Directed by John Carpenter, the TV biopic “Elvis” debuted on ABC in 1979, and it would prove to be a significant milestone for the filmmaker. It was the genesis of Carpenter’s collaborative relationship with Kurt Russell, who portrayed Elvis Presley in the film. This partnership would flourish in subsequent years with films like “Escape From New York,” “The Thing,” “Big Trouble in Little China,” and “Escape From L.A.” However, the production of “Elvis” was exceptionally challenging, as Carpenter recounted in an interview with Variety:
“The hardest thing I’ve ever done was ‘Elvis,’ a three-hour TV show. We had 88 speaking parts and 100 and some odd locations in 30 days. Holy Toledo! I was too dumb and young to realize how tough that is. That was a baptism of fire. Hurry up, let’s shoot! It was unreal.”
Carpenter also discussed his connection to the project in an earlier interview with Film Comment, sharing his personal admiration for Elvis which influenced his decision to take on the project. Yet despite this personal. connection, Carpenter expressed some dissatisfaction with the end result, particularly concerning his limited involvement in the editing process.
While “Elvis” may not be counted among Carpenter’s greatest works (despite Russell’s commendable performance as the titular character), it remains an intriguing chapter in his career. The original three-hour version enjoyed television success, leading to a shortened feature release in Europe and Australia. Not only did it spotlight Carpenter’s skill as a filmmaker, but it was also the starting point for what would become an iconic actor-director duo.
FAQs
Who played Elvis in John Carpenter’s TV biopic?
Kurt Russell portrayed Elvis Presley in the 1979 TV biopic directed by John Carpenter.
How long was the filming schedule for “Elvis”?
The filming schedule for “Elvis” was an intense 30 days of shooting.
Was “Elvis” John Carpenter’s first collaboration with Kurt Russell?
Yes, “Elvis” marked the first time John Carpenter and Kurt Russell worked together.
Did “Elvis” receive a theatrical release?
A feature-length cut of “Elvis” was released theatrically in Europe and Australia after its successful TV debut.
How did John Carpenter feel about working on “Elvis”?
John Carpenter found the experience of working on “Elvis” to be the most challenging of his career at that point, particularly because of the demanding schedule and his limited involvement in the editing.
Conclusion
John Carpenter’s foray into television with the biopic “Elvis” stands as a testament to the director’s resilience and adaptability in the face of a grueling production schedule. The project not only challenged him but also allowed him to explore a subject he felt passionately about. Most notably, “Elvis” laid the foundation for a legendary cinematic partnership with Kurt Russell that would leave an enduring mark on the landscape of American film. Although Carpenter himself may have had reservations about some aspects of his work on “Elvis”, the endeavor ultimately cemented his status as a versatile and dedicated filmmaker.