Elvis: The Mini-Series

Product Details

An intelligent script helps the movie over the episodic nature of biopics, and Camryn Manheim and Robert Patrick are nice casting as Elvis's parents. But the whole thing hinges on the central E-casting, and here Jonathan Rhys Meyers proves a mixed bag. He appears a little intimidated by the role, and never quite owns it, even if he's very good as the dewy, more-or-less innocent Elvis. Having to lip-synch to the original recordings makes Rhys Meyers look outmatched at times: how's that big sound coming out of that spindly guy? Kurt Russell's performance in John Carpenter's classic TV-movie remains the gold standard. This take on Elvis makes him out to be a pawn in a crazy game, rather than a self-directed musician with a very distinct vision of his own. --Robert Horton

Product Reviews

(3 stars) - Better than expected yet focused on the wrong aspects.
Granted I am not as big as an Elvis aficionado as some and I understand that this was licensed by the estate. I do however take issue with the whole "religious phase" since Elvis the Gospel years shows it was more than just a phase in his life, but rather a cornerstone foundation of who is was.

Not being a fan of Jonathan Rhys Myers at all, I will give him great credit for being Elvis. However the aspects of his life they focused bored me, too many scenes involving his pill dependence and waiting to have sex with Pricilla.

(5 stars) - Wonderful
This is a wonderful series. We enjoyed watching it and everyone of my friends have borrowed it and enjoyed it. If you like Elvis I am sure you will enjoy this mini-series! :)

(5 stars) - Awesome!
You couldn't ask for a better look-alike, sound-alike like this guy Jonathan Rhys Meyers. He does an excellent job portraying Elvis in his high and low days along side great supporting actors! Elvis' life is shown on a whole new angle - the side of Elvis that fans in his day didn't see and now can only imagine what drove him to his demise and as well what made him great.
You wouldn't be wasting your money if you are an Elvis fan to buy this series!

(4 stars) - Very good Elvis biography
Probably the best show/movie/mini-series I've seen on Elvis. I love Jonathan Rhys Myers portrayal of Elvis, very real.

(4 stars) - Bought for Rhys-Meyers, stayed for Elvis.
I am not the world's biggest Elvis fan. I bought this DVD because I fancied Jonathan Rhys-Meyers after seeing him in Bend It Like Beckham (Widescreen Edition), The Tudors - The Complete First Season, and Match Point. I had seen a promo for it on TV but had missed it when it was on. I am now an Elvis fan!

The reason why this adaptation works so well is that Rhys-Meyers is able to perfectly capture Elvis' magnetism and earthy charm in his portrayal of the King. He has the nervous energy that's just right and despite his Irish background, a PERFECT accent.

Rather than chronicling the downfall we all know too well, the image of Elvis in Vegas in those awful white jumpsuits,it starts off with an Elvis hungry to be heard and ends with his 1968 comeback special. The screenplay shows just enough criticism so as to be truthful but not enough to detract from the legend.

Also an added bonus is that it's Elvis' actual singing voice that's used rather than Rhys-Myers', who has a pleasant enough voice (see Velvet Goldmine) but can't touch the most iconic voice in American history.

All in all, immensely enjoyable and a worthwhile purchase

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