Concert films often serve various agendas, from brand promotion to historical documentation or simply cashing in on fandom. However, the best ones transport you directly into the live experience. Despite its slightly flashy name, ‘EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert’ delivers an authentic, electrifying performance, thanks to director Baz Luhrmann. It’s not just an enjoyable movie; it’s a truly insightful journey.
Just four years after his glittering biopic ‘Elvis,’ starring Austin Butler, Luhrmann stumbled upon a treasure trove. While researching for that film, he uncovered long-lost negatives from two 1970s Elvis concerts, astonishingly preserved in Warner Bros. vaults deep within Kansas salt mines. This newly found material, combined with rare clips from the Graceland Archives, forms the backbone of ‘EPiC.’ The film cleverly starts with Elvis himself narrating snippets of his life, from military service to Hollywood adventures, before exploding into a sensational, full-length concert experience.
Elvis famously once said, “Some people wonder why I can’t stand still while I’m singing; I’ve tried it and I can’t do it.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates Luhrmann’s dynamic filmmaking style, which is restless and vibrant, a perfect match for the King. As Elvis performs, the movie skillfully blends footage from various concerts and eras, offering not just a musical treat but a sweeping overview of his incredible career. Biographical insights are subtly woven in, often through interview excerpts or even darker suggestions, such as a montage of his infamous manager, Col. Tom Parker, set to Elvis singing “You’re the Devil in Disguise.” The film is packed with beloved hits and delightful surprises, including a playful medley of “Little Sister” and The Beatles’ “Get Back,” much to the audience’s joy.
What truly makes ‘EPiC’ shine is the unprecedented closeness it achieves with Elvis. He’s portrayed as genuinely good-humored and deeply passionate about his music. While some footage hints at his later exhaustion, the film consciously avoids dwelling on his tragic decline. Instead, viewers witness him fully alive, captivating the audience, sharing banter with his backup singers, and immersing himself completely in songs he’d performed countless times. The intimate camera work captures his infectious grins and winks, offering a personal glimpse into his captivating personality that no live concert seat could ever provide.
Naturally, ‘EPiC’ isn’t a comprehensive biography aiming for a ‘warts-and-all’ depiction; like any great concert, its purpose is pure entertainment. It delivers exactly what audiences crave: Elvis the showman, radiating boundless energy, undeniable charisma, and raw appeal. While it’s undoubtedly a fan’s ultimate dream, ‘EPiC’ transcends a mere concert film by presenting an Elvis that feels authentic and human, moving beyond the caricatures. We get to savor both the legendary performance and the passionate artist who lived to captivate.