Elvis Presley’s ex Linda Thompson, who did not feature in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic, has shared what she thinks of the director’s new documentary concert film, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
‘Erased’ Elvis Presley ex shares true feelings on Baz Luhrmann concert movie(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
While Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis focused on the late singer’s marriage to Priscilla Presley, it did not feature the other women who dated him and lived at Graceland – including Linda Thompson. As the Australian director prepares for the release of his second film about Elvis, Linda has shared her thoughts on EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert.
Linda lived at Elvis’ Memphis home from 1972-1976, and as their break-up was amicable, they remained in touch. When the biopic about her ex came out, she said she felt she had been “erased” from it and that this meant it wasn’t really a ‘biopic’. However, her opinion on Baz’s second Elvis film, which is a documentary concert film, seems to be more positive.
Linda wrote on Instagram: “It was a night! Such a night! Take the family and go see EPIC to better understand why Elvis‘s legacy lives on decades after his passing. This tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll by Baz Luhrmann truly captures the passion and the ferocity with which Elvis delivered his music. The Pantera was on display… The one he gifted me and promptly took back because it was too fast and he was afraid I would get hurt in the car… The one he famously shot 5 times when it wouldn’t start as we were going to the Memphian Theatre to see movies …
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Linda was in a relationship with Elvis(Image: WireImage)
“I had a deeply sensorial reaction to the film’s ultra close-ups…sweat dripping…gorgeous eyes that penetrate the soul… and the depth of feeling that I vividly and viscerally remember Elvis was capable of. I was struck with gratitude for having actually been there and witnessed the electricity of his performances hundreds of times… & that I got to fall asleep with and wake up to this force of nature named Elvis Presley for years.”
She added that she loved being so close to Elvis: “I was privileged to hear & to share his innermost thoughts and feelings. And although I was well aware of the icon and enormous talent he was… To me, he was my very human love with all his strengths and weaknesses, nobility and fallibility, fortitude and frailty… loyalty and mystery…and so deeply complex in his simplicity. The editing of this film by Jonathan Redmond is nothing short of Spectacular.
“So much of Elvis‘s unique character and personality are on display in this movie…And yet there was so much more to him… more years, more songs, more tours, more Aloha, more jumpsuits, more love…”
Linda shared how she felt about the new Elvis concert film(Image: Getty Images)
She dated Elvis from 1972 to 1976(Image: Instagram/ @ltlindathompson)
In another post, Linda added: “I was so blessed to see hundreds of Elvis‘s shows and share in all those moments with him. For the 4 1/2 years we were together, I accompanied him on all or part of every tour across the United States, was with him at every Las Vegas engagement for that time, and memorised every word to every song he sang on stage. I was always touched by the fact that he wanted me to be with him on the road, at home, in Las Vegas, Memphis, Palm Springs, Hawaii, and wherever we went. Those memories are indelibly etched in my mind and heart. Though my life has gone on to love others, build a successful career as a songwriter, create a wonderful family, and enjoy the fruits of a life well lived… Elvis is someone you never forget…”
When Baz’s biopic, starring Austin Butler as Elvis, first came out in 2022, Linda was not so pleased. She wrote on Instagram: “No, I haven’t seen it yet. The trailer looks very entertaining and Austin Butler appears to do a fantastic depiction. BUT since so many people are left out who were very important and instrumental in Elvis’ life – I wouldn’t call it a biopic.
“I spent four years and a half years of my life living with and deeply caring for Elvis on many levels. I shared a hospital room with him every time he was in hospital. I had my own bed next to his during those times. I travelled on every tour with him. I was the only woman to ever do so in this life. I was at every Las Vegas engagement during those years. I literally saved his life on several occasions.”
She added: “We stayed in touch and loved each other until the day he died – even though we had broken up and I had moved out of Graceland only eight months before. So any inclusion or exclusion in any movie ever made can never erase the important role I played in his life and he in mine. But every true fan already knows that. Thank you all for your loyalty.”
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