Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
No, EPIC isn't a sequel to Baz Luhrmann's Elvis (2022), but instead of mixture of archive documentary and concert footage Luhrmann discovered during his research of Elvis. The result reveals Elvis' love of performing and his approachability despite being the biggest musical star of his time (along with The Beatles). Elvis wouldn't be one of those performers whose show starts at 8pm and he decides to wait until 11pm to stroll on stage. He took performing seriously, and it showed with the energy he expended. He wanted to show the audience something new every time.
EPIC's concert footage relies heavily on the Las Vegas shows that were the subject of the 1970 documentary: Elvis: That's the Way It Is. We also see Elvis rehearsing the songs, giving us an intimate view of his performances. He, his band, and backing vocalists have undeniable chemistry and they play off each other. The epilogue tells us that Elvis performed 1,100 shows between 1969 and 1977, sometimes at three shows per day. He missed live performances which he resumed soon after he was finished with his movie contract. He didn't much like making movies, as we hear in archive voice footage. They weren't the best use of his talent.
EPIC works in the same fashion That's the Way It Is did. It shows Elvis has an approachable, humble performer. Did he have his moments where he was a prick? I'm sure. Who doesn't? The drug abuse later took over and caused his untimely 1977 death at age 42, leaving behind a legacy that stands today as a performer who is inimitable, even though of course he has thousands of impersonators. But there is only one true Elvis Presley. EPIC gives us one more reason why this is correct and seeing him never gets old.
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