Elvis Presley: The Searcher

I'm not a huge Elvis fan, but the lovingly in-depth, full scope of this 2-part documentary got me closer. I of course knew about much of it (his days at Sun Studios, the unfulfilling Hollywood years, his "larger"-than-life Vegas swan song), but it shined a light on so many things I didn't know. The rock lifestyle didn't get him addicted to pills; the army did. His extreme stage fright after getting back to music. His entire relationship with malicious Tom Parker.

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"!

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.

This documentary was made by people who love music, it's origins and roots, and Elvis himself. From that startpoint, a fair thing to say would be that it accomplished almost every aspect meant for a piece of this kind: entertain, inform, deliver his music, to show unknown footage, and get you closer to the subject himself.

As it's told in chronological order (with the exception of inserts from the 1968 special very well placed as the turning point it was), you get to know some special aspects related to the music, his state of mind, and the importance of it's roots.

For me, one of the key aspects, it's that there's no images of people offering their interpretation or opinions, only voiceovers from Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Red West, Ike Turner, Emmy Lou Harris, and Priscilla Presley; who clearly appreciate y loved his music.

This reinforced the value of the outtakes, films, early recordings and photograps which where choosed with and evident mastercraft and respect.

The only dissapointment was that there's little mention to the most negative aspects of the person as it as (the infidelities, the camp aspects of his period in Vegas, karate, etc); but at the end it doesn't cloud the fact at hand: he was an ARTIST, a sensitive person, and a full entertainer.

I recommend this documentary, because it made me feel i discover some aspects of him worth knowing.

If you want to understand Elvis Presley, then watch this documentary. The man was an icon, a phenomenal talent, and this film explores his story as an artist (and I'd hardly even call myself a fan. I was a little kid when Elvis died. This is my mom's music). Yes, the movie is a bit slow. But that's the pace needed to tell this story - there's a lot to unpack. This is not flashy biopic; instead, it's essential viewing to understand rock n roll music and American culture.