Elvis Presley: The Searcher

Sometimes it's hard for anyone born after Elvis' death to understand what was so special about him, what the mania was about, especially when we only see his later image repeated all the time. This two-part documentary lovingly follows Elvis' spirit, the essence that made him special, throughout all the stages of his life.

It starts with his roots as a boy who lived in poverty but also immersed in music, into his first success as a raw traveling talent, to his shooting success, his plateau into commercial mediocrity, then his reemergence as a larger than life superstar before his decline. It gives a more critical perspective into the musical elements and the artistic agency that really made his music stand out and influence the industry.

The Searcher is a refreshing change from the sensationalist biographies that just want to focus on his explosive success and zoom in on his weaknesses. At the same time, it does gloss over some of those darker elements - making it a slightly incomplete biography.

I personally didn't enjoy the artistic effect occasionally used of showing Elvis clips in an empty room, dressed as a household of the 50s, 60s or 70s. I suppose they were supposed to have a pensive or nostalgic effect, but to me they would momentarily drain the energy out of what is mostly a lively documentary.

Part one is the better part, especially because it's where Elvis' deep roots and passion in music are explored, whereas part two is a bit of an awkward dance between acknowledging his decline while also trying to remain full of praise. The whole thing could have likely been cut into a single 2-hour film instead of two 1.5-hour pieces.

All told, this is a great film to connect younger audiences with the historic and magical legacy of Elvis Presley, looking past the surface and the gossip to see a special man.

Elvis Presley - bigger than life. If you are a fan, you may know certain things portrayed here. But just hearing the music and seeing him (perform) and hear others talk about him ... well I'd say it is more than worth your time. This is or at least seems as in depth as one can get. We see him, but we hear so many other people - wife, associates, people who worked with him and so many more.

While I would call myself a fan, I had no idea how the leg shaking was born. There are anecdotes here, the highs, the lows and everything in between. But most of all we get as much into his mindset as is possible, without him being here to tell us.

He combined music styles ... he was a rebel and yet he had to stay in his lane (see his movie career and other things he had to sacrifice). Producers hiring him for his music rather than his acting abilities ... the pressure that got to him ... there is so much to unpack here. It's such a shame Elvis left the building ... way too soon! Still as many will probably agree with me in saying this: Thank you ... thank you very much!

This "HBO" doc called "Elvis Presley: "The Searcher" is long and drawn out as it's really informative and educates all about the life and the making of Elvis from his early life all the way up to death. Really it's a great biography type film to see with classic footage of concerts, interviews, and comings and goings of the one and only "King". Also the film is supported by talk and narration from the late Tom Petty and "The Boss" Springsteen and ex wife Priscilla all talk about his impact on music and culture and all recall the good and bad times.

Early you see how the blues and gospel music and being around blacks influenced "Elvis" to be outside the box and mix his music to a blend to be classified as many different styles. Then along the way his journey to "Memphis" and meeting Tom Parker would help shape his music life.

Yet a downfall and backslide was Presley's dive into movies and acting which hurt his image and would age him and cause his need to start over with music. However his pressures and stress would lead to drug abuse and a much to early departure. Overall good look at the life and times of the king the one and only "Elvis Presley"!

I didn't know much about Elvis, being a child of the 70s, it was all rather lost on me, sure I knew some of the big ballads and endured the endless films shown on television on Bank Holidays This is an epic film, beautifully made , right from his early life, it's detailed but never boring.The love and affection from the film makers shines through from the start. Elvis was such a humble, kind , funny person. Everything he did was groundbreaking, but has been duplicated so many times by lesser mortals, you've got to remember he was first and best I love the early raw music , those seemed to be the best times for Elvis... if that music was launched today it would stand out as pure class The comeback show was heartbreakingly beautiful, his smiles and laughter, it seemed he proved to himself he could still do it...he could, it was astonishing.The film follows the decline in a tastefully , slightly depressing, way Having sat through to the end I shear a tear at the sad end to a brilliant career. Anybody who is a fan or not or wants to find out more about The King should watch this, it's brilliant filmmaking and paced to perfection... my favourite moment is the duet with Sinatra......it's just so ......Natural

This is, without a doubt, one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. And I've seen a ridiculous amount of films in my life. Even if you are not a big fan of documentaries, and I'm generally not, this is worth seeing. Even if you are not a fan of Elvis Presley, this film brings a perspective of American history worth a look.

Usually, when someone is that famous, and died decades ago, we tend to believe we must know everything there is worth knowing. Two things make this film very different. First, the personal views of those who knew him best, like Priscilla Presley, and those influenced by him, like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, give the film a gravity rarely seen. Second, this is the rare film that neither worships nor belittles him. It approaches Elvis Presley as a human being, much like any other, whose life had an amazing range of ups and downs.

I've rated thousands of films on IMDb, but reviewed very few. This one was worth a few minutes to share my thoughts. Well done to all involved.