Baz Luhrmann's EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert Revives The King's 1970s Glory
In EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, director Baz Luhrmann masterfully restores The King to his real-life Seventies splendour, presenting a treasure trove of concert footage that captures Elvis up close like never before. While the film may soften some of his contradictions, it delivers an exhilarating and immersive experience that bridges decades and continents.
Unearthing Lost Footage and Visual Restoration
During the production of his Oscar-winning biopic Elvis, Luhrmann stumbled upon rumours of unreleased footage from two 1970s concert films. After an extensive search, researchers discovered 59 hours of preserved film negative, stored untouched for decades in Warner Bros vaults beneath the salt mines of Kansas. Luhrmann enlisted Peter Jackson's restoration team, renowned for their work on The Beatles: Get Back, to perform similar magic here. The result is visually extraordinary, with colours exploding off the screen and every detail—from sequins to sweat—gleaming like diamonds on velvet.
Electrifying Performances and Directorial Restraint
The concert footage showcases Elvis at his most hyperactive during his Las Vegas residency, with Presley swivelling, gyrating, and drenching himself in sweat without holding back. Surprisingly, Luhrmann exercises restraint, allowing the shows to breathe naturally. Backstage moments with celebrities like Cary Grant and Sammy Davis Jr, or rehearsals of Beatles songs such as "Yesterday" and "Something," reveal a more relaxed side. However, powerful renditions of "Suspicious Minds" and a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" highlight his undeniable energy and talent.
Controversies and Omissions
Despite its celebratory tone, the film raises but quickly glosses over significant issues, such as Elvis's public silence during the civil rights era—a silence that benefited him while Black artists faced discrimination. Colonel Tom Parker is once again portrayed as the villain, with editorial cuts like "You're the Devil in Disguise" reinforcing this narrative. When Elvis dismisses questions about Vietnam by stating, "I'm just an entertainer," Luhrmann frames it as a tragedy rather than a choice. Additionally, Priscilla Presley appears only briefly, despite her story being explored in Sofia Coppola's 2023 film.
A Spectacle for Fans
Ultimately, EPiC makes no secret of its purpose: it is a vibrant celebration conducted by a director whose love for spectacle makes him the ideal creator. Fans will likely overlook any omissions, reveling in the restored glory of Elvis's performances. The film premieres exclusively in IMAX from 20 February and in cinemas everywhere from 27 February, promising to transport audiences back to the electrifying era of The King.
