Elis 2018

The curtain opens on a pivotal moment in 1997 as Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) succumbs to his mortal coil, sparking a flurry of news reports that seek to define his tumultuous legacy. As the truth begins to seep out like a slow-moving river, Parker’s own narrative takes center stage, painting a picture of himself as the mastermind behind the meteoric rise of none other than Elvis Aaron Presley (Austin Butler), the very King of Rock and Roll.

Flash back to the decadent atmosphere of 1970s Las Vegas, where the International Hotel is abuzz with anticipation. A frail and struggling Elvis is coaxed onto the stage by his loyal entourage, who resort to submersing his head in icy water to revive him. It’s a desperate attempt to get the King up on his feet, but against all odds, he somehow manages to summon the strength to deliver a mesmerizing performance of “An American Trilogy” that leaves the awestruck crowd breathless. As Parker continues to regale us with tales from his past, we find him wandering solo through an empty casino, his thoughts consumed by the weight of history and the whispers of those who would seek to tarnish his reputation.

But Parker’s story doesn’t begin here; it begins in the mid-1950s, where he’s just another faceless immigrant working at a traveling carnival alongside Hank Snow (David Wenham). It’s a humble existence, until Jimmie Rodgers (Kodi-Smit McPhee), the son of the legendary country singer, strolls into town with a record that defies convention. The music is raw and unapologetic, bearing more than a passing resemblance to African-American sounds – but it’s performed by a white man. Parker’s ears perk up at this revelation, his eyes lighting upon a new opportunity as he begins to weave a web of ambition and deception that would forever alter the course of rock ‘n’ roll history.

As Parker recounts, it was at a pivotal moment during Hank’s radio performance that he first laid eyes on Elvis - a nervous young man who, egged on by his mother Gladys (Helen Thomson), mustered the courage to take the stage. What Parker didn’t reveal in his narration is the deep-seated emotional baggage that drove Elvis’s actions, stemming from the tragic loss of his twin brother Jesse, who had passed away at birth. This unresolved pain would later manifest in Elvis’s (Chaydon Jay) fascination with comic book heroes like Shazam - a symbol of strength and liberation. Growing up, Elvis befriended children of all backgrounds, developing a profound appreciation for the soulful rhythms of African American music.

As the spotlight shone on Elvis at that fateful performance, initial mocking from the crowd soon gave way to mesmerized gasps as he showcased his remarkable voice and fluid dance moves. While the ladies swooned in adoration, the older crowd recoiled in disapproval, branding him indecent. This dichotomy would become a recurring theme throughout Elvis’s journey with Hank’s musical tour across the Southern states.

Parker, determined to win Elvis over, joined the tour, sensing an opportunity to elevate the young performer to new heights. As Elvis continued to draw throngs of female admirers, Hank viewed him as an inappropriate fit for his desired audience demographic. It was during a chance encounter at a carnival that Parker cornered Elvis in a house of mirrors and then rode the Ferris wheel alongside him, sharing Hank’s intentions to dismiss the young star. Undeterred, Elvis remained driven by his desire to support his family, ultimately agreeing to collaborate with Parker. This partnership would eventually convince Gladys and Vernon (Richard Roxburgh) to join forces, with Vernon assuming the role of management for the newly established Presley Enterprises.

As Gladys (Peggy Lipton) remains skeptical about Elvis’s pursuit of a music career, he persuades her that he possesses the potential to make a lasting impression. Before his meteoric rise in the music industry, Elvis spends time as a truck driver, yet it is during this period that he becomes enthralled by the exceptional talents of black performers on Beale Street in Memphis, including BB King (Kelvin Harrison Jr) and Big Mama Thornton (Shonka Dukureh), who captivates him with her rendition of “Hound Dog”. His employers at Sun Records also encourage Elvis to strike out on his own.

As Elvis’s fame begins to soar, he is able to relocate his parents to the opulent mansion that would become synonymous with his legacy, Graceland. Scotty Moore (Luke Cook) and Parker (Dermot Mulroney), his manager, capitalize on his success by developing a range of merchandise, including pins bearing the provocative slogan “I hate Elvis”, recognizing that even negative sentiment can be monetized. However, despite his newfound stardom, the suggestive nature of Elvis’s dance moves and his uncanny ability to captivate female audiences raise concerns among parents and elected officials, who dub him “Elvis The Pelvis”. Senator James Eastland (Nicholas Bell) personally takes up the cause against Elvis and Parker, demanding that he clean up his act or face imprisonment.

In an attempt to rein in Elvis’s on-stage antics, his handlers insist that he don more modest attire, reminiscent of a butler’s uniform, and tone down his music, much to the dismay of his fans and the frustration of Elvis himself. This development also strains his relationship with Gladys, who has begun to struggle with alcoholism. Seeking solace, Elvis drives down to Beale Street, where he reunites with BB King and other black musicians, including Little Richard (Alton Mason), who electrifies the audience with his performance.

During a private conversation outside the club, BB offers Elvis words of wisdom, suggesting that there are too many individuals profiting from his success to attempt to silence him through imprisonment. Emboldened by this advice, Elvis is driven to a concert, where he is instructed not to so much as flutter an eyelid or risk arrest.

As Elvis takes the stage, he recalls BB’s counsel and addresses the audience, proclaiming that no one will ever be able to change him. The crowd erupts in cheers as he launches into his performance of “Trouble”, accompanied by energetic hip movements that send the female audience members into a frenzy. Parker is horrified, ordering security to intervene and remove Elvis from the stage. As the chaos unfolds, Elvis is arrested and taken away, marking a turning point in his tumultuous journey to stardom.

As 1958 unfolds, Elvis Presley’s future is shrouded in uncertainty due to a looming threat of imprisonment for perceived indecency. However, fate intervenes, offering him an opportunity to serve overseas in Germany instead. Meanwhile, his mother Gladys’ health begins to decline, and her passing leaves Elvis reeling. At her funeral, reporters attempt to extract statements from the grieving son, but both he and Vernon are too consumed by sorrow to face the press. It’s as if the world outside has faded away, leaving only the bitter taste of loss. Amidst this turmoil, Colonel Tom Parker steps in, gently urging Elvis to find solace in his mother’s memory, reminding him that everything she sacrificed for her son will be for naught if he doesn’t move forward.

As 1959 dawns, Elvis finds himself stationed in Germany, where he encounters Priscilla Wagner (Olivia DeJonge), the charming daughter of an army pilot. Despite being a magnet for attention, Elvis is drawn to Priscilla’s warmth and begins to fall deeply in love with her. The two share private moments, lost in each other’s company as they navigate the complexities of their relationship.

The 1960s mark a new chapter in Elvis’ life, as he returns to the United States and rekindles his acting career on the big screen. His first foray into film is “Love Me Tender,” which showcases his singing talents. Parker remains vigilant, ensuring that Elvis’ films feature music prominently, recognizing that it’s what fans crave most. Meanwhile, Elvis and Priscilla tie the knot, welcoming a daughter named Lisa Marie into their family. As he builds a new entourage, affectionately dubbed the “Memphis Mafia,” Elvis surrounds himself with trusted allies like Priscilla, friend Jerry Schilling (Luke Bracey), and others.

During his time on the road, Elvis is deeply affected by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an event that Parker dismisses as unrelated to their world. However, Elvis believes it has everything to do with them, sensing a profound connection between the tragedy and his own struggles. It’s through Jerry that Elvis meets Steve Binder (Dacre Montgomery), who seeks to help the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll revitalize his creative output.

In 1968, Parker books Elvis for a Christmas special on NBC, mandating a clean show with a focus on festive tunes like “Here Comes Santa Claus.” However, Elvis has other plans. During a break in filming, he and his cohorts learn about the assassination of Robert Kennedy, an event that leaves him deeply shaken. As tensions simmer, Parker orders Elvis to perform a Christmas song or risk being dropped by the producers. The next night, under the pressure-cooker atmosphere, Elvis delivers a powerful performance of “If I Can Dream,” transforming it into another hit anthem and cementing his status as a force for social change.

As Parker brings Elvis to the illustrious International Hotel in Las Vegas, the King’s agent negotiates a lucrative deal that not only cements Elvis’ status as the headlining performer but also grants Parker a blanket forgiveness of debts and an open line of credit. However, this sweet deal comes with a condition: Elvis must remain tied to the hotel, a stipulation that rankles the rock star who yearns to take his music on the road internationally. The problem is Elvis’ immigration status, which became an issue during his confrontation with Eastland; as an undocumented individual, he’s trapped between his artistic aspirations and Parker’s stranglehold.

Meanwhile, Priscilla watches from the sidelines as Elvis succumbs to temptation, lavishing affection on other women. The hotel’s security is bolstered due to death threats and crazed fan behavior, which further exacerbates Elvis’ growing unease. As tensions build, he attempts to sever ties with Parker, only to find himself slapped with a lawsuit. Vernon delivers the devastating news that Elvis owes a staggering $8 million to his record label, courtesy of his extravagant lifestyle. The cumulative stress prompts Elvis to seek solace in pills and liquor, leading him down a path of addiction and paranoia.

As the curtain falls on one particularly grueling performance, Elvis takes to the stage, publicly lambasting Parker for stifling his creative freedom. He storms offstage, leaving behind a trail of disillusionment. The toll on his personal life is equally severe; Priscilla ultimately files for divorce, citing Elvis’ addiction and absence from their daughter Lisa Marie.

By the mid-1970s, Elvis has ballooned to nearly 40 years old, his health in tatters. His runway appearances with Priscilla and Lisa Marie have become bittersweet reminders of what’s been lost. When Priscilla broaches the subject of a special clinic she’s heard about, hoping to spare their daughter from her father’s downward spiral, Elvis demurs, and for the final time, Priscilla tearsfully departs, leaving him to his own devices as he boards his plane.

As the somber year of 1977 unfolded, the world mourned the untimely passing of the King himself, Elvis (played by …) at just 42 years young. The news sent shockwaves globally, prompting a poignant tribute from President Jimmy Carter. Colonel Tom Parker’s parting words served as a haunting elegy, suggesting that it was not the excesses of pills and liquor, nor even his own self-destructive tendencies that had ultimately claimed Elvis’ life, but rather the all-consuming desire for the love and adoration of his devoted fan base. The poignant irony is underscored by Parker’s own recollection of having witnessed Elvis take the stage one last time before his demise, his worn and weathered frame belting out a stirring rendition of “Unchained Melody” to an entranced audience.

Fast-forward to 1997, and Parker’s own life would come full circle in a tragicomic arc, as he faced the bitter consequences of his years-long exploitation of Elvis. The once-mighty Colonel was brought low by a series of lawsuits that revealed the depths of his abuse, leaving him to spend his final days in ignominy, pouring what remained of his dwindling fortune into Vegas slot machines.

Meanwhile, Elvis Presley’s enduring legacy continued to captivate generations, cementing his status as the highest-selling solo artist of all time. His profound influence on music remains a powerful force to this day, a testament to the indelible mark he left on popular culture and our collective imagination.