Baz Luhrmann Says Finding Long-Lost Tapes of Elvis Presley in a Salt Mine ‘Was Like “Raiders of the Lost Ark’” (Exclusive)

Baz Luhrmann has released a new concert film titled “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” which focuses on the legendary musician’s vibrant residency in Las Vegas during the 1970s. The film aims to offer a deeper insight into Elvis Presley’s life and artistry, delving into the man behind the iconic image that has captivated audiences for decades.

Before embarking on the biopic “Elvis,” which premiered in 2022 and starred Austin Butler, Luhrmann undertook an intriguing expedition to uncover lost footage of the King of Rock and Roll. He dispatched a team of researchers to a salt mine in Kansas, where they discovered a treasure trove of 65 reels of previously thought-to-be lost tapes. “They keeled over,” Luhrmann reflected on the moment of discovery, likening it to the adventures of Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

Among the rare footage uncovered was a significant 40-minute interview featuring Elvis himself. In contrast to many documentaries that depict other people’s perspectives on the star, Luhrmann aimed to allow Elvis to narrate his own story, saying, “That was actually our guiding light.” This approach offers a fresh lens through which to view Elvis Presley, focusing on his experiences and reflections rather than relying solely on external commentary.

“EPiC” chronicles Elvis’s remarkable resurgence during the 1970s, notably stemming from his record-setting residency in Las Vegas. Luhrmann highlights the nuances between the public persona and the private struggles of the music legend. “There’s the image, and then there’s the man,” he explained, expressing hope that the film showcases a more comprehensive picture of Elvis’s life beyond his fame.

Elvis’s rise to stardom began in the 1950s, sparked by his magnetic performances and hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog.” However, upon returning to Memphis after serving in the U.S. Army in 1960, he found that his music no longer resonated with fans as it once had. This period of decline paralleled increasing dissatisfaction with the film roles dictated by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Elvis candidly expresses, “I thought they would give me a chance to show some kind of acting ability, but it did not change.”

Following his iconic ’68 Comeback Special, Elvis revitalised his career with a performance at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1969. The success of this engagement led to a lucrative deal, allowing him to perform semi-annually at the venue for the next five years. Luhrmann noted the intensity with which Elvis engaged in these performances, stating, “He used his body to conduct the whole band, the whole orchestra, everything.”

Between his commitments in Las Vegas, Elvis toured the United States, unabashedly stating, “I’m perfectly at home out there.” Despite his enjoyment of the stage, his aspirations to perform internationally were thwarted by Colonel Parker’s unwillingness to travel abroad due to his irregular immigration status. This limitation left Elvis feeling confined, akin to “a bird smashing into a glass window,” as Luhrmann described.

The pressures of fame, coupled with personal challenges, particularly after his divorce from Priscilla Presley in 1973, began to take their toll. Over time, Elvis became a shadow of his former self, struggling with prescription drug addiction. His deterioration was stark, contrasting the energetic performer celebrated in the film.

Elvis Presley passed away on 16 August 1977, succumbing to a heart attack at his beloved Graceland estate in Memphis. Although he never realised his dream of performing internationally during his lifetime, Luhrmann aims for “EPiC” to fulfil that aspiration in a sense. He expressed his excitement about audiences around the world, including in the UK, experiencing the performance he believes Elvis would have wanted to share with them.

“EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” is now screening in theatres, inviting fans both old and new to engage with the life and legacy of one of music history’s most enduring icons. The film not only celebrates Presley’s career but also offers an intimate look at the complexities of the man behind the music, leaving viewers with a deeper appreciation of his journey.