With just a few days to go till its release, here’s a look back at last Friday’s Exclusive Canadian Screening of ELVIS which took place at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Visionary Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and stars Austin Butler and Olivia De Jonge, who play Elvis and Priscilla Presley respectively graced the Red Carpet – the first time the Film screened publicly ever in Canada.

Fans queued for hours for a chance to get Selfies, autogprahs and meet the Film’s stars and Luhrmann. And one lucky fan won a Gibson SJ-200 guitar worth more than $6,000 just in time to have it signed by the stars, making for the ultimate keepsake!

A lot of detail went into the Red Carpet set-up and Warner Bros. Pictures Canada state that 150+ lightbulbs were installed, with a nod to the carnival-themed spectacle in the Film; a 13 ft-high film-branded backdrop; and a carpet that ran a whopping 100 feet throughout TIFF Bell Lightbox lobby.

A historical note: Elvis‘ first show ever in Toronto was at the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens – where Loblaws now is located at Carlton and Church – back in 1957, before shows in Ottawa and Vancouver.

In case you missed it, we caught Luhrmann, Butler and De Jonge on the Morning Show circuit during their visit here.

Our Review of ELVIS from Cannes here. The Film is sitting at 80% on the Tomatometer currently, a FRESH rating.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release ELVIS Friday, June 24, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

It’s Elvismania allover again! The Cast and Director of ELVIS have landed in Toronto for a day of Press in advance of tonight’s Canadian Premiere of the Film at TIFF Bell Lightbox, where the Red Carpet will be rolled-out!

Stars Austin Butler and Olivia De Jonge were up and at it early today doing the Morning Show circuit, with stops at Breakfast Television and The Morning Show. They star as Elvis and Priscilla Presley respectively in Baz Luhrmann‘s upcoming spectacle which recounts The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s rise to fame, and complicated relationship with his Manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks).

After a Premiere at Cannes where it got a record extended standing ovation, the buzz continues to spread for this latest effort from the same Director who brought us The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge.

Some lucky fans were able to get Selfies with Butler, who actually spent a Summer here back in 2010 filming SHARPAY’S FABULOUS ADVENTURE back in 2010. De Jonge, in a bit of a rush, still was gracious enough to stop for a couple snaps, holding a Tim Hortons cup of coffee! Honourary Canadian!

Luhrmann returns to Toronto after having promoted The Great Gatsby here back in 2013. We were so lucky to get to chat with him. More here.

Our Review of ELVIS here.

See some Snaps:

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release ELVIS Friday, June 24, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

By Amanda Gilmore

Writer-Director Baz Luhrmann takes us on a dazzling ride with the Rock ‘n’ Roll legend. 

The Film is told from the perspective of his manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). We are taken through the life of Elvis (Austin Butler) from his humble beginnings to his tragic early passing. Along the way we see the impact, Elvis has had on music, branding and more within the industry.

It comes as no surprise that Luhrmann is the perfect fit for bringing the flair and glamour of Elvis to the big screen. Luhrmann’s Filmmaking style is in full effect as we follow the young boy becoming one of the greatest musicians in history. Tom Parker tells the story of how he made Elvis famous. It’s an odd entry point to a story about the world’s best-selling Solo Artist, considering Tom Parker is believed to be one of the causes of his death. At times it feels like the story didn’t need this narration aspect. However, it serves as a way into the many themes Luhrmann and his Co-Writers Sam Bromell and Craig Pearce explore. 

Although this is a story about Elvis, it touches on the Music industry as a whole. Particularly, the behind-the-scenes work. We get to watch as Elvis becomes the first Musician to make women’s emotions run rampant. These scenes are sprinkled throughout and are an absolute delight to watch. Luhrmann  captures brilliantly how a little wiggle of Elvis’ hips made women to lose their minds. These moments work thanks to a breakthrough performance from Butler who literally disappears into the icon. Each of the performances throughout is perfectly edited by Jonathan Redmond and Matt Villa, bringing us right into the performance hall.

Further, we watch as Tom Parker was the first Manager to make merchandise for a Musician. Moments like this remind the audience of the impact Elvis had on the industry as a whole. To this day, he was the first to do what Musicians do today. Luhrmann uses non-Elvis Music in the Film to the same effect. There’s one music mash-up that combines Elvis, “Backstreet’s Back” and “Toxic”. Doing this works as a touching tribute to the effect Elvis has on musicians to this day.

At the centre of the story is the toxic relationship between Elvis and Tom Parker. It’s clear from the beginning that he doesn’t have Elvis’ best interests at heart. He looks at him as a bank that will spew-out money. It’s a rare antagonist performance from Hanks who excels as the controlling Tom Parker. He tells Elvis to stop hanging around with the Musicians on Beale Street, stop dancing suggestively on stage, and wear different clothes at his performances. This results in Elvis losing who he is and what made him so beloved.

We see Elvis struggle between who he is and who his Manager is trying to turn him into. It’s mesmerizing to watch Butler portray this legend. He perfectly shows Elvis’ the energetic, alluring performance side and the man off-stage. The one who was struggling with his identity and craved the love he received while on stage.

It’s great watching him alongside Olivia DeJonge who plays Priscilla Presley. These moments show how fame can come in-between what was actual love.

ELVIS showcases some of the greatest performances of the year, including a powerhouse performance from Butler, made glossy by the stylish finishes Luhrmann is known for. It’s a great time at the Cinema while touching upon important moments throughout history. It’s a reminder that Musicians have the ability to make positive changes both within their industry and socially.

Elvis screens at Cannes ’22:

Wed, May 25 at 6:45 PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

While this might be our last day at the Festival, it certainly wasn’t our least! The Premiere for Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS took place last night, and the Junket today. The Film not only received a ten-minute standing ovation, but above this, has received the approval of Elvis Presley’s family – and there can be no higher honour. Amanda tells us the Film is told more through the lens of Elvis‘ Manager Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks.

From the junket for Baz Luhrmann‘s ELVIS:

And also Claire Denis’ STARS AT NOON, set in 1984 Nicaragua, about a Businessman and Journalist who find themselves in trouble and trying to escape.

Thanks for checking-out our coverage. Our Amanda Gilmore‘s thoughts on ELVIS here!

(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore/Mr. Will Wong)

In advance of its Premiere at Cannes, comes this brand new Trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS! Our Amanda Gilmore will be seeing it and sharing her thoughts later this week. Stay tuned!

Synopsis:

From Oscar-nominated visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama “Elvis”, starring Austin Butler and Oscar winner Tom Hanks. The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).

Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (“Top of the Lake: China Girl,” “Rake”) plays Elvis’s mother, Gladys, Richard Roxburgh (“Moulin Rouge!” “Breath,” “Hacksaw Ridge”) portrays Elvis’s father, Vernon, and DeJonge (“The Visit,” “Stray Dolls”) plays Priscilla. Luke Bracey (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “Point Break”) plays Jerry Schilling, Natasha Bassett (“Hail, Caesar!”) plays Dixie Locke, David Wenham (“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, “Lion,” “300”) plays Hank Snow, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“The Trial of the Chicago 7,” “The High Note”) plays B.B. King, Xavier Samuel (“Adore,” “Love & Friendship,” “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”) plays Scotty Moore, and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) plays Jimmie Rodgers Snow.

Also in the cast, Dacre Montgomery (“Stranger Things,” “The Broken Heart Gallery”) plays TV director Steve Binder, alongside Australian actors Leon Ford (“Gallipoli,” “The Pacific”) as Tom Diskin, Kate Mulvany (“The Great Gatsby,” “Hunters”) as Marion Keisker, Gareth Davies (“Peter Rabbit,” “Hunters”) as Bones Howe, Charles Grounds (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “Camp”) as Billy Smith, Josh McConville (“Fantasy Island”) as Sam Phillips, and Adam Dunn (“Home and Away”) as Bill Black.

To play additional iconic musical artists in the film, Luhrmann cast singer/songwriter Yola as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, model Alton Mason as Little Richard, Austin, Texas native Gary Clark Jr. as Arthur Crudup, and artist Shonka Dukureh as Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release ELVIS in theatres June 24, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

Right in time for its Premiere at Cannes, comes these new Posters from Baz Luhrmann‘s ELVIS!

Synopsis:

From Oscar-nominated visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama “Elvis”, starring Austin Butler and Oscar winner Tom Hanks. The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).

Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (“Top of the Lake: China Girl,” “Rake”) plays Elvis’s mother, Gladys, Richard Roxburgh (“Moulin Rouge!” “Breath,” “Hacksaw Ridge”) portrays Elvis’s father, Vernon, and DeJonge (“The Visit,” “Stray Dolls”) plays Priscilla. Luke Bracey (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “Point Break”) plays Jerry Schilling, Natasha Bassett (“Hail, Caesar!”) plays Dixie Locke, David Wenham (“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, “Lion,” “300”) plays Hank Snow, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“The Trial of the Chicago 7,” “The High Note”) plays B.B. King, Xavier Samuel (“Adore,” “Love & Friendship,” “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”) plays Scotty Moore, and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) plays Jimmie Rodgers Snow.

Also in the cast, Dacre Montgomery (“Stranger Things,” “The Broken Heart Gallery”) plays TV director Steve Binder, alongside Australian actors Leon Ford (“Gallipoli,” “The Pacific”) as Tom Diskin, Kate Mulvany (“The Great Gatsby,” “Hunters”) as Marion Keisker, Gareth Davies (“Peter Rabbit,” “Hunters”) as Bones Howe, Charles Grounds (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “Camp”) as Billy Smith, Josh McConville (“Fantasy Island”) as Sam Phillips, and Adam Dunn (“Home and Away”) as Bill Black.

To play additional iconic musical artists in the film, Luhrmann cast singer/songwriter Yola as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, model Alton Mason as Little Richard, Austin, Texas native Gary Clark Jr. as Arthur Crudup, and artist Shonka Dukureh as Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton.

Oscar nominee Luhrmann (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”) directed from a screenplay by Baz Luhrmann & Sam Bromell and Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner, story by Baz Luhrmann and Jeremy Doner. The film’s producers are Luhrmann, Oscar winner Catherine Martin (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”), Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss. Courtenay Valenti and Kevin McCormick executive produced.

The director’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Mandy Walker (“Mulan,” “Australia”), Oscar-winning production designer and costume designer Catherine Martin (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”), production designer Karen Murphy (“A Star Is Born”), editors Matt Villa (“The Great Gatsby,” “Australia”) and Jonathan Redmond (“The Great Gatsby”), Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Thomas Wood (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), music supervisor Anton Monsted (“Australia,” “Moulin Rouge!”) and composer Elliott Wheeler (“The Get Down”).

Principal photography on “Elvis” took place in Queensland, Australia with the support of the Queensland Government, Screen Queensland and the Australian Government’s Producer Offset program.

A Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, A Bazmark Production, A Jackal Group Production, A Baz Luhrmann Film, “Elvis” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is set to release in theatres in North America on June 24, 2022, and internationally beginning 22 June 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

We proudly present a first look at Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks!

Synopsis:

From Oscar-nominated visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama “Elvis,” starring Austin Butler and Oscar winner Tom Hanks.

            The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks).  The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America.  Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley.

            Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (“Top of the Lake: China Girl,” “Rake”) plays Elvis’s mother, Gladys, Richard Roxburgh (“Moulin Rouge!” “Breath,” “Hacksaw Ridge”) portrays Elvis’s father, Vernon, and Olivia DeJonge (“The Visit,” “Stray Dolls”) plays Priscilla.  Luke Bracey (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “Point Break”) plays Jerry Schilling, Natasha Bassett (“Hail, Caesar!”) plays Dixie Locke, David Wenham (“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, “Lion,” “300”) plays Hank Snow, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“The Trial of the Chicago 7,” “The High Note”) plays B.B. King, Xavier Samuel (“Adore,” “Love & Friendship,” “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”) plays Scotty Moore, and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) plays Jimmie Rodgers Snow.

Also in the cast, Dacre Montgomery (“Stranger Things,” “The Broken Heart Gallery”) plays TV director Steve Binder, alongside Australian actors Leon Ford (“Gallipoli,” “The Pacific”) as Tom Diskin, Kate Mulvany (“The Great Gatsby,” “Hunters”) as Marion Keisker, Gareth Davies (“Peter Rabbit,” “Hunters”) as Bones Howe, Charles Grounds (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “Camp”) as Billy Smith, Josh McConville (“Fantasy Island”) as Sam Phillips, and Adam Dunn (“Home and Away”) as Bill Black.

To play additional iconic musical artists in the film, Luhrmann cast singer/songwriter Yola as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, model Alton Mason as Little Richard, Austin, Texas native Gary Clark Jr. as Arthur Crudup, and artist Shonka Dukureh as Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release ELVIS June 24, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

We’ve waited a long time for this! We love Baz Luhrmann and since hearing about his new Series for Netflix, THE GET DOWN, we’ve been stoked.

Synopsis:
The Get Down is a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to a new art form. Set in New York in 1977, this music-driven drama series chronicles the rise of hip-hop and the last days of disco -– told through the lives, music, art and dance of the South Bronx kids who would change the world forever.

The Get Down is from Baz Luhrmann and a team of collaborators including four-time Oscar® winner and fellow executive producer Catherine Martin, legendary MC and executive producer Nas, associate producer Grandmaster Flash, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, co-creator and executive producer Stephen Adly Guirgis; and expert collaborators, including hip-hop historian and supervising producer Nelson George.

Shameik Moore (Shaolin Fantastic), Justice Smith (Ezekiel “Books” Figuero), Herizen Guardiola (Mylene Cruz), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Cadillac), Jaden Smith (Dizzee Kipling), Skylan Brooks (Ra-Ra Kipling), Tremaine Brown Jr. (Boo Boo Kiping), Mamoudou Athie (Grandmaster Flash), Jimmy Smits (Francisco “Papa Fuerte” Cruz) and Giancarlo Esposito (Ramon Cruz) star.

See this new Trailer for the Series:

Netflix streams the first six episodes of THE GET DOWN on Friday, August 12, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

I absolutely cannot wait for this.  Baz Luhrmann never ceases to amaze and his upcoming Series THE GET DOWN, certainly is on our Must-Watch List.  No release date yet, but here’s a brand new Sizzle Reel from the Series!

Watch:

Synopsis:
Told through the lives and music of a ragtag crew of South Bronx teens, The Get Down is a mythic saga of the transformation of 1970s New York City.

Lots of fresh new faces of which we’re sure new stars will be born.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix Canada)

Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby) always will be known as a Trailblazer in his aesthetic, his keen ear for Music and the emotions he arouses with his Films. Did you know that Netflix and Luhrmann have partnered on new Music-driver Series, THE GET DOWN?

Synopsis:

From visionary Baz Luhrmann, and told through the lives and music of a ragtag crew of South Bronx teens, The Get Down is a mythic saga of transformation in 1970s New York City.

Watch the Teaser:

Netflix Canada streams all 13 episodes of THE GET DOWN in 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)