I Remember when Elvis died. And the Effect it had on the world. My Sister was devastated. And so was her friend. We Watched Elvis give his last ever show done in June of 77. And afterwards Elvis took on a more mythic status. We heard the stories and the myths that sprang up around him. When this movie came out in 1979. My Sister and my brother and I watched it. It got a lot of things right. Some wrong. but it did so with style. Kurt Russell delivers hands down what is the Greatest performance of anyone doing Elvis. John Carpenter hands in one of the best ever bio pics Ever made. The story opens in Jan 8th 1935 as Elvis is born and his twin Jesse Garon is still born. The film chronicles the dirt poor beginnings of the Presley family as they moved to Memphis and Elvis trying to find himself. Elvis isn't widely loved at first. his style of dress. The way he combs his hair and everything about him makes him a target of bullies. Until he uses his guitar and voice and becomes accepted. The movie moves at a breakneck pace so there are things omitted and things glossed over. Given the time line that's understandable. Pat Hingle does a good job as Col. Tom PArker. While Shelley Winters steals the show as Elvis Presley's mother Gladys. The Film adapts the many legends of Elvis. And considering that Before his death Elvis was untouchable. It's understandable that the film didn't dwell on any of the darker aspects of the King's life. But it drives home the point of Elvis being so lonely. trapped by his wealth and fame. But it also touches on the wild side that Elvis had. Any other Elvis Bio films that came after were not as good.. They simply missed the mark. This one hits the mark in every way possible. And it's captivating . If anyone wants to make the definitive Bio pic of Elvis they would do well to check this one out first and see how it's done.

"Elvis" is an absorbing biopic,mostly thanks to Kurt Russel's terrific portrayal and a well-chosen music sometimes anachronistic ("until it's time for you to go" which can be heard during Elvis AND Priscilla's romance was actually recorded in 1972) Shelley Winters is the prefect choice for Elvis' s mom ;Elvis is not shown as an uneducated moron ,but as a smart young man of taste -he hates the movies he makes:some may remember he was considered for the part of Tony in "west side story".His readings show a personality preoccupied with spiritual longings.A biopic to be recommended,but nothing is told about Elvis' reaction to the changing music world of the sixties .Elvis is often,on the other hand,haunted by gloomy thoughts about his late twin brother.

This could of & should of been a much better movie than it is. When one watches a movie about an entertainer as thrilling as Elvis, you expect a certain energy level that this movie never reaches. It's actually very dull at times, & didn't keep me very interested. Kurt Russell was an excellent choice for Elvis. He's handsome, resembles him, & had the moves & mannerisms down pat without seeming like a parody. His hair & clothing were also very authentic, but his lip synching was mediocre, at best! Shelly Winters was a good choice for Elvis' mom, Gladys Smith-Presley appearance-wise, yet her Southerness left alot to be desired. The depiction of their relationship is a poignant high point. When Elvis makes the "big time" I sat there waiting to be excited, but it's portrayed in such a ho-hum fashion, I felt nothing. If you're expecting a movie biography that's interesting, moving, exciting, & holds your interest throughout leaving you wanting for more ("Sweet Dreams", "Coal Miner's Daughter", "Great Balls Of Fire", "Stand By Your Man") then skip "Elvis:The Sleeping Pill"!

Sure, this is not the greatest "made-for-tv" movie ever (I've seen alot worse), and yes, at times the lip-sync is "out-of-sync", but still, this movie is worth a shot. Good luck trying to find it at the local video store, I looked high and dry with no luck, finally had to buckle down and buy it on e-bay. Not a huge Elvis fan, so the many alleged inaccuracies in the movie really didn't bother me that much. I am, however, a big Kurt Russell fan and that is what is important here.......Kurt Russell's impersonation of Elvis is perfect.....from the intonation in his voice to his moves on stage, no one has ever portrayed The King better. I've always felt Kurt Russell was an under-rated/appreciated actor....well, this flick proves he is a very capable actor. Thank ya.......thank ya very much.