How many documentaries about Elvis Presley are you prepared to handle? Well, there’s going to be at least two coming across the next year. First, there’s Eugene Jarecki‘s “The King,” produced by Steven Soderbergh, which tracks the icon’s transition from traditional rock ‘n roller to mainstream superstar, and debuted last month at Sundance (it previously screened at Cannes in a longer cut titled “Promised Land“). For something more comprehensive, HBO is bringing the two-part “Elvis Presley: The Searcher” to the network this spring.
Thom Zimny directs this look at the life of Elvis Presley, an artist who created a legacy of classic music, even as he struggled to find his independence from the machine around him. Here’s the official synopsis:
This three-hour, two-film presentation focuses on Elvis Presley the musical artist, taking the audience on a comprehensive creative journey from his childhood through the final 1976 Jungle Room recording sessions. The films include stunning atmospheric shots taken inside Graceland, Elvis’ iconic home, and feature more than 20 new, primary source interviews with session players, producers, engineers, directors and other artists who knew him or who were profoundly influenced by him. The documentary also features never-before-seen photos and footage from private collections worldwide, and includes an original musical score composed by Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready.
“Elvis Presley: The Searcher” premieres at SXSW and hits HBO on April 14th.