Summary:
- Return of the King focuses on Elvis Presley’s 1968 Comeback Special but omits several key aspects of his life.
- The documentary excludes the impact of Elvis’s stillborn twin brother, Jessie Garon Presley.
- It skirts controversies about musical appropriation and Elvis’s relationship with Black artists.
- Personal and professional struggles, including substance abuse and affairs, are underexplored.
The Netflix documentary Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley examines the legendary musician’s 1968 Comeback Special, a pivotal moment in his career. While the documentary sheds light on this iconic performance, it leaves out significant details about Elvis’s personal life, controversies, and enduring impact, offering an incomplete portrayal of the King of Rock and Roll.
Elvis Presley Documentary: Major Omissions
Elvis’s Twin Brother and Its Lifelong Impact
Elvis Presley’s stillborn twin brother, Jessie Garon Presley, is a key aspect of his personal history. Despite being born an only child, Elvis remained deeply affected by Jessie’s death. Reports suggest that Jessie was seen as a spiritual guide by Elvis, shaping his religious devotion and personal philosophy.
While Return of the King explores some biographical details, this profound influence on Elvis’s life is notably absent. Graceland’s official biography even mentions Jessie, highlighting his importance in the King’s story. Yet, the omission from the documentary creates a gap in understanding Elvis’s emotional depth.
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Appropriation and Black Musical Influences
The documentary acknowledges Elvis’s admiration for Black music, particularly Gospel, but avoids addressing the recurring accusations of musical appropriation. Critics often cite Hound Dog, a song popularized by Big Mama Thornton, as a prime example.
Though Return of the King highlights the inspiration Elvis drew from Black artists, it stops short of engaging with the debates surrounding his alleged appropriation of their work. This exclusion sidelines a critical aspect of Elvis’s legacy, especially given ongoing discussions about cultural appropriation in music history.
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Unaddressed Controversies in Elvis’s Life
Elvis and Priscilla: The Age Gap Debate
While Priscilla Presley appears in the documentary, it avoids addressing the significant age gap between her and Elvis. Priscilla was just 14 years old when she met Elvis, who was 24 at the time. Their relationship quickly developed, but its beginnings remain controversial.
Other films, such as Priscilla, have highlighted this sensitive aspect of their relationship. However, Return of the King opts not to delve into this, potentially due to Priscilla’s involvement in the project.
Affairs and Romantic Relationships
The documentary also excludes discussions of Elvis’s numerous affairs during his marriage to Priscilla. Both Elvis and Priscilla had relationships outside their marriage, which contributed to their eventual divorce.
Elvis’s rumored relationships with co-stars and his engagement to Ginger Alden after his divorce receive little to no mention, presenting an incomplete picture of his romantic life.
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Substance Abuse and Its Effects
Elvis Presley’s struggles with drug addiction are well-documented in other works but are barely touched upon in Return of the King. The documentary’s focus on the 1968 Comeback Special sidelines this critical issue, which significantly affected Elvis’s health and career.
While other films, like Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, delve deeply into the toll of substance abuse, this omission limits the documentary’s exploration of his personal challenges.
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Key Figures Underexplored in the Documentary
Colonel Tom Parker’s Complex Role
Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s manager, played a central role in shaping his career but is portrayed sparingly in the documentary. While Parker’s marketing genius is acknowledged, the negative aspects of their relationship, including claims of exploitation, are glossed over.
This omission contrasts sharply with other portrayals, such as the 2022 Elvis film, which extensively explores Parker’s influence on Elvis’s life and career.
Lisa Marie Presley: Elvis’s Daughter
Elvis and Priscilla’s only child, Lisa Marie Presley, receives limited attention in the documentary. Her tragic death in 2023 adds emotional weight to her story, but Return of the King avoids delving into her relationship with her father.
Lisa Marie’s bond with Elvis and her role in preserving his legacy through Graceland remain crucial elements of his story that are left unaddressed.
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Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley provides an engaging look at the King of Rock and Roll’s 1968 Comeback Special but falls short of delivering a comprehensive portrayal.
Source: ScreenRant
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