There are any number of reasons to watch this film: performances, cinematography, direction, nostalgia, humour, human relationships, whimsy, sorrow etc., but to get to the heart of this wonderful movie you have to ignore the fact that historically it is 80% factually incorrect. Script writer should have read around his subject to a greater degree, there is a dramatic enough story in the truth that should not have warranted a fantasy approach.
Reviews
2 Reviews
Sun Records
(2017–2018)
A fun piece of TV ephemera
9 September 2017
Loyal Elvis fans and devotees of Sam Phillips and Sun Records may find the restraints that a short mini-series (6 episodes) imposes on a big history frustrating. The condensing of the history is perhaps foregivable, although it appears remiss to have overlooked artists such as Howlin' Wolf and B. B. King, and arguably relocating some facts in the time-line creates greater dramatic impact. But in the telling of Elvis' story the writers appear to have relied more on myth and gossip rather than the known facts, and in some instances there are glaringly rewrites of history. Although some reviewers themselves appear to misinterpreted the facts: for example the relationship between Marion K and Sam Phillips was, according to Peter Guralnick, physical. However, all involved have created a series that goes some way to invoking the excitement of the times, with the cast giving credible and believable performances. If you can overcome any frustrations this is an enjoyable fun piece of television that left me wanting more when the credits had rolled on the final episode. I for one would like a season 2, but with a poor showing when aired it seems unlikely that CMT will pick-up the option.
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