Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” the dazzling and controversial biopic about the King of Rock and Roll, clocks in at a substantial 2 hours and 39 minutes (159 minutes). This runtime allows for a comprehensive, albeit stylized, exploration of Elvis Presley’s life, career, and complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
A Detailed Look at the Film’s Runtime
The significant length of “Elvis” is deliberate, aiming to cover key periods of Presley’s life, from his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his meteoric rise to fame, his struggles with fame and control, and ultimately, his tragic demise. The runtime is divided among these various segments, granting each pivotal event and relationship sufficient screen time. It’s worth noting that this length is typical of Luhrmann’s directorial style, known for its grand scale and immersive storytelling.
The film’s pacing, however, has been a point of discussion. Some viewers have praised the energetic and visually stunning sequences, while others have found the second half to be somewhat rushed and emotionally less impactful. The decision to tell the story primarily from Colonel Parker’s perspective also influences the narrative’s focus and potentially impacts the perceived length and completeness of certain periods in Elvis’s life.
Breaking Down the Narrative: What Fills the 159 Minutes?
The 159-minute runtime of “Elvis” can be broadly categorized into:
- Early Life and Musical Influences (Approx. 30 minutes): Covering Elvis’s upbringing in Tupelo, his exposure to gospel music, and his initial foray into the music scene.
- Rise to Fame and Early Career (Approx. 45 minutes): Depicting his rapid ascent to stardom, the controversies surrounding his performances, and his initial contract with Colonel Parker.
- Hollywood Years and Military Service (Approx. 30 minutes): Showcasing Elvis’s transition to Hollywood, his mandatory military service, and the impact of these events on his career.
- Comeback Special and Las Vegas Residency (Approx. 45 minutes): Focusing on Elvis’s triumphant 1968 Comeback Special and his long-running Las Vegas residency, highlighting his creative struggles and the controlling influence of Colonel Parker.
- Decline and Death (Approx. 9 minutes): Showing the final years of Elvis’s life, marked by declining health, drug dependency, and his eventual death at the age of 42.
These estimations are approximate, as the actual time allocated to each segment varies depending on the specific cut of the film and the viewer’s perception.
Understanding the Director’s Vision: Why Such a Lengthy Film?
Baz Luhrmann is known for his opulent and visually arresting filmmaking style. His films, such as “Moulin Rouge!” and “The Great Gatsby,” are characterized by their extravagant production design, energetic pacing, and heightened emotionality. The lengthy runtime of “Elvis” aligns with this directorial style, allowing Luhrmann to create an immersive and sensory-rich experience for the audience. He uses every minute to build the world, explore the characters’ complexities, and deliver a spectacle worthy of the King himself.
Luhrmann has stated that he wanted to delve deeper into the complex relationship between Elvis and Colonel Parker, exploring the nuances of their partnership and the impact it had on Elvis’s life and career. This required a significant amount of screen time to properly develop the characters and their motivations.
FAQs About “Elvis” Movie
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to provide further insights into the movie “Elvis”:
FAQ 1: Is the “Elvis” movie worth the 159-minute runtime?
Whether the runtime is “worth it” is subjective. Critics were divided, with some praising Luhrmann’s vision and Austin Butler’s performance, while others found the film overlong and stylistically excessive. Ultimately, it depends on your tolerance for Luhrmann’s filmmaking style and your interest in Elvis Presley’s story. If you enjoy visually stunning and emotionally charged biopics, you’ll likely find the film engaging despite its length.
FAQ 2: Does the “Elvis” movie feel long while watching it?
This varies from viewer to viewer. Some have described the first half as fast-paced and captivating, while the second half, focusing on Elvis’s later years, may feel more drawn out. If you’re easily distracted or have a short attention span, you might find the length challenging. However, the film’s visual spectacle and compelling performances can help maintain your interest.
FAQ 3: Are there any extended or director’s cut versions of “Elvis” available?
As of now, there is no official extended or director’s cut version of “Elvis” available on home video or streaming platforms. However, given the film’s reception and the extensive amount of footage shot during production, it’s possible that a longer version may be released in the future.
FAQ 4: Does the “Elvis” movie cover Elvis’s entire life?
While the film attempts to cover key periods of Elvis’s life, it does not delve into every detail. It focuses primarily on his career and his relationship with Colonel Parker, leaving out certain aspects of his personal life. The film provides a broad overview of his journey, rather than an exhaustive account.
FAQ 5: How accurate is the “Elvis” movie in portraying Elvis’s life?
The film takes creative liberties with certain events and timelines for dramatic effect. While it’s based on real events, it should not be considered a completely accurate historical record. Some critics have pointed out inaccuracies in the portrayal of Elvis’s relationships and the timeline of his career.
FAQ 6: Is there a good time to take a break during the movie?
If you need a break, the best time would likely be during the transitions between major periods in Elvis’s life, such as after his military service or before his Las Vegas residency. These moments offer natural pauses in the narrative flow.
FAQ 7: What makes Austin Butler’s performance in the “Elvis” movie so acclaimed?
Austin Butler’s performance has been widely praised for its authenticity, charisma, and emotional depth. He not only captures Elvis’s physical mannerisms and vocal style but also embodies the vulnerability and inner turmoil that plagued the King. His dedication to the role and his ability to connect with the audience have made him a standout in the film.
FAQ 8: How does the film’s length contribute to its storytelling?
The extensive runtime allows Luhrmann to create a more immersive and visually rich experience, providing the audience with a deeper understanding of Elvis’s world. It allows for the exploration of complex themes, such as the exploitation of artists, the pressures of fame, and the cultural impact of rock and roll.
FAQ 9: How does the runtime compare to other musical biopics?
“Elvis” has a similar runtime to other expansive musical biopics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” (134 minutes) and “Rocketman” (121 minutes). However, it’s longer than some more concise biopics, reflecting Luhrmann’s preference for grand storytelling.
FAQ 10: What are the main criticisms of the “Elvis” movie regarding its length?
Some common criticisms include the perceived uneven pacing, particularly in the second half, and the feeling that certain events were rushed or underdeveloped. Some viewers also found the emphasis on Colonel Parker’s perspective to be distracting or detrimental to the overall narrative.
FAQ 11: Is the “Elvis” movie suitable for all ages?
“Elvis” is rated PG-13 for substance abuse, strong language, suggestive material, and smoking. While it’s not excessively graphic, parents should be aware of these elements before allowing younger children to watch the film.
FAQ 12: Can I watch “Elvis” in multiple sittings?
Yes! Streaming services allow you to pause and resume watching the film at your convenience. Given its length, breaking the viewing experience into two sittings may be beneficial for some viewers.