What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Do yourself a favour, as Molly Meldrum would say, and go see Elvis the movie

I can remember the day that Elvis Presley died. Even though I was only eight years of age, his tragic passing signalled an interest in the undisputed King of Rock and Roll that has lasted. Over time I have gone from seeing him as a somewhat mythical figure, to a self-obsessed, tacky individual, to an innocent, kind soul that fell victim to the greed of others. Even so, his life, career and legacy are fascinating, to say the least. So, when I heard well-renowned filmmaker Baz Luhrmann was putting something together about the King, I was more than intrigued. There have been quite a number of documentaries and previous biopics about Elvis Presley that still leave you thinking that he was an enigma. Due to being a history buff, my concept of Elvis has really been bits of a jigsaw, made up of pieces from his musical journey, the Hollywood years and his Las Vegas period. It has also often been skewed, at times, focusing on his terrible eating habits, dependence on prescription drugs, and supposed naivety. But, I reckon, Luhrmann has produced something in the Gold Coast hinterland that, if not fully factual, at least, gives the viewer a plausible life story to work around. Did Colonel Tom Parker use Elvis to feather his own nest and contribute to the legend’s untimely death? You be the judge, but the film’s story, fantastic sets and superb cinematography, along with some fine acting performances, encapsulate something that I think is truly special. But, I’m biased , because I am an Elvis fan, often referring to his voice as that of a “male angel”. Even so, I believe, Luhrmann’s take — knowing it had the support of Elvis’ wife Priscilla — is a solid combination of story, acting and entertainment. It definitely has all the ingredients to invite people into the cinema. The fact that the movie, which opened in Australia on June 23, has now grossed in excess of $65 million, taking more than $30 million over its first weekend of screening in the US alone, is indeed testament to that. It is a flick that makes you laugh, cry and immerse yourself in the phenomenon that was (is) Elvis Presley. If you only see one movie this year, (as Molly Meldrum would say), do yourself a favour and go see Elvis the movie. Peter Fiorenza hosts Fiorenza on Sunday between 10am and noon on Radio MAMA