Elvis, the movie based on the life of American Super Star, Pop Culture Icon, King of Rock and Roll- Elvis Presley. Now for a man who has garnered so many titles in a life of only 42 years, how can you expect 2 hrs. 39 minutes can do justice to it. Thankfully, the film is helmed by Baz Luhrmann and stars Austin Butler who has been given the responsibility to make the cultural icon rise from the dead. While Baz Luhrmann isn’t a household name but his films have always found myself to be drawn towards. Films like The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge have always shown when he gets it right, he makes it worth while for you.
His films ooze of style and flare. With great visuals and an amazing soundtrack, his films demand a theatric experience just like Elvis. I found the film to be one of the best we’ve gotten this year. As I mentioned above, an entire life cannot be covered 150 minutes and Luhrmann knew that. The original cut of the film was around 240 minutes but he had to cut some of the stuff as you can’t release a 4 hour film or can you? Luhrmann’s newest statement suggests he plans to release his original cut soon.
Where Will Baz Luhrmann Release His 4 Hour Elvis Cut?
Elvis was extremely well received by critics and audiences. The film had all the elements of a Baz Luhrmann film. The film made on a budget of $85 Million minted $284 Million worldwide. Luhrmann who was at first skeptical about the film’s runtime, is confident enough to release the original 4 hour version he had. However, there is a catch in doing that too. In an exclusive interview with Screenrant, Baz Luhrmann talked about his wish to release Elvis’ 4 hour version but he also mentioned what all should be done to make that possible. His comments are below.
“Not now, and not probably next year. But I don’t close my mind to the idea that in the future, there might be a way of exploring another [cut]. I’ve got to be really careful here, because the moment I put it out there… I tell you what, all my tweets are nothing but, “We want the four-hour version! We want the four-hour version!” I think people are at my gates with pitchforks saying, “We want the four-hour version!” But I don’t close my mind to the idea that there would be an extended cut.
Right now, with how long it’s stayed in the theaters and how well it’s done, it’s crossed the line. But it’s done so well on HBO Max over the weekend, so it’s about the parent company going,” Wow, it’s really worth spending the money.”
Because it isn’t just like I’ve got it, and you just put it out there. Every minute in post-production, you have to do visual effects, grading, cutting, refining, and ADR sound. It’s not like it’s just sitting there finished, and I can just push a button and it comes out. You’d have to get back in and work on it. To do an extended cut, you’d be working on it for another four or six months something. I’m not closed to it, but not now. I’m a little bit on the tired side.”
The original 4 hour cut of the film had more of Elvis’s life, including his famous meeting with President Nixon which had to be cut out. After watching how beautiful and personal the film was Elvis fans and actually all the cinephiles in the world are wishing to see all the footage Luhrmann has shot. Honestly, I wouldn’t have mind if the film was 4 hour. I was in absolute awe of the film so if an extended cut is released I would be the first one to watch it. However, to do that all the things Luhrmann mentioned should be fulfilled.
Let me know if you’ve watched Elvis, if not check it out this weekend. Elvis is available for purchase on Digital.
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