Last week Baz Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' topped $100 million at the US domestic box office on Friday becoming one of the rare films without superheroes or dinosaurs to reach that mark. Globally, the Warner Bros. film has made over $170 million, an impressive result for this kind of material.
With its high production values 'ELVIS' was not a cheap film to produce. The movie which looks at Elvis' rise to become one of the hottest acts in rock ‘n’ roll, as well as his struggles with his bad manager played by Tom Hanks cost $85 million to produce and tens of millions more to market.
Warner Bros. president Jeff Goldstein noted, "We are not only pleased to cross this milestone, but truly thrilled to see it happen with a film like ‘Elvis. In today’s market and especially in the summer corridor, to see a non-branded IP with an up-and-coming lead create not just box office noise but also result in a significant spike in other areas is so gratifying and speaks to the quality of the film on every level. With strong playability, positive word of mouth and cross-generational multiple viewings, we expect ‘Elvis’ to continue to deliver and we congratulate Baz, Austin and everyone involved in the film and the soundtrack on its ongoing success."
ELVIS costars Tom Hanks as manager Col Parker with relative newcomer Austin Butler in the title role. Butler, who beat out higher profile actors has attracted Oscar buzz. 'Elvis' has a good chance to bypass 'Australia' and its $211.8 million haul to become the second highest-grossing film of Luhrmann’s career.
'The Great Gatsby' another Warner Bros. release, netted $355.6 million globally to rank as the director’s most popular film.
I’m really pleased this movie did so well. Imo I was left a little disappointed mostly due to so many important details overlooked. Elvis’ recording career was not touched and that great conflict created between Parker and Chips by rights to Suspicious Minds. The Aloha special was mentioned in a sentence whilst a whole song was given to Little Richard. The style of the film was not to my taste either. HOWEVER it was respectful and honourable to the Elvis legacy and so that’s why I’m very pleased it was a massive success. I’m certain the majority will disagree with my opinion and I hope the possible 4hr editors cut will put to bed many of my disappointments.
Not having or likely to see it personally it has completely achieved what I wished and that is a film although apparently not detail accurate giving the real essence of the man. It is gratifying to see the deluge of comments from an audience that basically knew very little about him but who now appreciate what a history making, phenomenally gifted and exciting entertainer he was. I have listened to some of the soundtrack and although not the purists taste, it is impressive and refreshing IMHO, while Austin Butler's performance is AGAIN so I read deserving in many people's eyes of an Oscar. I read time and time again that 'If I Can Dream' is an absolute highlight, so timeless in its content, and in the aftermath has been averaging over 5500 views an hour on YouTube for the past 3 weeks. I can only hope as a long time fan that this candle might burn a lot longer than most Elvis projects from the past.
Re: Milky White Way – I 100% agree with what you said. While the film takes liberties with aspects of the timeline and accuracy of his story (which I understand because you have to cram his entire life into a 3-hour film), the overall film itself was phenomenal. First, from a visual standpoint it was stunning – Baz and team hit everything to the nail in terms of wardrobe, makeup, and scenery. Secondly, and most important, Austin did the best job I have ever seen a person do in portraying Elvis’ movements and charisma. He was just spot on in sequences like the 68’ comeback special and TTWII segments. I also loved that Baz infused the film throughout with actual images of Elvis that only true fans would recognize (on Tour video, etc.) – that was an exciting “easter egg” as I believe some call it in the film industry when they sneak things in. Could it have been EVEN better, yes (agree with comments about the Little Richard song, lack of Aloha impact, felt they missed the mark on Elvis’ passion for Gospel music, etc.) but it was a solid film, and phenomenal performance and I am so appreciative it is getting recognition. When I walked out of the theater the FIRST time, I overheard two teenage girls talking about Elvis and saying “I didn’t realize how important he was to music” – that is exactly what I wanted this film to inspire in those who do not follow Elvis as we fans do. Austin should 100% win the Oscar and if he does not, then I do not know what acting is! I do wish they could negotiate to get him and a few others to star in like a series on Netflix where they cover more in-depth, Elvis’ life and achievements in the 50s, 60s, and 70s – almost like a continuation of the film. But I know that will not happen. I loved this movie; I think any Elvis fan would as long as you do not look for perfection which I think was an impossible task for Baz. He made a very good film, and I believe Elvis would be proud of it AND of Austin’s performance. The soundtrack is very interesting as well, perhaps not the “remix” stuff but there are a few gems from just Elvis that were mixed differently and actually sound great (I’m Comin’ Home).
U.S. Box Office $118,376,273
International Box Office $91,800,000
~ Worldwide Box Office $210,176,273
~ UPDATE: United States box office $136,517,000 ; International box office $114,700,000 ; Worldwide box office $251,217,000 ... and counting...
UPDATED: United States box office $141,628,500 ; International box office $120,501,500 ; Worldwide box office $262,130,000 ... and counting...
~ UPDATE: United States box office $150,433,315 ; International box office $133,687,100 ; Worldwide box office $284,120,415 ... and counting... $$$$
~ UPDATE: United States box office $150,701,757 ; International box office $135,000,250 ; Worldwide box office = $285,702,007 ... and counting...
~ United States box office $151,000,650 ; International box office $135,000,400 ; Worldwide box office $286,001,050