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DONNA J. PLESH |
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"ELVIS" Miniseries ELVIS Shown in two parts: 9-11 p.m. Sunday; 8-10 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (May 8 and May 13) |
 Jonathan Rhys Meyers as ELVIS |
The new 'Elvis" may be
TV's best movie of 2005
of TheColumnists.com
CBS’ highly-entertaining
two-part movie “ELVIS” showcases that style that made
Elvis Presley a singing sensation in the 1950s and early 1960s.
Filmed on location in Memphis (including the Presley mansion
Graceland) and New Orleans, the movie covers Presley’s life
from his teen years to age 33, when he made his “comeback”
TV special.
The film opens with the 18-year-old Elvis (Jonathan Rhys Meyers)
living with his parents in a small Memphis apartment. Money is
tight and there often isn’t enough food to put on the table.
Determined to make life better for his family, Elvis cuts his
first record at Sun Records. Actually, he paid Sun $3.95 to make
the record as a gift for his mother.
Sun producer Sam Phillips (Tim Guinee) is less than impressed
with the song. But when Presley improvises another song, “That’s
All Right, Mama" Phillips likes what he hears and Elvis
is on his way.
The trip to the top doesn’t happen overnight, and Elvis
finds himself playing small venues in small towns all over the
South. He diligently calls his parents--his ever-protective mother
Gladys (Camryn Manheim) and father Vernon (Robert Patrick--from
the road and assures them all is well.
While on tour, Elvis cathes the eye of Colonel Tom Parker (Randy
Quaid), a talent manager. Parker convinces Elvis to sign him
to manage his career because he can get Elvis a deal with big
record company (RCA) and get him into the movies.
With Parker’s guidance, Elvis begins cranking out records
that turn into hits--and he heads to Hollywood to make movies.
Hoping for roles in dramas like "The Rainmaker,") Parker
instead guides Elvis into starring roles in a number of films
that
feature his singing, including “Jailhouse Rock,” "Blue
Hawaii," "King Creole," "G.I. Blues.”
Then, Presley’s life takes a major turn when he is drafted
into the Army. But Presley doesn’t want to go. He doesn’t
want to be away from his family and fears his two-year Army stint
will spell the end of his career. Parker convinces him the Army
gig is the right thing to do. While stationed in Germany, Presley
meets the 14-year-old
Priscilla Beaulieu (Antonia Bernath) who would later become his
wife and the mother of his daughter, Lisa Marie. It’s also
while in the Army that Presley
A fact-based drama, especially one about a world famous personality,
is difficult to pull off. After all, we usually know so much
about the subject that it’s hard not to compare the fiction
with the fact. Maybe Rhys Meyers doesn’t quite look like
Elvis, but the young actor brings it off. He’s got Presley’s
mannerisms, like the lip curl and swinging hips, down pat. It’s
a very good performance.
Manheim is excellent as Gladys, constantly worrying about her
only son and only wanting the best for him. But it’s Quaid
as the Colonel who steals the movie.
While looking out for Elvis’ interests, Parker makes sure
he lines his own pockets along the way. Leaning back in a chair
and twirling a cigar, the flinty-eyed Parker manages to get Presley
to do just about anything he wants because, as he tells Elvis,
it’s the
right thing to do.
This "movie event" as CBS calls it, is certainly the
best TV movie of the year to date. The location filming, the
attention to detail in everything from clothing, to cars, to
period sets, along with the acting, make this a “must see"
film. Even if you aren’t a fan of Elvis or his music (and
I’m not), don’t pass this one up!
If you want more Elvis after seeing the
movie, CBS will air "Elvis by the Presleys" at 8 p.m.
Friday. (May 13) The special features interviews with Priscilla,
Lisa Marie and other family members.
©2005 by Donna J.
Plesh. The photo is courtesy of the CBS TV network. This column
first posted May 2, 2005.
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can comment on this column online. Please address your message
to either "The Editors" or Donna J. Plesh. To send
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