Film Review: “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” – The King’s Still the Thing
By Ed Symkus
Director Baz Luhrmann’s exhilarating documentary-concert film gives us Elvis in his prime.
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, directed by Baz Luhrmann. Playing at AMC Boston Common, Landmark Kendall Square, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Coolidge Corner Theatre, West Newton Cinema, and Dedham Community Theatre.
A shot of Elvis supplying razzle-dazzle in EPiC. Photo: Neon
Before settling down to watch EPiC — an acronym for Elvis Presley in Concert — I was not what could be categorized as an Elvis fan. At least not a hardcore specimen. Did I appreciate him? Hell, yeah! He had an amazing voice — clear, pure, and powerful, right to the end. He wasn’t afraid to diversify the styles of his song choices, easily shifting from the rocking swagger of “Hard-Headed Woman” to the soft croon of “Don’t.” And oh, those uninhibited stage movements! Yikes!
I understand what drove those hardcore fans to states of frenzy. And I can share some personal favorite aspects of The King.
Favorite song: “(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I”
Favorite album: Elvis’ Golden Records
Favorite Performance: “Are You Lonesome Tonight” (from A Legendary Performer – Volume 1)
Favorite movie he starred in: I’ve only seen seven of the 31 he made. Didn’t like any of them.
Favorite novel that was adapted into an Elvis film: The Lost Country by J.R. Salamanca, which became Wild in the Country
Favorite film about him: John Carpenter’s Elvis, starring Kurt Russell
Favorite really weird film about him: Bubba Ho-Tep, starring Bruce Campbell
Full transparency: I never caught him in concert, nor have I seen the earlier documentaries, Elvis: That’s the Way It Is (1970), the repurposed Elvis: That’s the Way It Is – Special Edition (2001), or the Golden Globe-winning Elvis on Tour (1972). So, I’ve nothing with which to compare the new documentary-concert film hybrid EPiC. But the experience of seeing it on a big screen and hearing it on a state-of-the-art sound system might have begun to convert me into a dedicated Elvis fan.
It’s an exceptional film that triumphs on an abundance of levels, the result of the combined work of director Baz Luhrmann and his longtime editor Jonathan Redmond. There’s the technical side, how separate visuals and sound are matched. And the exhilarating performance side — Elvis onstage and in rehearsals for his 1970 Las Vegas residency.
Luhrmann, a director of visual extravaganzas including Moulin Rouge! (2001) and The Great Gatsby (2013), inadvertently began working on EPiC when he was in the research phase for his 2022 biopic Elvis. Embarking on an elaborate treasure hunt for source material, the director and his crew gained access to voluminous amounts of material sitting in Graceland’s archives, including private collections of both film — much of it without sound — and audio tapes, the latter featuring several portions of the Vegas shows, intimate rehearsal sessions for those performances, and a previously unheard 50-minute audio interview with Elvis. All of this stuff inspired the creation of an Elvis project after the narrative film was completed.
Luhrmann and Redmond — with an assist from director and technical wizard Peter Jackson — worked for more than two years digitizing, restoring, and syncing up the various sight and sound elements, then fashioning them into EPiC.
The resulting 90-minute film is a breathtaking, energy-filled, razzle-dazzle affair. It kicks off, in somewhat conventional documentary form, with the voice of Elvis — from that audio interview — saying that he’s going to tell “my side of the story, of how I got into this business.”
That doesn’t quite happen because the film, fortunately, takes a welcome turn into something that’s not at all conventional. There are bits and pieces of the King, sometimes onstage, sometimes out in public, other times relaxing at home. You hear him explain his showbiz duties: “You get a record, you get on television, and you go to Hollywood. And then you go back to the stage.”
There’s a quick flip through scenes from his early films, a short bit on his two-year stint in the Army, more clips from post-Army films, and his voice again, talking about his disappointment in the way he was used in those films. He complains that he was never given the opportunity to show that he had acting ability.
But this is all preamble. EPiC really lifts off at about the 20-minute mark, and then it soars. There’s no story being told, no talking heads clogging up the film’s flow, just an electrifying look at Elvis in action — from his dazzling and energetic performances on the stage of the International Hotel to the relaxed but give-it-all-you’ve-got rehearsals, first with his core band, then adding his backup singers and other musicians. He was 35 years old, knew exactly what he wanted to present to his fans, took charge of those rehearsals, and called the shots during the performances.
In the midst of depicting Elvis’s commitment to getting things right on stage, the film captures his love of music, his desire to connect with his fans — and he sure does! — his often self-deprecating sense of humor, and his wise choice of constantly changing up the mood of the set list with, for example, “Hound Dog,” “Little Sister,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” “Yesterday,” and “Polk Salad Annie.”
At this point the film never slows down, so everything comes across as a highlight. But kudos to Luhrmann for presenting only segments of the songs — often long ones. That clears the way for a faster pace, and opportunities to show off an eye-popping editing style that seamlessly juxtaposes portions of songs being performed on the stage and in rehearsals.
So, will having seen this really turn me into a dyed-in-the-wool Elvis fan? I think a second viewing will tell. And I’m looking forward to it.
Ed Symkus is a Boston native and Emerson College graduate. He went to Woodstock, edited the book Russ Meyer: Interviews, has interviewed Baz Luhrmann, Charlie Kaufman, Doris Wishman, Jason Reitman, and Roger Corman, and has visited the Outer Hebrides, the Lofoten Islands, Anglesey, Mykonos, Nantucket, the Azores, Catalina, Kangaroo Island, Capri, and the Isle of Wight with his wife Lisa.
Just saw the movie. It was great I like the fact there was nothing about drugs or his weight. It was just about the good days of Elvis’s life….
Couldn’t agree more. That’s the memory we want to live with.
100% agree…this was a celebration of Elvis, the music and his amazing talent
My wife and i were so happy they never went into the later stages of his career
it was about the last good era of Elvis’ life
knowing it was downhill from 1974….
and the home movies of baby Lisa Marie…
there was a sadness under it
what could have been had he kept his musical rebirth
and returned to more substantial movies
I absolutely loved it. I want to watch again it was like the finding of a lost gem and so genuine
Fantastic overview of the legend. Extremely well balanced between his early and later career. Great entertainment for anyone with a hint of rock and roll in their veins.
Saw the movie today and it was great, sang along with him of the words I remembered. He had the bluest eyes. He was a blonde as a kid. Colonial Parker had gambling debt that Elvis paid for, but don’t know if Elvis knew.
I was hoping he would have sung “I’ll remember You” and “Blue Hawaii,” my favorites. I can recommend this movie!
An 8-year-old girl went to the movies with her mother in Bklyn. Mom wanted to see Sean Connery in From Russia with Love. This was a treat; it was the little girls First Communion Day. She was excited to go to the fancy movie house. Then the second feature came on. Mommy who’s that man? What’s his name again? The man behind her scolded her, “Little girl can you please sit down, I cannot see the movie you’re headpiece is in the way.
On First Communion Day, the girls dress like little brides so, understandably, the veil blocked his vision. The movie the little girl was so excited about was Follow That Dream. She was in awe. Never did that little girl ever forget that afternoon. That little girl is 70 years old now. Not a minute ever went by that this now grown woman didn’t love that man in that movie. STILL IN LOVE WITH ELVIS
So true — Elvis was the greatest ever and if you wanna go see greatness, go see EPiC you will not be disappointed — you’ll see where no entertainer went, only Elvis
I so agree with you. This film with Elvis is the best. Shows him at his peak. Have been a fan since lockdown. Have seen this film 3 times now and it doesn’t disappoint. There’s never been such a great entertainer since. Elvis is outstanding from his wonderful looks to his musical talents and presentations. A masterpiece. Thank you Baz Luhrmann and keep them coming
Unbelievable movie that started my love of Elvis all over — his beautiful lips and bluest eyes and his kindness! Fabulous close up look at the King!
Elvis has no equal to this day, notwithstanding his 2 year decline at the end.
As I was born in 1950 I was a little young to be seduced by Elvis. I was a Beatles girl. I had been on a Spanish beach when I heard about Elvis’s death. Although sad, it didn’t affect me that much. However, in 1981 I was alone, painting my house and rather sad when Are you lonesome tonight? played on the radio. I was coverted. Recently, I have seen Elvis the film with Austin Butler and today EPIC. Elvis should still be alive today and if he were – Lisa Marie would be. He was King. He was so handsome and talented. His early demise was such a tragedy as who knows what he would have achieved?
Just seen it and thought it was a poor effort as the original concert DVD was better after all it’s called Elvis Presley in concert and there are only segments of songs shown. Very disappointing
It was a DOCUMENTARY Peter…not a concert. Maybe you should have walked out.
I thought it was outstanding…especially showing how Elvis arranged so many of his songs. He respected his musicians and they were “on point “ for him.
I agree and liked how he respected his musicians too. I saw the movie tonight and can’t stop thinking about it.
Just saw the EPIC movie, I saw Elvis in concert when I was 10 years old. Feel in love with him then, this movie is fantastic. So well put together. Go see it
We just saw the movie & agree with everyone else about enjoying the real Elvis before the drugs & what that worthless Colonel Parker did to him! He was such a down to earth person who so kind & giving & treated his band members & everyone else with respect & made everything fun for everyone! He wa a real showman!This is a must see movie for anyone who ever liked Elvis & for those that never new the real King of Rock & Roll
I love the EPIC Elvis movie. Excellent. I would have like to see more Elvis blues song repertoire. Also longer in time. Elvis was the best entertainer of all time. It was refreshing and very much enjoyable.
Awesome viewing! Elvis explodes into life on the big screen, defying fans’ knowledge of his demise!
Brilliantly portrayed and honoured, kindly omitting any reference to the debacle of his late life!
Left the cinema thinking LONG LIVE THE KING
Thank you, thank you Baz Luhrmann. This film is beautifully put together and I am so happy I saw this on the big screen. In fact, I think I will find the biggest screen in town and see it again.
Good Lord! Almost caught myself screaming like during the Beatlemania era. Totally blown away. Saw it in IMAX and will probably go again. What a beautiful man (with perfect teeth. as we see in so many close ups). All I knew about Elvis was that my mother danced around the kitchen to his music on the radio when I was a kid. No? I’m a die-hard fan!
My sister and I went to see the movie. We were the only two in the theater. i am 75 and she is 80. We absolutely loved it. And, loved looking at that gorgeous man. Like some of the others so glad they left out the sadness of his life. So talented, so gorgeous and so great! We acted like a couple of teenagers. What fun we had!
Lynne
My husband and I went to see it last night. There were only 6 people in the theatre. We’re 76 and 75. He was never an Elvis fan but said the film is phenomenal and could understand why I have been an Elvis fan all my life. I would have given anything to see him perform in the UK but unfortunately his unscrupulous manager made that impossible. Elvis hated the films he was in, but was forced to make them. As he said….. just a different name, place and songs but always the same theme. He never had the chance to show he could really act. So pleased that the film didn’t cover the bad times which his critics always mentioned to discredit him. He was magnificent!
Just a note of praise for Ed’s lean but pitch-perfect review–and a shout out to everyone who offered comments: which was an added way to enjoy Elvis’s energy though the eyes of his enduring generations of fans. It is clear he gave enormous energy and good will when he performed. I saw the film today and was fully immersed. That Puckish grin that would come to his face seemed to say: enjoy this moment, for right now everything’s okay with the world. Wish he were still around.
Just saw the film today. It was wonderful. Only a couple of us in the theatre, I think. I so enjoyed seeing Elvis again. Such a gorgeous man with a beautiful voice. I’m 82, and this took me back to my teenage years when we used to scream our way through his films! Still the sexiest man I’ve ever seen on screen. And yes – glad that the film didn’t show his sad last days. He went too soon …
I saw the movie tonight with girl friends. Before seeing this I liked Elvis’s music and appreciated his talent and the struggles he endured, but now I’m a really big fan. Baz Luhrrman did a fantastic job putting together footage showing Elvis shining in every possible way. You could see the positive effect he had on his band. What a beautiful man he was!
I’ve seen EPiC 8 times!! It’s a wonderful memory for me. I saw Elvis in Las Vegas at 12 years old. January 1970. I was sitting right next to the stage. Elvis kissed me! 💋
I became a fast and furious Elvis fan after seeing twice! It was amazing in every single way. It was pure joy from beginning to end. Extremely glad that I went with daughter and granddaughter! We were dazzled.
Loved loved loved it!
I have been 4 times and going back.
Thank you thank you Baz for bringing ELVIS to us who never had a chance to see him live in concert, in this unique just like ELVIS cinema experience.
If you haven’t been, please go before it leaves the cinemas and support Baz for what he has done for ELVIS fans old and new.
I was born in ‘63.
Started on Top 40, British Invasion, Beach Boys to AOR to punk/ska/new wave and reggae to roots, outlaw country and Americana. Always wrote Elvis off as kinda cool coming up but totally lame going down.
EPiC blew me away. Best bandleader you’ll ever see; charisma, chemistry, dedication to his craft, interactive, always changing, never mailing it in, band and backup singers and audience big part of show … Punkaf in a word. Guitar player, dancer, entertainer.
Insouciance. Lot like Burt Reynolds.
Listened to the soundtrack when I got home but it didn’t hold a candle to watching the performances
Talk about giving the folks their money’s worth and creating art. Springsteen style passion, charisma and endurance except Elvis can sing.
Favorite comment paraphrased: “I can’t listen to this music and not move. Just natural, doing what I feel.”
Awed. Breathing new life into my karaoke hobby and new respect for kindred spirit Mojo Nixon.
To Ed Symkus: When you mentioned you have seen 7 of Elvis Presley’s films but didn’t like any of them, I hope — and imagine — you haven’t seen King Creole. He was pretty terrific in it and showed the promise he had as an actor. A promise that was never fulfilled because Colonel Parker opted for the money offered by endless, frothy concoctions that showcased Elvis’ singing and ability to attract the opposite sex but nothing else. The saddest part of Elvis’ story is the Colonel’s manipulation of his career.
I had a picture of Elvis on my wall over my bed when I was a young girl but didn’t really understand why I would listen to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” over and over. Then came the Beatles and Elvis was dismissed in my mind. When a friend many years later tried to convince me of his brilliance, I, only remembering the ‘fat,’ drug-addled performer, was not won over until he suggested I see King Creole. It was then I became a massive fan. After viewing Epic, I can only think Elvis was one of the most charismatic people to ever live. Viva the King!
Saw EPiC yesterday in Melbourne Australia with my partner for her birthday. Neither of us have ever been huge Elvis fans but we thoroughly enjoyed the film. I never realized what a great bunch of musicians and singers he had backing him. The rehearsal scenes seemed so natural and the concert performances so joyous. A very uplifting film. There was a big round of applause from everyone in the cinema at the end. Cheers Baz!
Me and daughter saw the movie today as a treat for her 21st birthday tomorrow; she’s a big Elvis fan. We loved it and want to go see it again