This is my first, of many, submission via the Cine TV frontend.
REVIEW: Elvis Presley: The Searcher ... Biography Film Series
Last night I took a break from research and blogging and opted to do what I usually do, watch a film. Growing up, I was no stranger to music- my Father casually played acoustic guitar and often listened to Alice Cooper or Meat Loaf, while Mom sang along with Phil Collins or Tragically Hip. Music was almost always thumping, soft or loud, from the old style radio that included a large, heavy rectangular receiver and speakers as tall as a small human.
Our living room always looked like this:
Though my parents were never hardcore Elvis fanatics, some of my Father's go-to choices to play on his guitar were Love Me Tender and Hound Dog. My life was filled with stories of music history and evolution. Aside from being born in 1954 and living through a huge spectrum of the industry, I have no idea where my Dad learned the things that he did.
Personally, I have never really cared for Elvis Presley too much, which made my decision to watch "Elvis Presley: The Searcher" on Netflix unexpected. I'm very happy that I began watching the Elvis Presley biography last night.
Finally, the actual review:
Previously, when I thought of Elvis, his iconic image of an older man adorning awkwardly matching leather pant and jacket that appeared to be decorated by a toddler, came to mind. The lip curl and leg shake give me creepy old man vibes.
I never understood what screaming female fans saw that I was clearly not catching on to. I never understood what generations of music lovers heard. I never understood what unique value music professionals perceived in Elvis Presley.
Until now.
Last night I learned that my perception was shallow. The Elvis that I have known is merely a fragment of who he was. In fact, one could say that there are two famous variations of the icon. Three, if considering his pre-famous persona.
- Child Elvis
- Young famed Elvis
- Older Elvis (the version that is a spokesperson for his name)
(There's also Elvis' army service journey, but I’m not swimming those waters here).
NetFlix’s first episode of Elvis Presley: The Searcher dives into early childhood life; extreme poverty, misery stricken mother, death of a brother, Father who was often not present and unable to find work during the depression after having been in jail for six months, devotion to church, and being part of the soul music community.
Memphis' poverty neighbourhoods included both black and white residents. The Presley family attended the East Trigg Ave. Baptist Church led by Reverend Brewster, a community leader black man who was a singer, poet, and prolific composer. Rev. Brewster motivated sermons with loud, energetic singing and dancing that influenced, educated and shaped Elvis.
As a young adult, Elvis frequented clubs that were primarily attended by those of black culture, such as B.B King. This had a distinct effect on the evolution on the 18 year old young adult. Presley later imbued soul into his country and rock vocals.
What really struck me while watching the biography was that Elvis had an entire career as a young adult. He was very attractive with great hair and intoxicating eyes. His fashion sense and self awareness was far above norm for that era. I’m not a fan of Justin Beiber, I don’t fit the age demographic, but many video clips of 18-20 something year old Presley reminded me of Beiber (at his best), yet better. I’m sure Elvis could have been a rugged James Dean- mans man, model.
I think I’ve fallen in love with a dead person. 💀 ❤️ 🎶
Shallowness aside, I was also in awe at the self marketing innovation that my new love interest possessed. Perhaps that’s my background in advertising and marketing driving desires. Elvis could have written a book on marketing. His independent music label agent, Sam Phillips said “he [Elvis] would see something and say, ‘that’s how I’m going to walk’ ... he would do something on stage and if it didn’t get attention he’d try something else, if it did get attention, Elvis would do it more”. Undeniably, my love understood how to market himself and genuinely connect with his fans. He strived to make others happy.
Most of all, Elvis Presley truly, deeply desired for his Mother to be happy and free of her misery and pain that he witnessed her long endure. Elvis never forgot his years of poverty and his past created a foundation for the high quality, humble man that he developed into.
Watching live action videos of young Elvis was quite delightful and illuminating. I feel as though I was able to meet the world famous, world changing Elvis Presley. I saw a sad little boy who loved his Mama, who’s Father struggled during the depression, that loved music and people no matter their culture or ethnicity. I saw a man who was kind, loving and very self aware. A man who was very intelligent, unquestionably talented, and drop dead gorgeous.
I cannot wait to watch the second episode of Elvis Presley: The Searcher
Thank you for reading my post.
All written content is copyright 2021 Ana Clark - Ana from Canada.
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Photo Credits:
Vintage speaker: Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash
Vintage radio receiver: Photo by Laurent Constant on Unsplash
Elvis Presley suit: by Takashi https://flic.kr/p/dLSpKm
Presley gravesite: by edgebrook https://flic.kr/p/9y6k9g