK, a US Billboard No.2 (backed with 'Rock-A-Hula Baby') and was a key part of Elvis' biggest selling album Blue Hawaii. It was later covered by everyone from Doris Day, Andy Williams, Perry Como, Boby Dylan and more recently U2, UB40, Andrea Bocelli, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Chris Isaak, and more.
Kacey Musgraves who has won a Grammy Award for 'Best Country Song' is in a very different musical genre to the already previewed 'Doja Cat' single 'Vegas'. This goes to show how diverse and imaginative Baz Luhrmann is with his movie soundtracks - as his previous films have all shown.
The RCA soundtrack is set for release on June 24. Musgraves is currently on a US tour in support of her 2021 album 'Star-Crossed'. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
More Artists Announced for ‘ELVIS’ Soundtrack Album: RCA Records is set to release the ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack this summer for Baz Luhrmann’s forthcoming film ELVIS, in theaters June 24th, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. While the lead single, Doja Cat’s “Vegas” (which incorporates “Hound Dog”) will be released May 6th other new artists involved in the film soundtrack were flagged this week by director Baz Luhrmann. These artists are Australia's Tame Impala, American singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan, Dance-music veteran Diplo with Swae Lee, Chris Isaak, Stevie Nicks among others. Luhrmann explained, “You’ll hear Elvis sing the classics but right next door Doja Cat will be doing an interpretation of Hound Dog while Big Mama Thornton [Shonka Dukureh] sings it.”
The RCA "ELVIS" soundtrack will feature Elvis’ extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, 60s and 70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today.
At Coachella, Luhrmann called Uk singer Yola “a powerhouse voice full of song, plus a beautiful soul. She was so devoted to playing the role, she came all the way to Australia and captured the detail of how Sister Rosetta
Tharpe expressed herself on stage for the film” as well as pre-recording tracks in Nashville. He also lauded Doja Cat, who previewed her single "Vegas", saying that her live performance was brilliant and that “the whole cast and crew are so thrilled and proud.”
Luhrmann is back in Australia still working on final post-production for the film which will get a worldwide cinema release on June 23 / 24.
Elvis fans who are concerned about "new" artists involved in the ELVIS soundtrack have to realise that artists such as Doja Cat’s 'Planet Her' lead single 'Kiss Me More' is certified RIAA platinum and has had over 2.8 billion streams worldwide. These statistics help show the importance of getting Elvis' music out to the new generation. Go here to listen to the Doja Cat 'VEGAS' feat. Big Mama Thornton Extended Edit - on YouTube (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 26 April 2022
Doja Cat’s "Vegas" ‘ELVIS’ Soundtrack Single Out May 6: Doja Cat’s single from Baz Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' soundtrack, “Vegas,” will be released May 6.
The single precedes a full film companion album that has loosely been scheduled for summer by RCA.
Although “Vegas” is an original song, live snippets reveal the Doja Cat track does incorporate a Big Mama Thornton's sample of 'Hound Dog'.
Baz Luhrmann was at Coachella for its second weekend, supporting three artists associated with “Elvis” as a film or soundtrack — including Yola, who plays Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the movie, and Shonka Dukureh, who portrays Big Mama Thornton, as well as Doja Cat.
The exact nature of the soundtrack is not yet being revealed by RCA, though the Doja Cat song is obviously a clear indicator that it will not consist solely of vintage Presley
recordings or even the adapted versions that will be featured in Luhrmann’s film.
RCA will for now confirm only that the album will include variations on Presley material that include contributions from a number of name artists representing different genres. The “summer” release date is likely to mean close to June 24 when the movie premieres.
The photo shows Shonka Dukureh, Baz Luhrmann, Doja Cat and Yola. Go here to listen to the Doja Cat 'VEGAS' feat. Big Mama Thornton Extended Edit - on YouTube (News, Source;Variety/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 17 April 2022
Yola / Sister Rosetta Tharpe: More news stories on the Baz Luhrmann ELVIS biopic.
Talented English singer-songwriter Yolanda Quartey aka "Yola" received four nominations at the 2020 Grammy Awards including "Best New Artist".
She is making a big name for herself as a hot-new-talent and features in Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' as “the Godmother of Rock'n'Roll” Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Elvis fans would know of Tharpe through her songs 'Up Above My Head', 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee' and 'My Babe' which Elvis recorded. (See EIN's spotlight on 'Sister Rosetta Tharpe')
In a recent interview with Variety Yola explained more on her ELVIS movie role..
..It’s just the privilege I have to speak Sister Rosetta Tharpe's name and to speak on it. Everyone can talk about it, but the role I have is
so central and mainstream and in the purview of everyone, everyone knows about it. So the privilege I get to transmit this message, of rock and roll, and the diaspora’s ownership of this genre, along with everything that it gave birth to, that gives me life."
According to Yola, Luhrmann made it a priority to address how Black American music impacted Elvis' work and also how Rosetta Tharpe helped invent Rock'n'Roll. “The thing that touched me is it was Luhrmann’s mission to address this balance as well. It wasn’t just pulling people in and making a token gesture at it, it’s profound within him. And that spoke to me, that was my motivation.”
There’s definitely a vanguard of artists of color coming through, I identify very much across a lot of space. And my record inhabits that space, including Rock'n'Roll and soul music. So it’s very important that
we are able to claim all of this space. And everything I’m doing in my life right now is about claiming that space - including the movie.”
Go here for the Variety article (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Re-vamped compilation by 'New Artists': News today that the compilation to be released with Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming ELVIS biopic is going to be a re-vamped compilation by 'New Artists' - as opposed to yet another standard Greatest Hits compile.
According to sources, "a host of stars" have put their spin on the music legend’s iconic songs in a bid to get a new generation into his music.
The new Elvis compilation will reportedly see the likes of Doja Cat and Swae Lee cover the King of Rock and Roll’s greatest hits.
US#1 ‘Say So' hitmaker Doja Cat (13 million certified albums and US singles) has recorded a version of ‘Hound Dog’, while fellow rapper Swae Lee (who has previously worked with Madonna) is also on board for the project.
It’s hoped the soundtrack will boost streaming figures for Elvis’ back catalogue, just like the 2018 Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ did for Queen's music.
Elvis' core fans may not like the idea, however there have been so many 'Greatest Hits' compilations in the past that a new concept is needed.
A source told UK's The Sun "It’s hugely controversial. Elvis fans are diehard and see any tampering as sacrilege, but Warner Bros wanted to bring his music to a new audience. He is one of the most successful musicians of all time, but this album will help introduce his music to a new generation of kids.
The hope is that the record, along with the film, will help bring his music back to the masses again and kickstart a huge increase on streaming services".
A date for the compilation is yet to be announced but it is sure to be timed to the film's cinema release in June.
The film will premiere at Cannes Film Festival in May. (News, Source;VariousTabloids/ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 29 March 2022
Austin Butler discusses "ELVIS": Austin Butler plays Elvis in Baz Luhrmann's new biopic that will guide viewers through Elvis' life from relative unknown to the biggest musician on the planet.
Butler recently spoke about Elvis and how the film became an emotional journey for him.
Elvis was a searcher and would consume books about spirituality such as Kahlil Gibran and Hermann Hesse. "It was experiences like that that really showed me how much gospel-influenced Elvis on a musical level, on a spiritual level, on the way he moved, and the freedom of his body. I remember walking into this little chapel,
with all these period microphones, and they’re stamping their feet. I stood in the centre and tears poured down my face and chills down my spine.
Gospel music was so important to Elvis. You know, I think it was an incredible gift us getting to go down to Nashville and record with some of the most amazing gospel singers I’ve ever heard.
When we first started, it really felt like when you're a kid, and you put on your father's suit, and the
sleeves are much too long, and the shoes are like boats on your feet. At the beginning, I thought, this is impossible. You know, how could I possibly do anything but feel like I'm less than this superhuman individual? But as time passed I started to feel like I grew into it. And suddenly, I felt Elvis' humanity more.
Baz also directs in a way that we tried so much to get it right.. So we had tapes where it was just purely for getting every finger to be in the exact same way that he moved. And then some we would just throw it away and allow just visceral life to come.
We were in Nashville and so headed to Memphis. Priscilla was at Graceland and I met her.
I walk in, and I’m just waiting in the living room. Eventually, she walks in. She’s so ethereal. It took my breath away.
She looked me in the eyes. Something so profound about staring into the eyes meant so much to Elvis. It gives me chills right now. She said, ‘you have a lot of support'. She hugged me, and that was so huge for me getting that blessing. ELVIS opens in cinemas June 24 2022.
(News, Source;Various/ElvisINet)
Wednesday 16 March 2022
‘Elvis’ World Premiere at Cannes!: Great news that the Baz Luhrmann ELVIS biopic will have its World Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Warner Bros is hyping up its upcoming film ELVIS with a premiere just as flashy as the man himself. The movie will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival a month before its theatrical release. While no specific date has been selected yet it will have to be between May 17 to May 28.
Luhrmann has previously opened the French Riviera Film festival with both Moulin Rouge! in 2001 and The Great Gatsby in 2013.
Luhrmann’s first movie since The Great Gatsby, ELVIS explores the life and music of Elvis Presley, seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager. The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America.
Variety had predicted the film will play at Cannes along with 'Top Gun: Maverick', George Miller’s 'Three Thousand Years of Longing', David Cronenberg’s 'Crimes of the Future', Wes Anderson's 'Asteroid City' among others..
The Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection will be unveiled at a press conference in Paris during the second or third week of April. - ELVIS is set to hit Cinemas on June 24. (News, Source;Variety/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 13 March 2022
Alton Mason "Little Richard" with Baz Luhrmann: Alton Mason is an American model - GQ named him 2019 male model of the year- who stars as Little Richard "the architect of rock and roll” in Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming ELVIS blockbuster movie. VMan magazine recently featured an interview with him and Baz Luhrmann where he discusses how he landed the coveted role of Little Richard plus his influences fueling his forthcoming foray into music.
The article includes .. Baz Luhrmann: You’re known for modeling which, I mean you were getting Model of the Year Award, so that says everything. But from the moment I met you I was aware of two things: you danced and you )
not only loved music but you made music. Talk a little bit about your dad and the Mahalia connection. I think he’s from Shreveport, which I think features very much in Elvis’ life. Alton Mason: Yes, absolutely. It’s actually crazy how my parents are so influential with the way I was raised and how it correlates to the Elvis film. On my mom’s side, we have Mahalia Jackson, on my dad’s side, he’s from Shreveport, Louisiana. So we have deep, deep, deep roots in Louisiana. And before I even flew out to Australia I spent a lot of time in the South, really getting familiar with the energy and the essences. BL: It’s the beginning of a very long road. It’s a lifetime journey, revealing yourself. One of the great joys for me is identifying an artist. And no artist that I work with, no matter what their background is, gets to play every string on their instrument in their entire career. And so, building an environment where they can just reveal a new string is important. I think we see that in you playing Little Richard in the movie. There’s such an important scene, later in the film, where you’re hanging out with B.B. King … and all of the intensity you brought to the scene, it’s another string on your instrument. I mean, you were really present in the movie as this character. You were Little Richard.
This full interview appears in VMAN 48 Click here (News, Source;VMan/ElvisInfoNet
Friday 4 March 2022
12 reasons to get excited about ELVIS Movie: It is great to see mainstream articles promoting the new Luhrmann ELVIS biopic.
Recently 'Flicks' (Australian website that proudly supports and invests in local film and pop-culture writers) published a neat article stating the.... 12 reasons to get excited about Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis extravaganza. 1. The musical moments!
Baz Luhrmann movies always feature cleverly repurposed pop, from young hearts running free in Romeo + Juliet, to the anachronistic mashups of Moulin Rouge! and the chart-topping Great Gatsby soundtrack. We’re sure to hear other tunes from the 50s through to the 70s getting the same revitalised treatment.
2. Austin Butler totally embodies The King of Rock and Roll Damn, that face, the voice, those moves! Butler truly looks like Presley..
3. Tom Hanks’ kooky voice as Colonel Tom Parker This is the film that Hanks and wife Rita Wilson suffered through COVID for, so the loveable actor’s turn as Presley’s domineering manager should be worth the effort. 4. The film could make Elvis seem sexy and dangerous again
Most of the trailer focuses on Elvis, his pelvis, and the controversial impact both had on America’s conservative post-WW2 culture... with a swipe of emo eyeliner, it seems Baz is revamping Presley’s initial image as a rebellious rock ‘n roll bad boy.
5…. Whilst also revealing the Black roots behind his popularity
A young Presley’s awakening is shown to take place in a Mississippi revival tent, where gospel and blues music overwhelm the boy. Cleverly, Luhrmann’s Elvis will reintroduce modern audiences to some of those original influences, giving them their belated dues… 6. Today’s music, fashion and screen stars play legends of yesteryear
Cyrano star Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays B.B. King, model Alton Mason is Little Richard, and rising country star Yola will bring her world-class vocals to the role of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. 7. The director is credited for his writing three times, on his first film in almost a decade
As well as a “story by” credit, Luhrmann gets a further two screenplay credits—seemingly for his work with two distinctive writing teams? 8. Olivia DeJonge’s bouffant hairstyles as Priscilla
Australian actress Olivia DeJonge as Presley’s teen bride Priscilla 9. We’ll see Presley’s downfall as only Baz can imagine it
“This could all be over in a flash”, Elvis utters, but in fact The King’s downfall was drawn out over years of addiction, ego, poor health and a rapidly changing outside world.
10. Australian actors play Presley’s family, at home and on the road
The casting of Richard Roxburgh and Helen Thomson as mom and pop Presley makes sense when you remember this whole thing was shot in Queensland, not Graceland. 11. Catherine Martin’s rhinestone-studded costumes
She’s Baz’s wife, she’s the most Oscar-awarded Australian in the Academy’s history, and she’s certain to knock our blue suede shoes off with countless outrageous period costumes. 12. Recreations of real concerts will make The King’s biggest fans swoon
Includes a faithful staging of the ’68 comeback special, where a leathery King proved that he’s still got it after years in the army and in Hollywood.
For the complete article plus extra photos go to 'FLICKS' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 25 February 2022
Baz Luhrmann & Austin Butler Interview: This week Nelson George, US author, music and culture critic and filmmaker posted a fascinating interview with Baz Luhrmann & Austin Butler. It is well worth seeing and includes cool footage from the film.
The interview includes...
Austin Butler, "I don't remember a moment in my life that Elvis wasn't a part of it. That's the thing about Elvis, he has sort of become the wall-paper of society. He was such a superhuman figure. so to me it was the curiosity to finding out who he was as a person. and delve into studying everything I could on him, watching every bit of footage countless times, reading everything I could, and talking to as many people as I could and getting down to who he really was a man. That I found really intriguing."
Baz Luhrmann,"What's so great about that is, we didn't take it, so much as live it. We lived the Elvis journey. ... To the fans, thanks so much for stepping through the door. And after an incredible three year journey and the privilege of this film-making experience I hope to see you all in a theatre very very soon."
To find out what happened when Austin Butler met Priscilla - Go to YouTube here And go HERE for EIN's "ELVIS" Movie Spotlight. (News, Source,ElvisInfoNet)
New Elvis Presley Movie Won't Forget His Army Service: Even the US Military.com is promoting the new Elvis movie. They write... Australian director Baz Luhrmann is finally ready to unleash "Elvis," his epic biopic of the Army veteran and king of rock ‘n’ roll. The studio has just released the first trailer.
We get a brief glimpse of Presley in his Army uniform in this trailer, providing confirmation that the movie will portray the King's decision to accept his draft status and leave his career behind to serve at the height of his musical career.
Of course, the other reason that Germany is important in the Elvis story is that's where he met his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu. Priscilla was the 14-year-old stepdaughter of U.S. Air Force officer Paul Beaulieu, and her family was stationed in Germany when she met Elvis at a party in Bad Nauheim in 1959.
They eventually married in Las Vegas when she
turned 21 in 1967. There are a lot of fuzzy details in between, but Priscilla moved to Memphis, Tennessee, at some point and lived with Elvis' dad and stepmother a few blocks from Graceland while she finished high school.
If you were really planning to tell the story of Elvis in detail, you'd plan a 10-season HBO or Netflix series and give each shocking twist and turn its own chapter. Luhrmann, director of such flashy movies as the 1996 "Romeo + Juliet" with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, "Moulin Rouge" and the 2013 version of "The Great Gatsby," prefers to take a couple of hours to blow the audience away with his spectacular camerawork and blaring soundtracks. (News, Source;Military.com/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 18 February 2022 ... .. ELVIS ELVIS ELVIS .. ...
'ELVIS' Baz Luhrmann Trailer: Finally fans get to see a full trailer for the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' biopic. And it looks splendid. While no actor could really look like the real ELVIS, Austin Butler has some cool acting skills, fine enough for you to spend disbelief for two hours of fabulous Luhrmann-style OTT cinematic homage to the King.
Luhrmann is one of the most stylistically eccentric directors known for his lavish, musically-inclined movies such as 'Moulin Rouge!' and 'The Great Gatsby'. His magnificent style shines through in the new trailer posted last night.
Austin Butler as Elvis looks great rocking out to his early audiences, gyrating on US tv through to later Las Vegas superstar years. Tom Hanks as Col Parker delivers a full on threatening performance.
The press interview with Australian Baz Luhrmann included... “The great storytellers like Shakespeare, they didn’t really do biographies, they used a life as a canvas to explore a larger idea ... The life of Elvis Presley could not be a better canvas in which to explore America in the ’50s, the ′60s and the ’70s. That 42 years, until his death in 1977, is three great lives put into a short period of time.
I had the privilege, as the ultimate outsider, to be allowed into the world of Elvis."
That meant having a place to work in the Graceland barn for 18 months and recording Butler singing in the same studio Elvis used in Nashville.
Luhrmann said one of the challenges was showing a modern audience how strange and shocking the young Elvis was to audiences more familiar with country music, with his rock and roll look, swivelling hips and singing style. “Elvis was the original punk in some regards. He was wildly provocative ... there really were riots."
The relatively poor quality of Elvis’ early recordings in mono and “somewhat nostalgic” required inventive thinking for the singing scenes.
Luhrmann revealed.. “We came up with an unusual language – a musical language – for the film. Austin would sing all the young Elvis.
But from the ’60s on, we would blend it with the real Elvis. So when you hear 'In The Ghetto' it is Elvis."
Luhrmann said he learnt how much black music and culture were essential to the story of a musical legend who was surprisingly spiritual.
Austin Butler confirmed... “For maybe a year before we even started shooting, I was doing six, seven days a week of voice coaching and working with different experts and just trying to get the register to be in the right place and the dialect and the way Elvis inflects and everything. But ultimately we realised the life is what’s important ... You can impersonate somebody but to find the humanity and the life within and the passion and the heart, I had to release myself from the constraints of that.”
EIN Notes how fabulous it was to see 'ELVIS' on the front page of today's Melbourne major newspaper 'The Age'.
January 8 2022 - Baz Luhrmann Happy Birthday Elvis!: The extremely cool Australian director Baz Luhrmann provided his own delightful 'Happy Birthday' to our hero.
Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' biopic will be released in June 2022.
In the short clip he explains that in his production space everyone is surrounded by Elvis.
Even the screening room is modelled after Elvis' bedroom in the Hilton Hotel.
The Instagram clip only runs 1 minute but it is worth checking out - and should help you get even more excited about the biopic.
First ‘ELVIS’ Movie Teaser: Australian director Baz Luhrmann is taking care of business.
The filmmaker shared a teaser trailer for his upcoming Elvis Presley biopic starring Austin Butler as the iconic musician.
The brief video which Luhrmann shared via Instagram included a shot of Butler from behind as a young Elvis and other shots of the singer walking backstage in his recognizable performance wear.
The video ended with the letters TCB and the date June 24, 2022.
Baz Luhrmann noted, "Made a little something to let you good people know we are taking care of business on June 24, 2022."
The ELVIS biopic was originally supposed to release on June 3rd, 2022 but thanks to Luhrmann's tweet it's been confirmed the film has been pushed back to June 24th, 2022. Luhrmann's latest film will be released only in theaters and not in a hybrid fashion.
Warner Brothers has been trying to move away from their previous pandemic distribution plan, which saw film released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. (News, Source;Insta/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann shares Austin Butler recording in historic RCA Studio: While the ELVIS biopic may be over 18 months away director Baz Luhrmann has already begun sharing teases with fans.
Each week the Moulin Rouge filmmaker puts out some classic photos of The King as part of Elvis Monday on his Instagram. Although over the last fortnight he has started finally showing off his upcoming movie, with last week seeing a few shots from the film itself.
This week, Baz shared pictures of Austin Butler as Elvis recording in Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A.
Originally known simply as RCA Victor Nashville Sound Studios, this along with the more famous Studio B, was the recording room for The King’s record label.
In 1955, RCA Victor purchased Elvis’ recording contract from Memphis’ Sun Records for a then incredible sum of $35,000.
Elvis would go on to be the record label’s biggest-selling artist, selling 10 million singles in 1956, having begun with Heartbreak Hotel. (News, Source;Insta/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann Interview with Sam Bell: Showing just how much research ELVIS biopic director Baz Luhrmann was doing for his new movie on the King, Luhrmann posted this fascinating interview with Elvis' childhood freind Sam Bell. In it Sam talks about Elvis’ childhood and growing up together.
Baz takes him around Tupelo showing all of the areas where they lived and played, with stories along the way.
Sam Bell commented about Elvis, "We had a swimming hole and go fishing together in the creeks. We'd go down to the fairgrounds and play baseball out there. He'd end doing a concert there later on.
It hurt so bad when he had to leave (for Memphis). His Mother Gladys used to make the best cool-aid and she always trusted Elvis being with us.
Elvis was a different kinda' guy, he wasn't boastful but he wanted to do better. We were surprised when the family left. - I'd liked to have seen him again, spent more time with him"
Sadly, Sam passed in September 2021 aged 85. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
October 2021
Baz Luhrmann Taking Care Of Business!: ELVIS movie director Baz Luhrmann has announced a weekly ELVIS DAY when he will share pictures to get fans involved in his upcoming biopic.
Luhrmann tweeted.. "Still taking care of business here... Thought we’d make Monday, ‘Elvis Day’, dropping you some favorite pics as we go through our journey."
Next summer his new ELVIS biopic will hit cinemas, charting the life and career of The King of Rock and Roll. But with less than a year to go we still haven’t had our first look at Austin Butler as Elvis or Tom Hanks as his manager Colonel Tom Parker, let alone a trailer.
The first set of pictures featured Elvis posing and performing back in the 1950s. The second set yesterday featured the comment, "To Understand The Elvis phenomenon you must first understand the Colonel".
Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS biopic: It has been revealed that at its CineEurope presentation in Barcelona, Warner Bros rocked out with a brief first-look at Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS and screened some behind-the-scenes footage from Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore, providing a bit of fresh insight into both projects.
Elvis was also in the building, sort of, with this first-look at Luhrmann’s musical biopic. The film explores the life and music of the King of Rock and Roll (portrayed by Austin Butler), as seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks). The footage included a look at Hanks as Parker and Butler as Elvis, interspersed with stills and set against the backdrop of some of Presley’s music.
In a video message, Luhrmann described the film as Parker’s take on Elvis.
Luhrmann began his creative journey on the film with 18 months spent in an office barn at The King’s home of Graceland. There he had access to the Presley archives to research the movie before shooting in his native Australia with Austin Butler as Elvis and Tom Hanks as The Colonel.
“I saw this story of the Colonel and Elvis as a really great prism through which to explore the latter part of the 20th century.
Elvis represents what happens when a kid lives in one of four designated white houses in a black community.
Something new comes about, a fusion between country and African-American music, gospel and country-and-western music....
Col Parker represents another quality in America 'The Big Sell'"
It’s currently in post-production in Australia and is set for release in June next year.
(News, Source:Deadline/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 26 March 2021
ELVIS Biopic filming Wraps: Elvis has left the (Queensland) building! Austin Butler who plays Elvis in the new Baz Luhrmann ELVIS biopic headed back to the US after filming wrapped at the Australian studios
Shooting has now wrapped on the project in Queensland, and the Hollywood actor, 29, is heading home.
Last week the star left the QLD apartment block he called a home away from home, with the naturally blonde actor clearly still attached to the iconic subject matter of his latest project with Elvis' slicked back 'do still locked in place.
In order to play the King of Rock N Roll, the American actor enlisted the help of a Gold Coast trainer to replicate the late singer's build, and work on hip exercises to master Elvis' iconic moves.
Tom Hanks will also star as Elvis' notorious manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
The film is expected to be released in cinemas June 2022.
Elvis fans and EPE Inc have high expectations for this movie to push ELVIS back in to the main spotlight. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Memphis on Australia's Gold Coast: The ABC reported 'What a movie set!' Filming for Baz Luhrmann's Elvis Presley biopic is underway on the Gold Coast.
The Brisbane ABC news chopper caught this glimpse of the set earlier today.
Check out the cars, the shop fronts, and the costumes!
The movie stars Austin Butler as the rock star, and Tom Hanks as Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Luhrmann’s ELVIS movie now for 2022 release: Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS biopic, now currently in production in Australia, has moved its official release date from November 5, 2021 to June 3, 2022.
The movie will explore the life and music of Elvis ( Austin Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom 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.
Olivia DeJonge, Gary Clark, Jr., Yola, Shonka Dukureh, Shannon Sanders, Lenesha Randolph, Jordan Holland, Kelvin Harrison Jr. , Alton Mason also star. Australia's David Wenham will play TV director Steve Binder. The biopic also stars Natasha Bassett as Dixie Locke, Xavier Samuel as Scotty Moore, Leon Ford as Tom Diskin, Kate Mulvany as Marion Keisker, Gareth Davies as Bones Howe, Charles Grounds as Billy Smith, Josh McConville as Sam Phillips, and Adam Dunn as Bill Black.
On the cast, Luhrmann said: “Elvis was surrounded by an extraordinary array of rich personalities, and we are very fortunate to pull together a tremendous ensemble to tell this story. It’s exciting to unite some of Australia’s finest actors, from longtime collaborators from Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby like Richard Roxburgh, David Wenham and Kate Mulvany, to exciting new faces such as Dacre Montgomery, Helen Thomson, Luke Bracey, Natasha Bassett and many more. ” (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann praises Austin Butler’s ability to embody ELVIS: Legendary performer Elvis Presley has never been given the proper biopic treatment and with such runaway successes as Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman filling cinema seats and garnering Academy Awards, it is about time he did.
Australian Director Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby) stepped up to the challenge to do the King justice, but the biggest issue with telling Elvis’ story was always going to be casting the correct actor to play the versatile star.
Thankfully Luhrmann believes he found the perfect on-screen Elvis in former Disney star Austin Butler. He explained: “I knew I couldn’t make this film if the casting wasn’t absolutely right. We searched thoroughly for an actor with the ability to evoke the singular natural
movement and vocal qualities of this peerless star [Elvis], but also the inner vulnerability of the artist.”
Touching upon the arrival of Butler, Luhrmann said: “I had heard about Austin Butler from his stand-out role opposite Denzel Washington in The Iceman Cometh on Broadway. Through a journey of extensive screen testing and music and performance workshops, I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic musical figures.”
Despite being a relative newcomer to cinema, he was in Tarantino's Award winning Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Butler has already gained quite the fan in Luhrmann.
The film - simply titled ELVIS - is due for release at the end of the year. (News, Source:UKTabloids/EIN)
Tom Hanks shows off new look for upcoming Elvis biopic: Tom Hanks, is that you? The 64-year-old actor was a virtual guest on Tuesday's The Graham Norton Show, and admitted that he's not thrilled with the latest hairstyle he's rocking to play Elvis' manager, Col Parker, in Baz Luhrmann's upcoming biopic about the King of Rock and Roll. For the part, Hanks currently has a completely bald head with the exception of a few patches of hair on the sides. "Here, let me show you the horrible haircut I have to have in order to portray Col Tom Parker. Check out this horrible — can you see that?" Hanks told the host via video from Australia, where the movie is being filmed.
"Look at that thing!" Hanks quipped, "I just scared the children. I want to apologize for showing that."
"Evidently, that's my gig now, so I only play real people in show business," the Oscar winner replied.
To get a better idea of the infamous character, Hanks previously had dinner with Priscilla Presley.
"He was both a genius and a scoundrel," Hanks said of Parker, "He was a very disciplined man, but also a guy who you might want to check your wallet to make sure you still have all those fives and 10s."
Hanks had dinner with Priscilla in the hopes of getting a better take on the man he was playing. Hanks said he was taken aback by her reaction.
"I was expecting to hear stories about the distrust she had for 'Colonel Tom' Parker over these many years, but she said, 'No. He was a wonderful man, and I wish he was alive today. He took really great care of us. He was a scoundrel in his way," (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
September 2020
Royal (quarantine) treatment for Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson: Although Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has continuously denied that Hollywood A-lister Tom Hanks has been getting special treatment in her state, rumours keep proliferating of the actor’s luxury stay in a mega mansion while in quarantine. The actor is in Australia to resume filming Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic, and it was believed he was staying at the plush Rivermead Estate at Guanaba, while others were forced to quarantine in small hotel rooms.
Ms Palaszczuk slammed the rumours, assuring media that Tom Hanks is quarantining in a hotel just like everyone else.
The Rivermead Estate (pictured), where Hanks is rumoured to be staying along with his actress-wife Rita Wilson, boasts 22 hectares of sprawling gardens. The mega mansion is said to have six bedrooms, a billiard room, wine cellar, day spa and sauna, swimming pool and spa, tennis and basketball courts and outdoor teppanyaki bar, as well as a separate pool guesthouse. It can house up to 19 guests.
The property’s website prices nightly accommodation between $4000 and $6000.
But Hanks is staying in a hotel room, according to Ms Palaszczuk. “My advice is that he is staying in a hotel, so I am told that he is not staying in a house,” she said in today’s press conference.
The state’s chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young admitted that Tom Hanks had initially been given special treatment by being exempted from quarantine hotels. The move was justified on the grounds of “entertainment and film bring(ing) a lot of money into this state”. Ms Palaszczuk confirmed the ELVIS movie was important for the state‘s economy.
“Very few places are producing movies … at the moment, but Queensland is able to do that, we’re able to support the industry and get people back into work,” she said. EIN comment: It isn’t only Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson who are getting superior quarantine arrangements in Queensland. It is interesting to note that also recently, 400 Australian Football League executives and their families served their quarantine in up-market accommodation by booking out the entire RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast, where they reportedly were able to play golf and "mingle in the pool’'. Other features at the Resort include polished rooms, marble bathrooms with whirlpool baths. There are also 4 restaurants, 2 bars and 2 lounges. Other amenities include a spa, the heated outdoor pool, golf courses, gym, and tennis courts. (News, Source: Courier Mail/AFL/ElvisInfoNet)
COVID Causes Cast Changes: Richard Roxburgh, Helen Thomson, David Wenham, Dacre Montgomery join ‘ELVIS’: A host of Aussie actors have joined the main cast of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley biopic, including Richard Roxburgh, Helen Thomson, David Wenham and Dacre Montgomery.
They join the previously announced Austin Butler in the titular role, Tom Hanks as manager Colonel Tom Parker, Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley, and Luke Bracey as Jerry Schilling. Roxburgh, who has previously worked with Luhrmann on Moulin Rouge!, will play Elvis’ father, Vernon, and Thomson his mother, Gladys. (photo right)
The roles were initially to be filled by Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rufus Sewell, but both actors have had to leave the Warner Bros project after it was shutdown and subsequently delayed due to Hanks contracting COVID-19.
Wenham will play Hank Snow and Montgomery TV
director Steve Binder. The biopic will also star Natasha Bassett as Dixie Locke, Xavier Samuel as Scotty Moore, Leon Ford as Tom Diskin, Kate Mulvany as Marion Keisker, Gareth Davies as Bones Howe, Charles Grounds as Billy Smith, Josh McConville as Sam Phillips, and Adam Dunn as Bill Black.
Due to resume shooting on the Gold Coast September 23, Elvis will explore the life and music of Presley, seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
On the cast, Luhrmann said: “Elvis was surrounded by an extraordinary array of rich personalities, and we are very fortunate to pull together a tremendous ensemble to tell this story. It’s exciting to unite some of Australia’s finest actors, from longtime collaborators from Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby like Richard Roxburgh, David Wenham and Kate Mulvany, to exciting new faces such as Dacre Montgomery, Helen Thomson, Luke Bracey, Natasha Bassett and many more.
“With the world as it is right now, our entire company is grateful that we can join together in this creative venture to bring employment and opportunity in front of and behind the camera, and to the community at large.” (News, Source;JM/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 13 September 2020
Luhrmann's ELVIS movie Re-Start soon: Baz Luhrmann's Elvis movie finally has a new date to start filming. The director of Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby has announced that the musical drama about the King's life will begin shooting in Queensland on September 23 after Tom Hanks finishes quarantine.
Pre-production was shut down in March when Hanks and wife Rita Wilson were diagnosed with COVID-19.
The two-time Oscar winner is playing manager Colonel Tom Parker with Austin Butler as Elvis and Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla in a movie for Warner Bros.
Hanks flew into the state on a private jet last Tuesday night and is staying at a Gold Coast hotel that is not one of Queensland Health's designated quarantine hotels, with security paid for by the production.
While details had been scant to date, Elvis will cover the dynamic between Presley and Parker over 20 years "against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America".
Luhrmann said in a statement , "We're back to, as Elvis liked to say, 'Taking Care of Business!' I cannot emphasise enough how lucky we feel in the current climate that the state of Queensland, and Queenslanders in general, have been so supportive of this film."
Luhrmann thanked the state government and Queensland Health "so that we can be an example how creativity and productivity can proceed safely and responsibly in a way that protects our team and the community at large".
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told Queensland parliament that Hanks and others were allowed entry into the state under the screen industry's COVID-safe plan.
"Under that plan they have to stay in the place for two weeks just like everybody else and they will have random checks by the police," she said.
Hanks' hotel had been approved by Queensland Health and his quarantine would be "subject to the same standard of supervision and testing as all other travellers" arriving in Queensland.
"Our production has very strict COVID workplace plans, including for quarantine of cast and crew entering Queensland from overseas, compliant with all Queensland Health requirements."
Note that in the six months of CV19 pandemic Queensland (5.1 million) has only had 1,150 cases total and only six deaths.
In comparison Florida, USA, with a similar climate and 20 million population, has had 662,000 cases and 12,600 deaths. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Luke Bracey joins ELVIS biopic as Jerry Schilling: More Baz Luhrmann Elvis biopic news as Australian actor Luke Bracey, best known for his role in 'Little Fires Everywhere' and movies Point Break and The Best Of Me, has joined the cast to play the role of Memphis Mafia's Jerry Schilling.
Jerry Schilling first met Elvis playing football in Memphis and later became a core part of the "Memphis Mafia." Schilling also went on to manage the Beach Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, and eventually Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie.
The cast also includes Tom Hanks plus Maggie Gyllenhaal as Gladys Presley, Rufus Sewell as Vernon Presley and Austin Butler as ELVIS.
Director Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, The Great Gastby) wrote the screenplay with Craig Pearce. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
July 2020
ELVIS Biopic to Restart ASAP: Tom Hanks is expecting to head back to Australia in October to resume filming Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic. The movie had been in pre-production back in March, when the Queensland shoot was shut down after Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, both tested positive for the coronavirus.
They were briefly hospitalised and quarantined while they recovered, before returning to their home in Los Angeles, where they have been donating plasma to help medical researchers find a cure.
Hanks has said they are aiming to resume filming in three months. "There is certainly a plan and a desire from the studio's perspective and from everybody else involved in the movie to figure out a way to make it happen," Hanks recently told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"There are dates on the calendar that say maybe we will be making this movie in October, but all of
that stuff is a 'maybe' as questions about quarantine and sterilising soundstages and all of that go on.”
However, the Government says that the country's borders would still remain closed to travellers from overseas for "quite some time" in an effort to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.
Luhrmann's musical biopic, also starring Austin Butler as Elvis, is scheduled to be released in November 2021. (News, Source;SMH/ElvisInfoNet)
June 2020
ELVIS Biopic to Restart ASAP: As all fans know the Australian production of the new ELVIS biopic from director Baz Luhrmann was shut down when Tom Hanks caught Covid19 in the early stages of the world-wide pandemic.
However this week Screen Queensland chief executive Kylie Munnich announced that they are very committed to restart film production in Queensland as soon as possible.
The Elvis movie was shooting at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast, and is now set to pick up principal photography as soon as restrictions lift.
Munnich said: "I know that they just closed the doors on stages and have stored the sets because they are absolutely committed to restart that film. They had done so much work in pre-production and were ready to go."
Last month Luhrmann teased they had been rehearsing a Las Vegas residency scene for the Elvis movie.
The director also noted that, "We were rehearsing camera positioning, everything, and I'd done all the tests - Austin, Tom, and the whole cast was on fire. We were that close."
He added, "During the testing process, Austin's (Butler) commitment, his transformative abilities from the young Elvis to beyond, he had been playing so very well.
He was terrific. There was such great energy and excitement in the cast and company, about the show we were about to shoot."
The untitled Elvis movie will hit UK cinemas on November 5, 2021.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
April 2020
Baz Luhrmann Talks ELVIS Biopic: Australian director Baz Luhrmann talked to Deadline magazine this week about his ELVIS biopic and the shock of Tom Hanks getting coronavirus. Baz Luhrmann: So I was getting ready to begin shooting on that Monday, and I'm rehearsing the scene where we've built the Vegas showroom, and Tom as Col Parker, guides in Austin Butler as Elvis, and it's a scene where basically hundreds of girls are kissing Elvis, in a '70s show. Tom guides him through the crowd. All of a sudden I see my producer, Patrick McCormick on the set, and he had that look in his eyes and I thought, well this can't be good. You and the world knows what happened next. Tom and Rita handled it all so well, and we were so fortunate we had this direct connection with the head of infectious diseases,
because it was an immediate shutdown. Without getting into the Australia-U.S. comparison, when it comes to the health system, they are so robust here. They were right on it.
We immediately shut down that day. Everybody who was in the video practise footage and that included Austin and myself we were one hundred percent quarantined for 14 days, no contact with anybody. I was in my house and we were locked down entirely. A team turned up in hazmat suits and we were tested. We wouldn't have been immediately infectious - you have to see if you have symptoms - but poor Tom and Rita, they were in the hospital and we were locked down in quarantine. And it turned out we never had one more infection in the entire crew. I was only four days out from shooting. I had built the Vegas showroom, the International which became the Hilton, and you know that famous scene where Elvis is playing that showroom? We were rehearsing camera positioning, everything, and I'd done all the tests, Austin, Tom, and the whole cast was on fire. We were that close.
Q- It sure seems after seeing Austin Butler in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, you've caught hold of a terrific young actor...
Baz L: During the testing process, Austin Butler's commitment, his transformative abilities from the young Elvis to beyond, he had been playing so very well. He was terrific. There was such great energy and excitement in the cast and company, about the show we were about to shoot
Now we are making lateral plans but we will not get back into it until the end of the year, if all is going well. We've just been re-dated to NOVEMBER 2021 release. Anything can happen... (News, Source;Deadline/ElvisInfoNet)
March 2020 - The COVID 19 Virus hits Australia
ELVIS Biopic Now Suspended Indefinitely: An update on the earlier ELVIS biopic story, now director Baz Luhrmann has announced that his upcoming Elvis movie will not be continuing production for a while.
The movie starring Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge and Tom Hanks was shut down after Hanks was diagnosed with coronavirus.
Lurhmann posted, "I'm sure it will come as no surprise that this is not the moment to be resuming production on the film. Please know this is in no way a reflection on our commitment to make this movie here in Queensland. In fact, we are not even taking our sets down, simply locking up the creative space over the next few days.
I have spoken to the Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, and we all agree that right now, this is the right time for people all over the world, from all walks of life, to be at home, indoors, with their loved ones - washing our hands five times a day.
All going well, we have a passionate conviction to be back here on the Gold Coast, picking up where we left off as soon as the time is right."
Tom Hanks posted an update on his situation, "Hey folks. Good news: One week after testing positive, in self-
isolation, the symptoms are much the same. No fever but the blahs. Folding the laundry and doing the dishes leads to a nap on the couch. "Bad news: my wife has won 6 straight hands of Gin Rummy and now leads by 201 points!"
Tom Hanks plays Elvis' manager Col Parker - The film was slated for release in October 2021.
(News, Source;AAP/ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 17 March 2020
ELVIS Biopic Delayed by only two weeks: According to Film Australia Tom Hanks remains the only person involved in the Baz Luhrmann Elvis biopic to have contracted (COVID-19) Coronavirus.
A representative stated, "We have delayed our start date by approximately two weeks to allow for their full recovery."
Production should re-start in early April.
"We are aware of only the one case of the coronavirus amongst cast and crew and additionally the cast member's wife Rita Wilson.
Working closely with the Queensland Health Department we have delayed our start date by approximately two weeks to allow for their full recovery."
Tom Hanks had been on the country's Gold Coast for the pre-production of the biopic, in which he plays the music icon's long-time manager Colonel Parker.
(Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood's Austin Butler is playing Presley.)
Filming for the movie has been halted after both Hanks and his Wilson tested positive for the coronavirus.
Director Baz Luhrmann (right with Tom Hanks) and his family remain in the standard 14-day isolation in a house on the Gold Coast. (News, Source,AAP/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Lurhmann’ ELVIS biopic production halted: After Tom Hanks tested positive for Covid19 a few days ago, the production on the ELVIS biopic he is shooting in Australia has now ground to a halt, according to reports. The 63-year-old is set to play Elvis’ manager Colonel Parker in the yet-to-be-titled film currently in pre-production on the Gold Coast. Despite his son Chet insisting his parents ‘aren’t even that sick’, the Lurhmann production is taking no risks.
Luhrmann has also told his cast and crew to stay at home saying that they faced a difficult situation but that the health and well-being of our entire company is our absolute focus at this time.
Other cast members include Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rufus Sewell as Elvis’s parents, Vernon and Gladys, Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla and Austin Butler as the man himself, Elvis.
In a statement Warner Bros noted, ‘We have been made aware that a company member from our Elvis film, which is currently in pre-production in Australia, has tested positive for COVID-19. We are working closely with the appropriate Australian health agencies to identify and contact anyone who may have come in direct contact with the individual'.
Tom Hanks has posted, "What to do next? The Medical Officials have protocols that must be followed. Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach. We’ll keep the world posted and updated. Take care of yourselves!’ (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 12 March 2020
Tom Hanks Catches Coronavirus: Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have unfortunately both tested positive for Coronavirus while working in Australia.
Hanks is starring as Colonel Parker in Baz Luhrmann's new ELVIS film and both of them have been put into isolation while they recover
The 63-year-old Academy Award-winning actor is currently in Queensland filming Luhrmann's currently untitled Elvis Presley production.
Hanks wrote on Instagram on Thursday that after he and Wilson had been feeling "a bit tired, like we had colds" and had been "found to be COVID19 positive". "We felt a bit tired, like we had colds and some body aches, Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the coronavirus, and were found to be positive.
We Hanks' will be tested, observed, and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires. Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach."
Production on the Luhrmann film had been set to begin filming on Monday.
In a statement Warner Bros said, "The health and safety of our company members is always our top priority, and we are taking precautions to protect everyone who works on our productions around the world." (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
February 2020
Yola to play sister Rosetta Tharpe in upcoming Elvis film bio: British musician Yola will play singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe — dubbed the Godmother of rock and roll — in Baz Luhrmann’s musical drama ELVIS. The film so far stars Austin Butler in the title role, Tom Hanks as Col Tom Parker, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Presley’s mother and Rufus Sewell as his father.
Luhrmann co-wrote the script with Craig Pearce and Sam Bromell. The movie revolves around the veteran manager and the young singer, who came from dirt-poor origins to become an icon who changed the course of music history.
Tharpe was a rock and roll pioneer who gained popularity in the 1930s and ’40s through her experimental gospel recordings.
She was an early influence on Presley’s career. Yola released her critically acclaimed, genre-bending debut album “Walk Through Fire” in February 2019. Nine months later, she received four Grammy Award nominations, including best new artist. (News, Source: Variety)
Rufus Sewell to play Vernon Presley: Pre-production continues on Baz Luhrman’s ELVIS biopic as another name is added to the film’s cast. Rufus Sewell (Judy, A Knight’s Tale, The Man in the High Castle) has joined the Elvis biopic as The King’s “reserved, soft-spoken” father Vernon Presley.
The story, staring Austin Butler, will follow Elvis and his “elevation to a level of stardom and celebrity set against an evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America.”
Rufus Sewell’s role will be a significant one as Vernon Presley was a proud supporter of his son and would also manage his business affairs in an office behind the famous Graceland mansion. Vernon was also keen on Col Parker (Tom Hanks) and his love of money. However, coming from a poor background, Vernon was famously insecure and often worried about losing
their fortune and going back to the poor lifestyle they led before.
Tom Hanks plays Col Tom Parker noted as "a man who would end up betraying Elvis and taking advantage of his stardom".
With all the rage surrounding musical biopics lately, thanks to the success of Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, there will undoubtedly be a lot of hype around this movie.
With Baz Luhrman's OTT style and cool designs ELVIS should be truly memorable and a massive success.
Elvis has a release date of October 1, 2021. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Maggie Gyllenhaal to play Gladys Presley in Baz Luhrmann Elvis biopic: The Warner Bros film stars Austin Butler in the title role and Tom Hanks as Elvis Presley’s manger, Colonel Tom Parker.
Luhrmann co-wrote the script with Craig Pearce. The movie revolves around the veteran manager and the young singer, who came from dirt-poor origins to become an icon who changed the course of music history.
Throughout his career, Presley talked about his devotion to his mother, constantly calling her his number one girl. The close relationship is said to have continued when the musician’s career took off and during Gladys’ bout of depression due to his time away from home.
Gyllenhaal just wrapped the final season of her critically acclaimed HBO drama series “The Deuce.” On the film side, Gyllenhaal was most recently seen in Netflix pic “The Kindergarten Teacher” - (News, Source: Variety)
January 2020
Tom Hanks' low-key arrival in Australia to film Elvis biopic: Hollywood icon Tom Hanks is set to star in the upcoming Elvis Presley biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann. And the two-time Oscar winner cut a casual figure on Sunday as he touched down at Gold Coast Airport. Despite his long flight from the U.S., the 63-year-old appeared to be in a good mood as he arrived in Australia. Tom was seen chatting to ground staff, who escorted him through the terminal and into a waiting vehicle outside.
The biopic will document Elvis Presley's rise to fame against the backdrop of a changing cultural landscape in the 1950s and '60s. Austin Butler plays Elvis, while Olivia DeJonge has been cast as the rock and roll singer's wife, Priscilla Presley. The film is scheduled to be released in October 2021.
Tom plays Elvis' late manager, Colonel Tom Parker, and has already earned the tick of approval from Parker's widow, Loanne. Loanne said: 'If Tom Hanks takes on a role, he makes it a good fit. He will be a good fit for Colonel, I have trust in his abilities. Every story has a hero and a villain, and the past stories that made Elvis a hero and that leaves only the Colonel to be a villain and both of them were heroes in their own right.' (News, Source:DMA/EIN)
Tom Hanks gets to play the Bad Guy!: Veteran actor Tom Hanks says he is set to play a "bad guy" in the Elvis Presley biopic and he hopes to prove the naysayers wrong that he can only play the good guy.
Hanks who was awarded the Cecille B DeMille award at the recent Golden Globes ceremony is playing Elvis' shifty manager Colonel Tom Parker in Baz Luhrmann's untitled biopic on the legendary musician. Relative newcomer Austin Butler is playing Presley.
Backstage at the Golden Globes Hanks joked, "If all goes according to plan, I'll be playing Colonel Tom Parker to Austin Butler's Elvis and hopefully I will then finally have an answer to all your stupid questions about why I will never play a bad guy. I think I'm about to do that. That's who I am playing next!"
Hanks will be flying to Australia to shoot the movie also sent out "good thoughts to Australia for what's going on down there" in the wake of the devastating bushfires. (News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
December 2019
Baz Luhrmann' ELVIS movie update: Priscilla and Jerry Schilling recently supplied a few more details about the up-coming Baz Luhrmann' ELVIS movie.
While in the UK for Elvis Seen/Unseen Priscilla revealed how she’s met with Baz and given him some feedback on the movie.
“I’m involved as much as Baz will let me be involved because he’s learning as he’s going along. I also asked Jerry come to my house and visit with Baz.” Baz told us both what he had in mind and of course as it is "Baz Luhrmann" it is going to be very stylised - and not just a regular biopic.
I met him in Memphis and he brought Austin Butler over, who is playing Elvis, to meet me.
I am meeting with Austin soon, back in LA. He is sending me the script when they finish up the little details. So he has me pretty much involved.” (Photo shows Baz Luhrmann and Elvis stars Olivia DeJonge and Austin Butler)
Elvis’ ex also confirmed her hopes of being in the biopic. (EIN - Surely NOT!)
“I don’t know. I will be in it, of course, but I have no idea yet because I haven’t seen the script yet.
He’s not quite finished. This is going to be out in 2021. So there’s a lot of changes in the script.
They’re really working diligently to make it right, or to make it about what Baz is looking for. So I’ll be seeing that soon, but I think there’ll be a lot of changes.”
Schilling added, "Tom Hanks is playing Col Parker and he’s the easy-to-go-to bad guy. But he was actually quite a special guy. A good human being. (EIN - Surely NOT!) There might have been differences, but they were creative.
But Colonel Parker is, I think, the most undeveloped personality in rock-and-roll history, and the most interesting. He’s like the PT Barnum of rock-and-roll.” (News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann at GQ Awards: Baz Luhrmann posted a great photo of the ELVIS director plus his two stars at the Australian GQ Awards.
What a fun night celebrating so much emerging Aussie creativity and talent at the GQAustralia
Men of the Year Awards! Speaking of talented, a big thanks to Austin Butler for presenting me with their film icon award and to Olivia DeJonge for joining on the adventure!
(News, Source;NP/elvisinfonet)
Baz Luhrmann posted this great photo as "Road Trip"
Elvis actor Austin Butler outside Tupelo Hardware store. Pre-production research for the new film.
September 2019
Cybill Shepherd says Austin Butler will ge great as my ex, Elvis: Cybill Shepherd -- one of Elvis Presley's famous exes -- says Austin Butler will probably kill as the King, but it won't be a walk through Graceland based on what she remembers.
The famous actress, singer and model -- who was an "It" girl in the '70s, and who briefly dated Elvis during his Vegas days -- told a photog at LAX Saturday that Austin will likely be great as her old flame. She's seen a photo of him, and suggests he's a dead-ringer.
However, when it comes to portraying the life of Elvis on the big screen ... Cybill says, "I think it's a rough row to hoe." That means it ain't gonna be an easy role. As to why, Cybill shares an interesting story that she played a role in -- and that she later learned the
full alleged details about. She says she read a book that detailed Elvis' life and, allegedly, while the King had her in one room of his Sin City hotel ... he'd also have two other women on the same floor. (News, Source:EIN/TMZ)
ELVIS Movie in Pre-Production: Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, husband and wife collaborators are back home in Australia to work on what will probably go down as their biggest career gamble to date: recreating the life and times of music icon Elvis Presley for the big screen.
Naturally the local film industry is excited by the huge Warner Bros project coming to Australia, with the production being split between Queensland and Sydney.
Luhrmann and Martin have previously recreated Belle Epoque Parisian nightclubs and Jazz Age New York with much fanfare in Sydney, so Graceland on the Gold Coast is highly feasible.
But in these early days knowing exactly what to expect with the Elvis film is uncertain. Indeed, while Luhrmann and Martin share a love of sequins with Elvis (see below) when delving into the the real life of the King of Rock, things can get quite murky.
It was last June at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood that Luhrmann was working hard on his Elvis epic, a project which has been on the backburner for several years. (EIN first reported this project back in May 2014!)
It was at the time that Luhrmann confirmed he had won the blessing of both Elvis' ex-wife Priscilla as well as Lisa Marie to make the film. Both women have been long-term defenders - and fierce proponents - of the Elvis image and estate, which has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue since his death in 1977.
So the question remain about just how accurately the legend of the much-loved Elvis Presley showbiz icon and "Southern gentleman" reflects the reality of Elvis Presley the man.
Handsome young actor Austin Butler will portray Elvis in Baz's film which covers a 20-year period tracking Presley’s rise from
“very famous” to “minor American God.”
Central to the story will be Presley's tumultuous relationship with his manager, a colourful and rather disturbing character named Colonel Tom Parker, who will be played by Tom Hanks.
When Presley died in August 1977, Parker did not join the global outpouring of grief. Instead he flew to New York to negotiate a deal for the merchandising rights to the name and likeness of the dead star.
Posthumous sales of Elvis records and memorabilia boomed.
"Elvis didn't die," the Colonel told callers in the days following Presley's death. "The body did. We're keeping Elvis' spirit alive."
Before managing Elvis, Colonel Parker worked in a travelling circus with a dancing chicken act. The fowl were encouraged to perform by placing them on a kitchen hotplate, invisible to the audience.
Some have argued Colonel Parker's methods did not change much by the time he got hold of Elvis, who at the end of his career was touring in an endless series of fairly low rent productions at Parker's behest.
But what about Elvis himself? How will he be presented in the film? As the hip-swivelling love god or as the grown man who, by today's standards, dated rather young girls.
It was in 1959 when Elvis was 24-years-old serving in the military in Germany that he met Priscilla Beaulieu who was only 14-years-old at the time but who later would become his one and only wife.
They dated for six months before he returned to the US. In her memoir Elvis and Me, Priscilla writes that Elvis remained a gentleman until they married many years later in 1967.
Jerry Lee Lewis' career was initially ruined when the UK pres discovered he was married to Myra Gale Brown, his first cousin once removed, who was only 13 years old. It was Lewis' third marriage.
Let's hope Baz Luhrmann can pull off a genuinely truthful and also stunning look at the magnificence of Elvis' early career. (News, Source;SMH/ElvisInfoNet)
August 2019
ELVIS Baz Luhrmann Biopic 2021 Release Date: Baz Luhrmann's anticipated Elvis Presley biopic has been given a release date of 1 October, 2021 by Warner Bros.
With lead actor Austin Butler staring as ELVIS and cast from a shortlist of five contenders which also included Miles Teller, Harry Styles, Ansel Elgort and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Butler will play the King of Rock in the drama, which is described as a story that will "delve into the complex dynamic" between Presley and his manager Col. Tom Parker.
Oscar winner Tom Hanks will portray Col Parker who controlled every aspect of the performer's life.
The movie's timeline will span 20 years, "from Presley's rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and the loss of innocence in America".
The ELVIS biopic marks Luhrmann's first film since The Great Gatsby.
Butler's most recent work includes a role in Quentin Tarantino's latest movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, alongside Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The plan is to shoot in early 2020 to accommodate Hanks' schedule. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
July 2019
Lana Del Ray to play Priscilla?: The meteoric rise of Elvis has been depicted several times onscreen, and the story will be told one more time in an upcoming big-screen biopic from director Baz Luhrmann.
With the recent news that Austin Butler has landed the lead role as Presley and Tom Hanks is set to play manager Col. Tom Parker, the late star's former wife is offering her opinion about who she thinks should be portraying her in the still-untitled biopic.
Recent reports have singer Lana Del Rey wanting to take on the role of Priscilla.
Media reports state that Del Rey feels it's a role she was born to play and that she has her agent contacting Baz Luhrmann hoping to get her cast.
Lana does look like Priscilla and has decided there's no way she won't get the part.
Despite the singer's reported enthusiasm, her lack of acting experience is reportedly a source of doubt for Luhrmann although he did use her song "Young & Beautiful" on the soundtrack for "The Great Gatsby".
When asked about the possibility Priscilla told media, "I like Lana" clearly giving her stamp of approval to Lana.
Priscilla Presley has clearly always been one of Lana Del Rey's muses. Besides their striking resemblance, LDR nods Elvis' ex-wife's fashion sense frequently and even croons "Elvis is my daddy" in her song Body Electric.
The movie is described as focusing on the late entertainer's rise and zenith, with a major aspect being his relationship with Parker. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 16 July 2019
Austin Butler to play ELVIS in new biopic: Aussie director Baz Luhrmann has announced that the Shannara Chronicles star Austin Butler has been cast as Elvis Presley in his new biopic.
News came in earlier this month that Austin Butler was one of the finalists to play the iconic musician in the new Baz Luhrmann’s movie and now he’s beaten out Harry Styles and Miles Teller for the role, though Luhrmann took his time making a selection.
Luhrmann explained how he concluded that the 27-year-old Butler was the right actor to bring Elvis to life in his movie: "I knew I couldn’t make this film if the casting wasn’t absolutely right, and we searched thoroughly for an actor with the ability to evoke the singular natural movement and vocal qualities of this peerless star, but also the inner vulnerability of the artist. Throughout the casting process, it was an honor for me to encounter such a vast array of talent.
I had heard about Austin Butler from his stand-out role opposite Denzel Washington in The Iceman Cometh on Broadway, and through a journey of extensive screen testing and music and performance workshops, I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic musical figures."
Austin Butler has primarily made an impression in the TV realm, recurring in shows like Life Unexpected and being the lead in the short-lived The Carrie Diaries and The Shannara Chronicles. On the big screen, Butler’s credits include The Dead Don’t Die and the upcoming Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
He will act in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic alongside Tom Hanks who is playing Colonel Tom Parker. While the movie will chronicle Elvis’ path to becoming a worldwide phenomenon, it will specifically frame this story through his complex relationship with Parker.
Baz Luhrmann has brought in some of his frequent collaborators such as Craig Pearce writing the script, and Catherine Martin serving as production and costume designer. Warner Bros will release the picture worldwide. (News, Source;JoanGansky/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 5 July 2019
Harry Styles Odds-On to play ELVIS in Luhrmann’s Biopic: Harry Styles is now listed as favorite to play Elvis in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic with Miles Teller given 5-2 Odds
We’ve seen Joaquin Phoenix do Johnny Cash, Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles, and recently Taron Egerton as Elton John. Musical biopics are big business in Hollywood.
Given the critical and box office successes of these and so many other films, it is actually shocking that ELVIS has never been given the serious biopic treatment yet.
Given Elvis’ enduring pop cultural presence even 42 years after his untimely death, he’s left some unbelievably big blue suede shoes to fill. So it makes sense that the competition to cast the role of Elvis would be fierce.
Director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge / Great Gatsby) is behind the camera for this big moment in Hollywood history. But given his sparse catalog and unpredictable casting choices, it makes it tough to imagine who will end up as the title role here. Harry Styles, former One Direction band member and current solo success, is now the front runner, and it makes sense why. He’s handsome, suave, and charming– all attributes the young ELVIS had in spades. He also has the musical chops to carry Presley’s familiar cornucopia of hits.
But even if Harry Styles is an obvious pick, he’s not the only option. Miles Teller, who has musical experience behind the drum kit in the Hollywood hit Whiplash, doesn’t necessarily have the vocal chops. But then again, that didn’t stop Rami Malek from playing Freddie Mercury.
However when you picture a big movie billboard overlooking Santa Monica Boulevard advertising Elvis’ life on the screen, Harry Styles makes the most sense. He’s a big, exciting star at the moment, we already know he dazzles on the big screen (like his screen-stealing moment in Dunkirk), and he has the same star quality Elvis possessed. Luhrmann would be all shook up to not give Styles a serious screen-test. EIN Comments: Miles Teller has pedigree and would certainly cut a foot loose; Aaron Taylor-Johnson knows how to kick ass, especially with Elvis singing Trilogy in the background, while Harry Styles has the vocal chops but may be a bit too one directional for the part. Ansol Elgort has part of the Elvis name down pat and Austin Butler has the right look. Outsider: the supposedly feminist website, Jezebel, suggests the only person who should play Elvis is his "goth" grandson, Benjamin Keough. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Miles Teller possible frontrunner to play Elvis: Director Baz Luhrmann is searching for an actor "between the ages of 19 and 28 who can portray Elvis' shy vulnerability masking his unshakeable faith in his own destiny."
Esquire Entertainment writer Justin Kirkland has suggested five possibilities for actors to play Elvis in Baz Lurhmann's new Elvis Biopic.
With the Elvis biopic getting off the ground, speculation has started about who should play the King of Rock and Roll.
Supposedly on the short list is Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, Austin Butler, Harry Styles, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Tom Hanks has already been cast as Col. Tom Parker.
The suggested list is..
5. Ansel Elgort ('Baby Driver' star)
4. Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Golden Globe winner for 'Nocturnal Animals')
3. Harry Styles (Singer who was also OK in 'Dunkirk' - surely not)
2. Austin Butler (OK "elvis" look - Nickelodeon / Disney star) 1. Miles Teller (shown above)
A true possibility, strong performances in 'The Spectacular Now' and 'Whiplash' and nearly the lead in La La Land. Teller may even have the voice to carry the role, and the face alone is the closest of the group to Elvis. If this really is the only shortlist, Teller should have it in the bag. (News, Source;Esquire/ElvisInfoNet)
Adam Lambert Keen to play Elvis in Biopic: US singer Adam Lambert has recently been fronting the band Queen for live performances in place of Freddie Mercury.
But in the past Lambert has always acknowledged a love of ELVIS, often playing his songs.
Adam Lambert now says that he's interested in playing Elvis in the upcoming Presley biopic, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker.
In a recent interview, Lambert said he's been compared to Elvis "quite a bit" and has performed The King's music on stage for a tribute concert. He even claimed to have perfected Presley's signature lip sneer.
The movie in pre-production will explore the King's rise to fame, his music, his life and his complicated relationship with his manager so it is possible Lambert may be too old for the role. An actor has not been cast in the role of Elvis yet. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
May 2019
Who will play ELVIS in the new Baz Luhrmann film: The casting call went out for Baz Luhrmann's new ELVIS biopic asking for "an actor between the ages of 19 and 28 who can portray the singer’s shy vulnerability masking his unshakeable faith in his own destiny."
Luckily most Elvis Impersonators are over the age of 28, so hopefully a brand new talent will be found. Having said that several Elvis Impersonators are hoping that they might get a chance.
The big-budget film is being shot on Australia's Gold Coast and Elvis Roberts (his real name) is a local from Banora Point southern Gold Coast and he has a burning love for The King and also acting.
"I really want to be in it," he said. "I've always acted, I make little short films and I have been in two feature films, but only as extras." The 23-year-old has contacted director Baz Luhrmann.
Dual Oscar winner Tom Hanks has been signed to play the role of Presley's manager Colonel Tom Parker.
When the film was announced by the Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk right with Luhrmann he said he was conducting a worldwide search for the leading role of Elvis, but added he would also employ locally.
"I am committed … to developing Queensland's creative culture and supporting filmmakers, storytellers and artists of all kinds, in the same manner that we ourselves were supported and mentored early in our careers."
Mr Roberts' love of Presley came from his father, Rusty Roberts, who said he had amassed Australia's largest collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia.
"It's enormous," Rusty said. "Anyone can step forward and try to challenge me. EIN Notes that Greg Page (ex The Wiggles) has his own Elvis museum in Parkes, NSW and would own the biggest value of genuine Elvis possessions in Australia
The 47-year-old personal trainer said he wants to work on the Elvis Presley movie as a technical advisor.
The film is expected to create 900 jobs and inject more than $105 million into the Queensland economy.
A spokesman from Village Roadshow Studios said the production schedule will be finalised in the coming weeks.
Click here to the ABC for their article (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
April 2019
Luhrmann’s ELVIS to be filmed in Australia: Baz Luhrmann’s Tom Hanks-starring Elvis film is set to shoot significant portions in Australia. This was confirmed by Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier of Queensland.
The currently untitled film, backed by Warner Bros will explore the life and music of Elvis Presley, including his rise to fame, his unprecedented stardom, and his impact on the world. It will also delve into his complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
The 56-year-old Director of innovative musicals Moulin Rouge!/ Great Gatsby Baz Luhrmann is still on the hunt for an actor to play Elvis Presley. He is searching for an actor between the ages of 19 and 28 who can portray the singer’s shy vulnerability masking his unshakeable faith in his own destiny. Anyone who is interested in the role should send photos to elviscasting2020@gmail.com.
Palaszczuk said she was looking forward to welcoming the Warner Bros. production to Queensland’s world-class facilities, Village Roadshow Studios, on the Gold Coast. She said that an agreement to shoot in Queensland had been made after a recent meeting with Luhrmann in London.
No schedule for a start of production was announced. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Lurhmann - the ELVIS research: As noted below Australian director Baz Luhrmann (Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge) is working on pre-production for his new Warner Bros ELVIS biopic.
Latest news was that Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is to play Elvis Presley's iconic manager Colonel Tom Parker.
EIN first reported the news of Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic back in May 2014 - but it is only recently that Baz Luhrmann has acknowledged that he is now focussed on his ELVIS project.
Luhrmann has recently posted four videos of his interview with Elvis' childhood Tupelo friend Sam Bell.
His interviews feature some great photos and delightful insights of Elvis' early years. (see links below)
The director has also posted three neat photos of him at Graceland with the comment.. "Thanks to Jack, Angie, Regina, and the whole team at Graceland for their support over the last year and a half of research. Not a bad office, hey? Just gotta close the gate on your way out..."
With Academy Award winner Tom Hanks on board and Luhrmann's skills in making epic, music-focused movies there is a real hope that Elvis' legacy will be well-served in this new release. Baz Luhrmann interviews Sam Bell - Video 1 Click here. Video 2 Click here. - Video 3 Click here 10 mins. - Video 4 Click here.
EIN Thanks FECC's Jimmy Jamerson for the word-up.
(News, Source;FECC/ElvisInfoNet)
Tom Hanks to play Col Parker!: Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is in negotiations to play Elvis Presley’s iconic manager Colonel Tom Parker in Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Warner Bros biopic about ELVIS. Variety broke the news this week. EIN first reported the news of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic back in May 2014! While Parker helped launch Elvis’ huge career, he of course also hindered it in many ways. Because he himself was Dutch-born and did not have a US passport, he never allowed Presley to tour internationally.
Luhrmann will direct the movie. He also penned the script with Craig Pearce.
Parker discovered Presley when he was just an unknown and quickly moved in as his lone representation. Parker was responsible for various milestones, including Presley’s record deal with RCA and his successful acting career.
While Luhrmann always envisioned a star for Parker’s part, he wants a newcomer for the role of Presley. The director has begun meeting with talent for the part.
Insiders say a budget is still being ironed out, but Hanks’ commitment will urge the studio to push the project forward. Luhrmann hopes to get the pic into production sometime this year.
Hanks is no stranger to portraying real-life figures like astronaut Jim Lovell in “Apollo 13,” Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee in “The Post,” airline captain Chesley Sullenberger in “Sully,” Captain Richard Phillips in “Captain Phillips,” and Walt Disney in “Saving Mr. Banks.”
In previous productions about Elvis' life, Parker has been portrayed by actors including Beau Bridges, Randy Quaid and Gene Jones.
With Hanks’ talents as an actor and Luhrmann’s skills in making epic, music-focused films such as Moulin Rouge and Strictly Ballroom there’s now every reason to start getting excited about this new Elvis biopic. (News, Source;Varity/ElvisInfoNet)
May 15, 2014 Baz Luhrmann Chasing His Elvis Movie Dream: Great Gatsby Director Baz Luhrmann has contacted Lisa Marie desperate to follow through with his vision for the grand spectacle of his Elvis bio-pic. The Elvis Presley estate, which has long refused to allow his music to be used in biopics, is considering approving a wave of movies about rock ’n’ roll’s most popular performer and Baz Luhrmann is leading the pack.
Lisa Marie may have eased such restraints in response to pleas from Luhrmann, whose films have impressed her. The Australian director has recruited London-based scriptwriter Kelly Marcel to produce a portrait of the Mississippi-born singer in the 1960s.
Luhrmann has promised an "extravagant but truthful" retelling of these years in an as-yet uncast and untitled film for Warner Bros, due in 2016.
There has also been a surge of interest in scripts about Elvis such as 'The Identical' which will focus on the singer’s faith. Another is based on Presley’s biography 'Last Train to Memphis' set in the city in the 1950s.
The Presley estate has been more wary of another project 'Fame and Fortune' based on a loving but unflattering memoir by a former bodyguard. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Leonardo DiCaprio to play Elvis Presley?: File under Crazy Elvis ideas - Just because director Baz Luhrmann likes using actor Leonardo DiCaprio in his films, now comes the rumour that Luhrmann wants DiCaprio to play the singer in his potential new Elvis bio-pic (see story below). This story has been suggested by "DNA India"!
The script for the movie will be written by Kelly Marcel, who also wrote the "Fifty Shades of Grey" screenplay. It is not clear what time period it will focus on.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers played Elvis Presley in a 2005 mini series on CBS. Rose McGowan played Ann-Margret. Meyers had a great resemblance to the "Blue Suede Shoes" singer, so it's interesting to imagine what DiCaprio might look like in the role. The actor is known to really transform himself for his characters. Dicaprio played real-life Frank Abagnale in "Catch Me If You Can" in 2002.
It might be the year of the biopic for DiCaprio, who has also been rumored to be up for a new Steve Jobs movie. (News, Source;DNAIndia/ElvisInfoNet)
May 1, 2014- Director Baz Luhrmann for Elvis Biopic?: There are stories from Hollywood that Australian director Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby) has entered negotiations to direct an untitled biopic on Elvis Presley for Warner Bros. 'Saving Mr. Banks' writer Kelly Marcel is supposedly already working on the screenplay, which isn't based on any existing material about the rock and roll icon.
It isn't known what periods of Elvis' life will be covered in this project. The director has been in negotiations for several weeks, and his deal is expected to be finalized. It is also believed that the filmmaker's wife, Oscar-winning production designer Catherine Martin (The Great Gatsby) will join the project as well.
Gail Berman is producing through her Tecumseh Productions company. Courtenay Valenti is overseeing the project for Warner Bros.
Baz Luhrmann made his directing debut with 1992's Strictly Ballroom, before moving onto the Shakespeare adaptation Romeo + Juliet and the 2001 Oscar-nominated musical Moulin Rouge. Last year he had success with his version of the F. Scott Fitzgerald literary classic The Great Gatsby. (News, Source;Hollywood/ElvisInfoNet)
Other EIN Spotlights you might be interested in...
'The Dark Side Of Colonel Parker' - EIN Spotlight:June 26th 2009 is a special date that commemorates four unique events of the Elvis World. 1. The 100th Birthday of Colonel Parker.
2. The 32nd Anniversary of Elvis' final concert in Indianapolis.
3. The 30th Anniversary of the death of Elvis' father, Vernon Presley.
4. The 30th Anniversary of the revelation to Elvis’ estate that Colonel Parker was still fleecing his client.
Although comedian Nipsy Russell stated that "Every entertainer should go to bed at night and pray he finds a Colonel Tom Parker under his bed when he wakes up in the morning" - is that really the truth?
It is a fact that after Elvis' death an official investigation found that "both Colonel Parker (and RCA) acted in collusion against Presley's best interests. Colonel Parker was guilty of self-dealing and overreaching and had violated his duty to both Elvis and to the estate."
While there is no doubt that Elvis and The Colonel's story is extremely complex, in this in-depth Spotlight EIN takes a look at the darker side of Colonel Tom Parker - and includes plenty of insights from Elvis’ colleagues and friends.
. Go here for this fascinating investigation- and also Have Your Say. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)
‘Bicycle Rider: Thoughts on The Searcher’: One of EIN’s most insightful contributors George Smith has written a stunning essay on the new HBO documentary ‘Elvis Presley: The Searcher’.
In his review ‘George Smith’ captures the essence of the narrative, Zimny’s production decisions and notes the difficulty of having to create a documentary about Elvis’ music and having to keep it under 4 hours.
His review includes, “The genius of the documentary though, is in its decision to present Elvis Presley to all viewers in a new and unexpected fashion. For the devotees this is realised through the constant use of new film (professional and amateur) and studio outtakes: it keeps the faithful on their toes and creates the impression of seeing and hearing Elvis anew. This is why Zimny insisted on using the alternative Aloha, the handheld “Trilogy” and “Never Been to Spain”, the “Burning Love” rehearsal, the “If I Can Dream” outtake, the off-air segments from ’68, the non-masters of “Lonely Man”, “Hurt”, “Suspicious Minds”, “Loving You”.. It is a deliberate and clever approach which was much appreciated by this writer.” Go here to “Bicycle Rider: Thoughts on The Searcher” this is essential reading.
(Spotlight; Source;GeorgeSmith/ElvisInfoNet)
Dec 3, 2018- ‘Behind The Music- Elvis 68 Television Special’: It was FIFTY YEARS AGO TODAY - that Elvis' stunning 68 NBC Television Special was broadcast in the USA. The programme would become one of the highest rated of the year, Elvis re-discovered his roots, Col Parker was stunned by the reception and Elvis was empowered to choose Memphis' American Sound Studio for his next serious recording session. A string of top-ten Billboard Hits beckoned and his life and ours would never be the same. EIN contributor Dennis Laverty has compiled a unique documentary called “Behind The Music- Elvis 68 Television Special” to celebrate this great day.
It tells the story of the 'Comeback Special' by those that were there examining the How and Why Elvis career came to this creative point where he desparately needed to do the show. There is discussion of production numbers, sit down, standup shows, the '69 rebirth plus much more.
This special includes ELVIS interviews from 'On Tour'
and features Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, Chris Bearde, Steve Binder, Billy Strange, Tanya Lemani Little Egypt, Anita Mann (choreographer), Bill Belew, Earl Brown plus plenty of old compiled interviews from all too many who have sadly passed away. EIN thanks Dennis Laverty for the input. Click here to Vimeo. - Sit Back And Celebrate this special day - The video runs around 2 1/2 hours.
(Spotlight, Source;DL/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: The Searcher - Additional Stories' Spotlight:Like all too many serious Elvis fans Dennis Laverty felt let-down by the lack of seventies content in the HBO 'Elvis The Searcher' documentary. Luckily for us he has produced a lovely documentary "Elvis Presley: The Searcher - Additional Stories Not in the Original Film" that anyone can view on Vimeo.
He writes, "I really enjoyed The Searcher documentary, but after watching I wished they would have made it 4 hours. The 1950's skipped what pushed Elvis over-the-top when he appeared on TV, two of his best films and soundtracks (Loving You & Jailhouse Rock), and the backlash he took with his rock and roll Christmas Album. The 1960s unfortunately glossed over American Sound, especially Elvis taking a risk with 'In The Ghetto'.
The 1970s disappointed when nothing was discussed about Elvis' only concept album (Elvis Country), nor 'He Touched Me' (they could have included unreleased Elvis on Tour footage of gospel segment) and finally with David Porter one of the Execs of the film from Stax Records that nothing was discussed about Elvis' returning to Memphis and STAX to record three key albums.
My goal was just to highlight those stories in some way.
Obviously I don't have access to the Elvis archives at Graceland, but I hope you enjoy.
The following are 10 segments that I thought could have fit into the film." ... EIN totally agrees and thoroughly recommends this 37 minute video.
This is the type of material that should have been in the DVD Extras CLICK HERE to VIMEO to watch EIN thanks Dennis Laverty for his input.
(Spotlight, Source;Dennis Laverty/ElvisInfoNet)
'Big Boss Man: What Kind of Technical Advice Did Parker Provide for Elvis’s Movies?': As technical advisor, Colonel Tom Parker was hailed by showbiz bible Variety as an "expert property developer." Though some of the movie properties Elvis’s manager helped develop were incredibly slapdash, that observation does raise one of the most puzzling aspects of the star’s Hollywood career. How much control did Parker have over Presley’s films, and what kind of technical advice did he provide between 1956 and 1972?
The Colonel developed the strategy – and ensured it was executed. Though his client often complained that he was "tired of these damn movies" in which fought in one scene and sang to a dog in the next, he never decisively rebelled, signifying his distaste by hiding in Memphis for as long as possible until the next shooting schedule beckoned.
'Elvis was not a Racist'- A Spotlight Revisited: Back in 2005 EIN's Piers Beagley wrote an in-depth look at Elvis' background & cultural influences, discovering a man that not only helped the local black community but who was also key figure in the racial integration of popular music. As James Brown said, "I love him and hope to see him in heaven. There’ll never be another like that soul brother" and Muhammad Ali,"Elvis Presley was the sweetest, most humble and nicest man you'd want to know." Now in 2012 EIN's good friend Bernard Tanner, Jr.sent us a wonderful letter explaining his reaction when faced with young adults in his hometown of Altanta Georgia accusing Elvis of being a racist. He says.. "My refusal to back down against their impassioned but wrong-headed and false accusations of Presley's race bigotry shocked them.... .. And (often) lost in these arguments is the fact that Elvis was supernally
gifted as a performer and as a vocalist. And that he marshaled those rare gifts to the African-American cultural and musical construct and helped to give those musical idioms, not only a much wider acceptability, respect and legitimacy - but supernally so! With Elvis Week 2012 recently ending please CLICK HERE to see this excellent article re-visited. (Spotlight Article, Source: ElvisInformationNetwork)
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