THE LAST ELVIS
Argentina, 2012, 91 minutes, Colour.
John McI nerney, Griselda Siciliani, Margarita Lopez.
Directed Armando Bo.
A film which has its exhilarating moments as might be guessed by the title. But also a deeply pessimistic film. The film won quite a number of awards, especially in its native Argentina.
John Mc Inerney is expert in portraying an Elvis impersonator. He has many opportunities to display this talent.
On the one hand, he works on a factory, is estranged from his wife and daughter. On the other hand, he longs to be a successful impersonator, sometimes succeeding, other times ridiculed and mocked.
In a moment of self-assertion, and of desperation, he buys a ticket to go to Memphis and to visit Graceland, touring Elvis’s house. And it is there, he decides to and his life.
Impressive but bleak.
1. The title and expectations? Elvis impersonators? All over the world? In Argentina?
2. The Argentinian background, the city, home, clubs, performances, offices, factory? The flight, Graceland, the Presley mementos?
3. John Mc Inerney, his skill as an Elvis impersonator, the range of songs and performances?
4. A portrait of Carlos, as himself, as embodying Elvis Presley? The opening, the stairs, the club, the band, the performance, the audience reaction, the wedding reception? The difficulties for his being paid, going to the office, making demands? His estranged wife, the conversations, exasperation? His bond with his daughter, taking her out? His work in the factory, humdrum, his dreams of doing something else? The continued singing, his exasperation and walking off, persuaded to come back? His hopes for a career? Age 42 and his celebration, the cake and the numbers, his desperation?
5. His decision to go to Memphis, the ticket, the plane, going to Graceland, the tour, his going upstairs, Elvis’s rooms, the mementos? His tablets, the decision to end his life, lacking achievement but dying in Graceland?
6. The portrait of his wife, the bonding with her husband, estrangement, the meetings, meals, the outings, her exasperation? The little girl, the bonding with both parents? Her mother deciding to file for divorce and for custody, allowing Carlos visits?
7. The exhilaration of the history of Elvis impersonations? Yet the effect on the individual? Lack of achievement? Despair?
