Austin Butler on Intense Elvis Preparation, Singing in the Movie & Working with Tarantino

TL;DR

Austin Butler shares insights on playing Elvis and his Golden Globe nomination.

Transcript

our first guest tonight has been nominated for a Golden Globe for stepping into some very large Blue Suede Shoes he Stars alongside Tom Hanks in baz luhrmann's Elvis you looking for trouble you came to the right place look right in my face [Applause] [Applause] misery Elvis will run HBO Max now say hello to Austin Butler [Applause] foreign [Applaus... Read More

Key Insights

• 📞 Austin Butler received a Golden Globe nomination for his transformative performance in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis.
• 👨‍🔬 The pandemic created unexpected challenges, forcing Butler to refine his portrayal through solitude and extensive research on Elvis.
• 🚚 Butler studied not only Elvis’s music but also his mannerisms, vocal techniques, and even his laughter to deliver an authentic performance.
• 🤲 The daunting scope of portraying Elvis highlighted the unique challenges of getting into the mindset of an icon who dealt with massive fame.
• 🥋 Butler incorporated various coaches—movement, vocal, and even martial arts—into his preparation, showcasing his commitment to embodying the role.
• 🧑‍🏭 The interview highlighted Butler's genuine passion for acting, tracing back to his youth when he became captivated by screenwriting and filmmaking.
• 🛀 His experience at award shows juxtaposed his roots in humble beginnings, reminiscing about countless auditions and the journey to recognition.

Questions & Answers

Q: What challenges did Austin Butler face while preparing for the role of Elvis?

Austin Butler experienced significant challenges while preparing to portray Elvis Presley, especially when pandemic restrictions forced him to remain isolated before filming began. To maintain focus, he wallpapered his apartment with images of Elvis and compiled recordings of his voice, immersing himself deeply in the character. This intense dedication helped him understand not only the physical nuances but the emotional depth required to convincingly embody such an iconic figure.

Q: How did the pandemic influence the filming of Elvis?

The pandemic had a notable impact on the filming of Elvis, especially when Tom Hanks contracted COVID-19 just days before production was set to begin. This led to a temporary halt and reimagining of the shooting schedule. Austin Butler used this unexpected time to further dive into his preparation, which included rigorous study of Elvis’s life and artistry, ensuring he would remain in character despite the disruptions.

Q: What was unique about Butler's approach to mastering Elvis's voice?

Austin Butler took a unique approach in mastering Elvis's voice by meticulously compiling recordings of Elvis singing, listening to each track while also practicing specific lines. He focused not only on the melody but also on the phonetics and emotional delivery, adjusting his technique to prevent vocal strain during high-energy performances. This commitment to vocal authenticity was critical in capturing the spirit and style of Elvis Presley.

Q: How did Butler feel about working with directors like Baz Luhrmann and Quentin Tarantino?

Austin Butler expressed immense admiration for both Baz Luhrmann and Quentin Tarantino, considering Luhrmann’s direction on Elvis to be visionary and transformative. His experience working with Tarantino on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was equally gratifying, describing it as an infectious environment filled with enthusiasm. Butler cherished both collaborations as they significantly shaped his growth as an actor and storyteller in the film industry.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Austin Butler discusses his preparation for the role of Elvis Presley, revealing how he immersed himself in the character during the filming process, especially while isolated due to pandemic restrictions.

• He reflects on the physical transformation required for the role, including studying Elvis's voice, movement, and unique mannerisms, while emphasizing the challenges of portraying such an iconic figure.

• Butler also shares his excitement about attending award shows like the Golden Globes, expressing his starstruck feelings towards fellow actors he admires.