Davart994’s review published on Letterboxd:
Since I was a kid I had always got a big affinity for Elvis music, his lyrics always resonated with me and till this day, but knowing more about his tragic story, his rise and fall and bittersweet life is just astonishing to witness his process. Elvis legacy still lives on as he is irreplaceable as an artist and his effervescent stage presence that is just remarkable. Sadly Elvis never got to fully savor his triumphs, he was always between speculations, paparazzis and people criticizing his style and decisions on stage, it must had been so annoying to constantly struggle with your image and never being able to follow your ideals as Elvis was always fighting to raise his voice and being this fascinating rockstar. I found just ridiculous how Elvis reputation or dignity was most of the time in some sort of jeopardy, the society hated on him because he was different, he was a rebel without a cause but he clearly loved giving his audience a high quality show. He was always against the rules even though the consequences tend to be so harsh towards him, this persons just couldn’t stand his Star magnetic force and how unusual his presence seemed to be, but at the end of the day Elvis always knew what he was capable of and his career skyrocketed because of his ambition, hunger and passion for being an artist/icon and leaving his footprints so intact. I have to admit that they glorified Elvis name maybe a little to much on this particular film, not that his merits shouldn’t be recognized but some of his decisions, actions and behaviors were questionable, he didn’t listen to his limits or tried to save himself for this dangerous environment, not only they took advantage of his success but he forgot about his marriage and daughter due to his addictions and depression when he wasn’t able to be the center of attention. For my personal preference and beliefs a good biography must contain not only the good and wholesome moments but also the dark and vicious side of a celebrity and for me it was more sparkle than credible despite being a dense nature behind it, so yeah for me they omitted a lot of crucial aspects of Elvis story and they addressed more his “unattainable” moments. Even though narratively is kind of disappointing “Elvis” have so much vibrance and brightness, I loved the style of this movie since it looked so vintage and it was build in this propaganda appearance, kind like a commercial full of life. The cinematography is so powerful, the visuals are just so dynamic and vivacious, is like the charm never died. Another interesting aspect of this film is that is told through the Coronel perspective in this peculiar third person format and perhaps being such a insightful and interesting decision, I would had preferred if it was narrated from someone else, however Tom Hanks performance was great giving a malicious, pretentious, fake and abuser individual. Talking about Elvis Portrayal I didn’t found Austin performance out of this world, don’t take me wrong is a great performance as is evident Austin Butler studied the physicality, gesticulation, voice and Elvis manners with so much delicacy and dedication and that has to be applauded but his acting on this film was so overrated by his fans that I was expecting insanity on motion and it wasn’t the case at all, nonetheless is more than a decent portrayal. Elvis is so emblematic for the music history, one of the most special and crazy male artist to even exists, his sells, work ethic and boom in the music industry and culture talk for himself, since he was born he belonged on stage, his heart and drive was always with his fans, maybe he was suffering a lot but his only consolation was on his talent and on his impactful persona. Such a good enough biography of a legend, so entertaining and compassionate, that even though I was expecting more coherence, more profound details and I was not convinced all the way, is certainly a wholesome tribute. Elvis you will always remain iconic.