Ultimo Elvis

Don't believe a word of it. They all just pretend the ending doesn't exist

If you read these reviews and then watch this movie, you will know what I mean. I won't disclose the ending because that seems to be the parlor game for this film. Well, ask yourself this, if nobody wants to discuss the ending of a film, do you think the ending makes the film a "masterpiece" (not a chance) or the ending makes the film a mess? Even the IMDb summary is not true:

"A tragic accident causes an Elvis impersonator to reassess his priorities."

No it doesn't. No it doesn't. That is simply not true. There is no way to read that into the ending.

ps: up until the ending, it is pretty good, not great, but pretty good

I have no doubt that John McInery was chosen for his skills as a singer rather than their acting ability. With a monotone almost chewing the words takes a film that has little to tell. Carlos (John McInery) believed to have a gift for Elvis impersonator. An accidental event delays (doesn't change) plans had probably long ago. This fact approaches him to her daughter, nor this way leave his ego aside, should be an Elvis until the end of the film. Technically very good, and very good interpretations of Elvis's classic songs, but just those scenes are not transcendental to the argument, are merely decorative. 90 minutes of film, if we subtract the musical moments will be 70-75 minutes to tell a little story slightly boring.

The martyr theme was overwrought. If genuine life belongs to someone else, someone before that must be emulated down to the details, what can be said of its imposter? Talented? Of course. But what if his daughter chose to be Marilyn and copied her into her own early demise? Would the father still undaunted support? Given the set up of the movie, it was hard to understand whether Elvis was distraction away from real life sensibilities or was an obsession that naturally crowded out such sensibilities. Either way, the overwhelming feeling is pity and not congratulations. Maybe dusting off the blue suede shoes and applying some dark hair dye could have prolonged the memory... let alone the life.

First impression was another cheap Mexican production but after a few minutes I thought, "This can't be right, this is no cheap afternoon soap-drama.", quickly checking online identified it as Argentinian. Argentina is one of a few countries in the world whose studios turn out consistently well scripted, directed and acted films. France, a couple of Scandinavian & Asian sources.

All that aside our Elvis impersonator, besides doing a remarkable singing Elvis, deserves kudos for his captivating acting. The directing and cinematography are of high quality and as for the script - it caught me totally by surprise. There is much more to this story than just being about another impersonator. Warning: Don't read any summaries with the ending discussed before watching the film for yourself.

The main character, Carlos, is an Elvis impersonator, greatly fond of the singer, to an extent that his daughter shares her name with Elvis's daughter. He has two lives: in one of them, he's an ordinary assembly-line worker, and in the other one, he performs at tiny events, singing his heart out - and he does it very well, as Carlos, indeed, possesses talent.

From the very beginning this movie starts to tug at your heartstrings when you see Carlos quietly "biding his time" at the factory, while wishing for the time he can go back on stage. Music in his headphones is the only solace for him; also, it's a way for him to remain in his dream life, at least partially.

However, in this dream life his wife and daughter were unable to find a place for themselves, and had to go their separate way (although Carlos still loves his family).

It's heartbreaking to see how the character is suffering because he feels so lost; the reason for that is the feeling that he's living not the life he is supposed to be living, but there is nothing he can do about it.

Throughout the movie you keep guessing to what extent Carlos is obsessed with Elvis: whether he tries to give credit to the singer's work or he no longer realises that they are two different people.

Putting aside any delusions, what makes an impression is how, with religious zeal, he sticks for what he believes in - one way or another.

'If you really believe in something, you must pursue it till the end. Those who don't are unhappy.'

I guess many people will feel for Carlos and his torments. Show me a person saying they have never howled inside, desperate to believe that their "real" life has been misplaced by some cosmic error. Show me this person - and I'll show you a liar.