Elvis Reviews Praise Austin Butler As Singer, Criticize Luhrmann's Style
After its premiere and initial critical reception out of the Cannes Film Festival, more reviews for Elvis are rolling in and while they unanimously praise Austin Butler's lead performance as the King of Rock and Roll, some story aspects have been lambasted. Baz Luhrmann's musical biopic sees Once Upon a Time in Hollywood breakout Butler play the titular role, after he beat several contenders, including Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, and Harry Styles for the part. Elvis also stars Tom Hanks, Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh, Olivia DeJonge, and Luke Bracey, and it tracks Elvis' life from childhood to stardom, focusing particularly on the iconic singer's complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Dubbed the Apocalypse Now of musicals by Luhrmann, Elvis has been touted as authentically capturing the rise and fall of the beloved star, whose legacy of hits continues to influence the industry even today. As early images, trailers, and teasers from the movie show, Luhrmann's trademark of ostentatious visuals and fast-paced storytelling complements the dazzling exuberance of the 1950s, as well as Presley's career trajectory as a sensational pop star. This has led Elvis to be praised by the Presley family, with the star's daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, calling the movie «nothing short of spectacular,» and his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, hailing it as a «true story told brilliantly and creatively.»
Related: Does Austin Butler Really Sing In Elvis?
Now, more critics have shared their reviews for Elvis, and most are generally favorable, praising Butler's brilliant lead performance. The Switched at Birth actor's physical and vocal authenticity to Presley is at the center of every review, while there is also a lot
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