The Tamesis
What if in 2022 Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis PresleyStarring Austin Butler restores a bit of glamor to Elvis Presley’s legacy, then EPiC: Elvis Presley in ConcertNow showing in IMAX, it brings whimsy. In the new film—which, according to Luhrmann, is neither a documentary nor a concert film (though it has elements of both)—Presley arrives at the International Hotel, which, unbeknownst to him, will become a seven-year residency. That was around 1969, he was 34 years old and still in his prime.
What does most of it consist of? epicThe tight 90-minute running time, which features footage recorded by MGM for two early ’70s concert films and then left to rot in a Kansas salt mine, shows Presley in rehearsals and then on stage, where he performs a set that includes his biggest hits (“Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock”), some new material (“Burning Love”), covers (“Yesterday,” “Bridge Over Troubled”) Water”) and gospel songs (“How Great Thou”, “Oh Happy Day”), it’s a stunning display that highlights the range of his musical tastes (and the beauty of his voice); the madness of his fans who rush into his path at every opportunity; and perhaps most importantly, the endearing goofiness he displays both in public and behind the scenes.
We caught up with Luhrmann to talk about his collaborators on the new film, the magic he used on the score, and the decision to let Presley speak for himself.
Fashion: First, I’d love to know how or when you earned the title of genius for this project.
Baz Luhrmann: Yeah, you think, why didn’t anyone else think of this before? Jonathan Redmond and I were partners on this, and honestly, I just know we were bouncing ideas around—Elvis Presley something, Elvis Presley Concert. The initials might be Jonathan, it might be me, it might be Fletch. We have a topic with everyone, a group chat, we call it something like this Elvis walking in the park Or something. I said, “Well, so what? Elvis Presley concert or Elvis Presley concert? ” And we said, “Wait a minute — this is EPIC. What a great title for this movie! “
I understand that Peter Jackson helped you recover the footage you found. his return The documentary about the Beatles was one of those moments. Did you watch it at the time? Is this a reference point?
