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Deep Dive: The King (2018)

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The King
The King is a documentary that examines Elvis Presley and the context of America during his career. Directed by Eugene Jarecki, the film uses archival footage and celebrity interviews to illustrate the rise and fall of the American Dream through Presley's life. It features perspectives from notable figures such as Rosanne Cash, Alec Baldwin, and Emmylou Harris, and is set against the backdrop of significant American events, including the collapse of the twin towers. Much of the film is captured in a 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, once owned by Presley, as Jarecki travels to cities like Memphis, Las Vegas, and New York. The documentary addresses themes of race, materialism, and success, particularly focusing on African American viewpoints regarding Presley's appropriation of blues music and his limited role in the Civil Rights Movement. The film premiered at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival and was released in the U.S. on June 22, 2018.

Why Watch

  • •See celebrity insights from Alec Baldwin and Rosanne Cash.
  • •Find out how Elvis influenced American culture.
  • •Meet musicians discussing race and blues music.

Did You Know

•The film premiered at Cannes in 2017 and at Sundance in 2018.
•It was released in the U.S. on June 22, 2018.
•The documentary was nominated for Best Documentary at the News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
•The film holds a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 86 reviews.

Perfect For

Elvis Presley fansDocumentary enthusiastsAmerican history buffs