Elvis
The life story of Elvis Presley as seen through the complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Despite a substantial budget of $85.0M, Elvis became a commercial success, earning $288.7M worldwide—a 240% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Elvis (2022) exemplifies meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Baz Luhrmann's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 39 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Colonel Parker lies dying in a Las Vegas hospital, beginning his narration. Establishes the parasitic relationship and Parker's unreliable perspective on Elvis's story.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 19 minutes when Elvis performs at the Louisiana Hayride, gyrating provocatively. The audience erupts in hysteria while authorities and moralists are scandalized. Elvis becomes an overnight sensation and cultural threat.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 38 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Elvis signs with Colonel Parker, making the irreversible choice that will define his career. He enters Parker's world of calculated fame and control, leaving behind his independent path., moving from reaction to action.
At 76 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 48% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat The 1968 Comeback Special. Elvis performs in black leather, reconnecting with his raw, authentic self against Parker's wishes. False victory - he proves he's still relevant, but Parker immediately traps him in the Las Vegas residency contract., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 116 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Elvis discovers the full extent of Parker's betrayal - his astronomical debt, Parker's illegal immigrant status preventing international tours, and the realization he's been a prisoner. His spirit breaks completely., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 126 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Elvis's death at Graceland. The ultimate loss of agency - not a triumph but a tragic end. The realization comes too late: his authentic self was consumed by the machine Parker built., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Elvis's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Elvis against these established plot points, we can identify how Baz Luhrmann utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Elvis within the drama genre.
Baz Luhrmann's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Baz Luhrmann films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.7, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Elvis takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Baz Luhrmann filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Baz Luhrmann analyses, see Australia, Moulin Rouge! and Strictly Ballroom.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Colonel Parker lies dying in a Las Vegas hospital, beginning his narration. Establishes the parasitic relationship and Parker's unreliable perspective on Elvis's story.
Theme
Young Elvis hears gospel and blues music in the Black community tent revival. The merging of Black and white musical traditions - "that's the way to save your soul" - establishes the theme of authenticity versus exploitation.
Worldbuilding
Flashbacks establish Elvis's childhood in Tupelo, his family's poverty, his exposure to Black musical culture, and his early performance style. Parker recalls discovering Elvis and the cultural powder keg of 1954 America.
Disruption
Elvis performs at the Louisiana Hayride, gyrating provocatively. The audience erupts in hysteria while authorities and moralists are scandalized. Elvis becomes an overnight sensation and cultural threat.
Resistance
Colonel Parker schemes to become Elvis's manager. Elvis debates signing with Parker versus staying with his current management. Parker promises to make Elvis the biggest star in the world while manipulating his parents.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Elvis signs with Colonel Parker, making the irreversible choice that will define his career. He enters Parker's world of calculated fame and control, leaving behind his independent path.
Mirror World
Elvis meets Priscilla Beaulieu in Germany during his Army service. She represents genuine connection, innocence, and the possibility of a normal life outside Parker's control.
Premise
Elvis's meteoric rise: television appearances, the Ed Sullivan Show controversy, Hollywood films, and his evolution as the biggest star in America. The fun and spectacle of superstardom, even as Parker tightens control.
Midpoint
The 1968 Comeback Special. Elvis performs in black leather, reconnecting with his raw, authentic self against Parker's wishes. False victory - he proves he's still relevant, but Parker immediately traps him in the Las Vegas residency contract.
Opposition
Elvis trapped in the Las Vegas International Hotel residency. Parker's gambling debts deepen his control. Elvis's marriage crumbles, his drug use escalates, and he becomes increasingly aware of Parker's manipulation but feels powerless to escape.
Collapse
Elvis discovers the full extent of Parker's betrayal - his astronomical debt, Parker's illegal immigrant status preventing international tours, and the realization he's been a prisoner. His spirit breaks completely.
Crisis
Elvis's final performances in 1977. His health deteriorates, addiction consumes him, and he performs through pain and exhaustion. The dark night before his death, aware of his exploitation but unable to break free.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Elvis's death at Graceland. The ultimate loss of agency - not a triumph but a tragic end. The realization comes too late: his authentic self was consumed by the machine Parker built.
Synthesis
Parker's final justifications and the aftermath of Elvis's death. The revelation of Parker's true nature and the posthumous recognition of Elvis's cultural impact. The cost of the American dream.
Transformation
Archival footage of the real Elvis performing, his music living on. Despite Parker's exploitation, Elvis's authentic artistry and cultural revolution endured. The price was paid, but the transformation of American culture was permanent.