Then there was the added cringe of Tom Hanks. His performance as Elvis’ manipulative manager Colonel Tom Parker is widely regarded as the worst of his career. And,in one critic’s estimation,Parker – part Mike Myer’s Goldmember,part Foghorn Leghorn – is “the most insufferable movie character ever conceived”.
I think it would be a mistake to let that overshadow the film’s best performance. Whatever you make of Hanks’ fat suit andLuhrmann’s trademark flair,as the titular Elvis,Austin Butler is undeniable.
The Hollywood newcomer nails the superstar’s southern drawl and iconic mannerisms without ever verging into hollow mimicry,while also balancing the outlandish stage presence of Elvis as a performer with the more subtle complexities of him as a man.
And that’s without starting onthe singing (Butler recorded every song,and then Presley’s voice was mixed in as needed).
Butler is so good,in fact,thatcritics,fansandElvis’ own daughter are tipping him for the best actor Oscar – nine months out from the awards.