“Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley” is a Netflix documentary about Elvis Presley. It is directed by Jason Hehir.
Now streaming on Netflix is “Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley,” a compelling documentary that delves into the life and times of an artist and singer who forever altered the course of music history and became an enduring icon of American pop culture during the 1950s and 60s.
Elvis Presley is a name that resonates globally; his image and legacy are well-known. However, many viewers may not be familiar with the origins of his music or how he managed to reshape the musical landscape of his era, breaking through racial barriers. With Elvis, black and white music merged into a cultural phenomenon known as rock and roll, which scandalized the period with its strong sexual undertones and his magnetic persona.
Subsequently, his stint in the military, his Hollywood film career, his deterioration, substance abuse, and the decline of this colossal pop culture icon are chronicled. Yet, even today, Elvis’s cultural influence remains vibrant.
About the Documentary
The documentary traces Elvis’s career from its inception, narrated by those who knew him best—his friends, family (including Priscilla Presley), and notable guests like Bruce Springsteen and Baz Luhrmann, the director of a recent film about Elvis.
The documentary places a significant focus on one man, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s manager. Parker was driven solely by money, making substantial profits but also steering Elvis into mediocre movies and away from live performances, ultimately damaging his career.
“Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley” is not merely a retrospective of Elvis’s career; it also offers a journey through the music of that era, examining how bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones revolutionized the industry and how Elvis’s music slowly faded from public memory.
Additionally, it explores the musical influences that shaped Elvis’s sound, from his early years to his later period when he altered his vocal modulation under the influence of opera and tenor Mario Lanza.
Then comes the part of the story that everyone knows: his decline, drug addiction, isolation, and near-total musical obscurity.
Nevertheless, the documentary strikes a hopeful note with the account of his 1968 television special. In this remarkable comeback, Elvis returned to the stage, singing once more and capturing that fleeting moment of glory, shining brilliantly on stage as he had in the past.
“Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley” is a nostalgic journey through the 50s and 60s and the career of one of the 20th century’s greatest celebrities. It offers a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of fame.
This personal approach to a public figure who was ultimately consumed by the very industry that created him offers a profound insight.
Long live the King of Rock and Roll.
Where to Watch “Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley”
