‘Elvis’ A Cautionary Tale about the Music Industry

Elvis Presley’s legacy as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is celebrated worldwide, but behind the music and fame lies the same tragic story of exploitation that, from the beginning, has haunted the entertainment business.

The latest movie, “Elvis: The King’s Exploitation,” delves into the dark side of Elvis’s career, shedding light on how his management, Colonel Tom Parker, took advantage of his talent, vulnerability, and ultimately, his life.

This visual masterpiece, directed by Baz Luhrman, takes place in the 1950s and 60s and follows Elvis’ ascension to stardom and showcases a ruthlessly exploitative music industry as the young and immensely talented Elvis is manipulated by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who prioritized financial gain over Elvis’s well-being.

Austin Butler provides a gripping portrayal of Elvis’s extraordinary charisma and musical prowess as he draws the audience into Elvis’s world and witness his meteoric rise and vulnerability to manipulation. I’m certain key moments in the movie you can see and hear the anger mixed with helplessness that Elvis must have felt at certain times in his career.

Tom Hanks portrays the penguinesque Colonel Tom Parker as the shrewd and calculating manager who consistently prioritizes profit over Elvis’s personal and artistic needs. The film explores the complex relationship between Elvis and Parker, highlighting how the manager controlled every aspect of the singer’s life, from his career decisions to his personal relationships.

The movie also delves into the toll that exploitation took on Elvis’s mental and physical health. It portrays his struggles with addiction and loneliness, painting a heartbreaking picture of a man who had the world at his feet but was ultimately a victim of his own success.

“Elvis” is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that serves as a cautionary tale about the music industry’s potential for exploitation and the importance of artists maintaining control over their own careers. This movie is a must-see for Elvis fans or anyone interested in the price of fame and the human cost of success.