Sharjah24 – Reuters: Baz Luhrmann and the stars of his new Elvis Presley biopic extravaganza walked the red carpet at the film's London premiere on Tuesday (May 31).
"Elvis" chronicles the life of the King of Rock and Roll, played by Austin Butler, from a poor boy influenced by gospel music to the world's best-selling solo artist and, ultimately, an exploited Las Vegas attraction.
The film explores the moral panic brought on by Presley's gyrating dance moves in the 1950s racially segregated United States, as well as his musical debt to Black rock pioneers like Arthur Crudup and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
The 30-year-old star who recreates Elvis' stage performances in several flamboyant musical sequences, said he hoped the film gives "credit where credit is due."
Tom Hanks, who plays Presley's enigmatic manager Colonel Tom Parker, also walked the red carpet on Tuesday.
The relationship between Parker and Presley and their conflicts play a central role in the film.
Wife of the rock icon Priscilla Presley, played by Olivia DeJonge, has praised the film and Butler's portrayal of Elvis.
"Elvis" is out in the United Kingdom and Ireland on June 24.
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