Irish Film Institute -THIS IS ELVIS

THIS IS ELVIS

Director: MALCOLM LEO, ANDREW SOLT

110 minutes, U.S.A., 1981, Colour and Black and White


The screening will be introduced by Bob Stanley, writer and a member of the pop group Saint Etienne, whose recently published book, Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop is essential reading. The book is available from the IFI Film Shop and Mr Stanley will be signing copies of the book after the screening.

There have been tomes of books written about Elvis, both before and after his death, yet This is Elvis still has a claim on telling the definitive story. While it doesn’t indulge in dirt digging, there is plenty of jaw-droppingly powerful archive footage of performances and interviews, which, from Memphis Flash to the Vegas years, serve to illustrate what a force Elvis was.

The recreated scenes and scripted voice-over are endearing and affectionate, and it’s a moving film that affords The King the respect he deserves. (Notes by Michael Hayden.)

This film is screening as part of Rock&Roll, the final of our three-month season dedicated to excess, presenting examples of how cinema has taken on sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll in Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll.

 

Book Tickets

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