Baz Lurhmann's 'Elvis' Biopic Starring Austin Butler Gets the Presley Family Approval!
Elvis, the new biopic about the King himself, came out on the 24th of May, and the Presley family definitely approves.
Biopics can often be a source of contention for many. When it comes to the approval of those that were related to the subject of the piece, there can be some strange feelings about seeing the life of someone you knew interpreted by someone you didn't.
However, when it comes to this new biopic directed by Baz Lurhmann following the life of Elvis Presley, the Presley family very much approves.
Granddaughter of Elvis, Riley Keough, was incredibly moved by the piece. She shared in an interview with Variety that she was thrilled to know that Baz Lurhmann was the one taking on the project.
"It was a very emotional experience. It's very intense to watch when it's your family."
Luhrmann may have also lucked out though - because it turns out Keough was always a huge fan of his work.
The first movie I ever watched in the theater and said I wanted to make movies was 'Moulin Rouge,' I was 12. It was a real honor to know Baz was doing this movie. 'Romeo + Juliet' and 'Moulin Rouge,' for the age I was at the time, were really powerful."
However, she was also still a little apprehensive before seeing the movie - even with her favorite filmmaker at the helm, she wasn't certain they would do her grandfather's complex legacy justice.
"It wasn't like I distrusted Baz in any way, but you're protective over your family."
He did not disappoint. Keough found herself incredibly moved by the film. She was impressed by Austin Butler's incredible and heartfelt performance, and she admired the care that obviously went into the final product.
"In the first five minutes, I could feel how much work Baz and Austin put into trying to get it right. That made me meotional immediately...I started crying five minutes in and didn't stop.
"There's a lot of family trauma and generational trauma that strated around then for our family. I felt honored they worked so hard to really get his essence, to feel his essence. Austin captured that so beautifully."
Elvis is now playing in theaters - and it sounds like it's not one to miss.
