Priscilla Presley Shares Her Reaction to Baz Luhrmann's Elvis
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Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic is set to explore the life of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler), through the eyes of his "enigmatic manager," Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). The movie will trace the relationship between Presley and Parker over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom. Elvis's his relationship with Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge), also plays a large role in the film.
Priscilla Presley is the only one of those three figures still alive: Elvis died in 1977 at the age of 42, and Parker died in 1997 at age 87. Therefore, her opinion on the film—and how her late husband is portrayed—is critical. Knowing this, Luhrmann, Elvis's director, invited Presley and Elvis's best friend Jerry Schilling to an early screening of the project.
Presley loved it. She wrote on her Facebook, "It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered. Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding." She went on to praise Butler's performance, saying, "WOW!!! Bravo to him," and refrained from commenting on DeJonge's performance as her.
Presley also praised Luhrmann, saying, he "put his heart and soul and many hours into this film" and viewers will leave the film "understand[ing] a little bit more of Elvis’ journey."
Here's the full text of Priscilla Presley's review:
"For those curious about the new film ELVIS, Baz Luhrmann, the director, provided a private screening for me and Jerry Schilling at Warner studios recently. This story is about Elvis and Colonel Parker’s relationship. It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered. Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding.
Halfway through the film Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW!!! Bravo to him…he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this part. I can only imagine. Tom Hanks was Col Parker in this film. What a character he was. There was two sides to Colonel, Jerry and I witnessed both. The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending. But I think you will understand a little bit more of Elvis’ journey, penned by a directer who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film."
Elvis premieres June 24, 2022 in theaters.
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