Elvis: Austin Butler shines as Elvis Presley in new movie

Baz Luhrmann’s latest Hollywood flick is based on the life of late music icon Elvis Presley. Entertainment editor Jonathon Moran gives his verdict on the film.

Rating: *****

Bravo Baz.

There is nothing understated about Baz Luhrmann, which is why we love him but that also means we have super high expectations for the celebrated director who brought us Aussie classics like Moulin Rouge and Strictly Ballroom.

Fortunately, Luhrmann is not only in fine form, but he’s stepped it up a notch with the deliciously brilliant Elvis.

Elvis is nothing less than a cinematic masterpiece, a visual feast that beautifully and respectfully brings new light to a man whose music we’ve all grown up with.

Starring Austin Butler in the title role as American rock icon Elvis Presley, the challenge was to ensure viewers wouldn’t spend the two-and-a-half-hours constantly comparing the actor with the late singer. And that importantly Butler didn’t come across merely as another Elvis impersonator.

Austin Butler as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s new Hollywood flick. Picture: Hugh Stewart

He doesn’t. In fact, he embodies Elvis, inhabiting the role in a spectacular way.

Within just a few minutes of the film, Luhrmann transports viewers into another world in what is not so much a gritty biopic but a colourful interpretation of Elvis’ life, warts and all.

It is actually genius that viewers walk away learning something new given all that has been said about Elvis.

It isn’t a happy story, although there is a lot of joy to be feasted on in the music, much of which Butler uses his own incredible vocals for.

While there is a wonderful ensemble of names lined up on screen, it really is a two-actor movie.

Butler as Elvis and Tom Hanks as the singer’s long-time manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Baz Luhrmann with Tom Hanks on the set of Elvis.

Austin Butler with Oscar award winner Catherine Martin on the set of Elvis.

Difficult to watch at times due to the tragedy at play in Elvis’ life and the great injustice that he wasn’t able to achieve so much more than he did in his short 42 years, the pairing is brilliant as the actors clearly bring the best out in each other.

While perhaps darker than some of his other films, Luhrmann very much delivers a nod to his previous efforts commonly referred to as his Red Curtain Trilogy of Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!

Olivia DeJonge is superb as doll-like Priscilla Presley while award-winning stage actor Helen Thomson shines as Elvis’ mother, Gladys.

The Elvis set. Picture: Supplied

Austin Butler as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s new Hollywood film, Elvis. Picture: Hugh Stewart

You will see many more familiar faces, most of them Australian given the film was made on the Gold Coast, with Richard Roxburgh as Elvis’ father, Vernon Presley, David Wenham as singer Hank Snow, Dacre Montgomery as Steve Binder and Kate Mulvany as Marion Keisker.

Anthony LaPaglia, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Kodi-Smit-McPhee, Leon Ford, Xavier Samuel, Luke Bracey, Nicholas Bell, Josh McConville and Mark Leonard Winter are just some of the other faces you’ll recognise.

But it is Butler that will remain in your mind after seeing Elvis. He is mesmerisingly sexy while delivering the gravitas you’d expect of an Oscar winner.

Originally published as Elvis: Austin Butler shines as Elvis Presley in new movie