With Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS just around the corner, let’s take back a look at some of the best uses of the King’s music in the films we know and love.
“Jailhouse Rock” in The Blues Brothers (1980)
If there was ever a scene that was perfect for an Elvis number, it’s in The Blues Brothers. Jake and Elwood Blues are once thrown behind bars after a maddening pursuit from the authorities. But no sir, that doesn’t seem to dull their spirits. Full of vigour and zest, they perform a hearty rendition of “Jailhouse Rock” in, well, the jailhouse. But hey, at least the inmates had a good time.
“Loving Arms” in Godzilla vs Kong (2021)
Although not an Elvis “original,” his rendition of “Loving Arms” plays out in a less-than touching scene of a chained up King Kong. Not exactly the loving arms Kong probably had in mind. That said, the Elvis medley helps set up a calm first act before Godzilla shows up and the monsters begin taking swings at each other.
“A Little Less Conversation” in Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
You can’t go wrong with an Elvis classic, especially in a film as fun as Ocean’s Eleven. Besides jump-starting the heist genre, the film’s seamless use of “A Little Less Conversation” is a credit to its success. The song is practically embedded in the soundtrack, its upbeat rhythm bouncing off the many hijinks of the ensemble cast.
“Hound Dog” in Forrest Gump (1994)
Amongst the myriad of events that spanned Forrest Gump’s illustrious life, teaching Elvis Presley how to do the rubber legs has got to be up there. An unknown Elvis rents out a room at Forrest’s house and asks the young boy to show off his leg brace moves. Inspired by these very moves, he puts them on display in his television performance of “Hound Dog,” earning disapproval from Forrest’s mother.
“Mystery Train” in The Outsiders (1983)
If you haven’t seen this cult classic about a teenage gang of misfits, at least the Elvis score should draw you in. Since the film centres around the harsh realities of a greaser gang, it’s a no-brainer to have the poster-boy of greaser culture appear on the soundtrack. But besides the musical cameo, The Outsiders is a gut-wrenchingly beautiful coming-of-age story with a universal message of finding your place in the world.
BONUS: “Stuck on You,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Devil in Disguise” in Lilo and Stitch (2002)
No one appreciates the King quite like Lilo does in Lilo and Stitch. In an effort to make her blue alien “dog” become a model Hawaiian citizen, she turns to Elvis for inspiration. Citing his dance moves, his suave charm, and his impeccable guitar strumming, she successfully turns Stitch into an Elvis impersonator. But maybe not so much a model citizen.
Follow Us