"WOW!": Priscilla Presley's first impressions of new Elvis movie
Priscilla Presley, the late King of Rock and Roll’s former wife, has sung the praises of Baz Luhrman’s latest biopic about her ex-husband, after revealing she was invited to see it by the director himself, per 9Honey.
The 76-year-old took to Facebook to praise Luhrman’s Elvis, which is due to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in mid-May before its theatrical release on June 23, after she was invited to the screening along with Jerry Schilling, a longtime friend of Elvis.
“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,” she wrote.
Image: Priscilla Presley (Facebook)
“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.”
Priscilla praised Austin Butler, who starred as the Jailhouse Rock singer, for his “outstanding” portrayal.
“Halfway through the film Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW!!!,” she added. “Bravo to him… he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing the part. I can only imagine.”
The Naked Gun star also had plenty of praise for Tom Hanks, who played Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker.
“What a character he was,” Priscilla reflected. “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 director who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film.”
Footage from Elvis was also shown at CinemaCon, with Butler appearing and telling the crowd about his approach to playing the famed musician.
“The main thing I set out to find was his humanity,” the 30-year-old told the crowd. “He’s one of those individuals that has been lifted up to such an iconic status that he’s almost superhuman.”
Images: Getty Images / Warner Bros (YouTube)