Elvis acting compared to other Singers

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

There is a world of difference from Elvis' acting career in 1957 and that of 1969, these films are poles apart. In 1957 the roles Elvis were given didn't require Elvis to say too much, just be moody and be a rebel! The less Elvis said the better, the less expressions the better. The mean and moody Elvis encapsulates the 50's Elvis to a "T"

When Elvis left the army there was a deliberate change of charactor for Elvis, the colonel rounded off the edges, smoothed over the rebel Image and made Elvis into what was considered middle America. You can look at this in two ways 1) Believe John Lennon when he said that Elvis died when he went into the army 2) The Colonal made an excellent choice and moved Elvis from a cult act into a mainstream player with longevity.

Also you have to look at the other films being made around the time Elvis was making movies... Clint Eastwood made "Where Eagles Dare" in 1968 Steve McQueen made the film Bullitt. Elvis' films were not of there day even back in the 60's, they were a formula that worked back in 1960-64 but never moved with the times. When Elvis did try something different in 1968-69 it was too late, when you watch Change of Habit the scene where he is rocking the child in his arms.. Brrrr, makes me cringe

Elvis films were just that..."Elvis Films" they were pink and fluffy in general with a few happy songs to get us from 'A' to 'B'. They were never going to win Oscars but for the most part they entertained the fans.

There are few actors that are versatile, usually they play themselves or one charactor over and over again, look at Bruce Willis or Al Pacino!

Elvis was Elvis in these flimsy fun filled travelogues, In their day they were weak, to judge them now with all the hi tech wizzardary that is around makes it very difficult.

All in all I think Elvis did a good job given the material he was given, if he had been given challenging roles from 1960-69 we would be reviewing a different body of work and a better movie legacy. As has been mentioned there are worse singing actors today

[MojoElvis]

I think Elvis was up there with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. They both had their own style and so did Elvis. I believe he had what it took to keep you interested but the material made it impossible for him to progress. King Creole was his best in my opinion. When I showed that movie to my girlfriend she said, I forgot it was an Elvis movie. In her words, it was a "real movie". I've been in two movies and a sitcom before I did the Elvis thing and you'd be surprised at what seems like mediocrity acting on TV, is really good acting in person. Elvis had that and then some.
For the most part I believe that at one point Elvis listen to the media and thought he wasn't that good so he didn't fight for better roles. the Colonels reason was, look at how many people went to see G.I. Blues, and how many went to see, Flaming Star & Wild In The Country.
I know a lot of you guys don't agree with me but that's how I feel.