LAS VEGAS – David Stanley, stepbrother and former bodyguard of Elvis Presley, has strongly criticized Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic Elvis, claiming the film distorted both the singer’s image and that of his longtime manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
In an interview, Stanley expressed disappointment that the movie placed excessive focus on Parker, portraying him as a ruthless antagonist. He argued that while Parker was a tough businessman, he was not the villain the film depicted, insisting that the relationship between Elvis and Parker was far more balanced than shown on screen.
Stanley also condemned the way Elvis himself was represented, stating that the film diminished his stepbrother’s charisma and strength. He accused Hollywood of making the rock legend appear weak, stressing that “nobody is Elvis” and that his true character was far more powerful than the movie suggested.
While praising Austin Butler’s performance and the recreation of Elvis’s live performances, Stanley noted that he found greater authenticity in Sofia Coppola’s 2023 film Priscilla. He highlighted scenes showing Elvis’s temper, such as throwing a chair, which he said reflected real events he had personally witnessed. According to Stanley, despite such outbursts, Elvis often followed with apologies and grand gestures of reconciliation.
In addressing Lisa Marie Presley’s past criticism of Priscilla, Stanley argued that his and Priscilla’s longer presence in Elvis’s life gave them a deeper understanding of his complexities. He maintained that the film more accurately captured Elvis’s struggles and personal dynamics than Luhrmann’s stylized adaptation.
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