Linda Thompson Responds to Baz Luhrmann's EPiC Elvis Concert Documentary
Linda Thompson, the former partner of Elvis Presley, has publicly shared her candid opinions on Baz Luhrmann's latest cinematic venture, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert. This comes after she expressed disappointment over being omitted from Luhrmann's 2022 biopic, Elvis, which focused primarily on the singer's marriage to Priscilla Presley.
From Biopic Omission to Concert Film Praise
Thompson, who lived with Elvis at Graceland from 1972 to 1976, described feeling "erased" from the earlier film, arguing that its exclusion of key figures like herself undermined its claim to be a true biopic. However, her stance on Luhrmann's new documentary concert film is markedly more positive. In a series of Instagram posts, she lauded EPiC for capturing the essence of Elvis's performances and legacy.
She wrote, "It was a night! Such a night! Take the family and go see EPIC to better understand why Elvis‘s legacy lives on decades after his passing." Thompson highlighted the film's ability to showcase Elvis's passion and ferocity on stage, noting specific details like the Pantera car he gifted her, which he later reclaimed due to safety concerns.
Emotional and Sensorial Reactions
Thompson expressed a deeply sensorial reaction to the film, mentioning ultra-close-ups that depicted sweat dripping and Elvis's penetrating eyes. She reflected on her privileged position, having witnessed hundreds of his performances and shared intimate moments with him. "I was struck with gratitude for having actually been there and witnessed the electricity of his performances," she added, emphasizing the human side of Elvis beyond his iconic status.
She praised the film's editing by Jonathan Redmond as "spectacular" and acknowledged that while the movie displays much of Elvis's character, there remains more to his story—more years, songs, and love left unexplored.
Contrast with Previous Biopic Criticism
This positive feedback contrasts sharply with her earlier criticism of the 2022 biopic. At that time, Thompson pointed out that many important people in Elvis's life were left out, diminishing the film's authenticity. She recounted her significant role during their relationship, including traveling on every tour and saving his life on several occasions, asserting that no movie could erase her impact on his life.
In her recent posts, Thompson reiterated her enduring connection to Elvis, stating, "Elvis is someone you never forget…" despite moving on to other loves and a successful career as a songwriter. Her comments underscore a nuanced perspective on how Elvis's legacy is portrayed in modern media.
