Tom Hanks on his film role as manager Colonel Tom Parker
«Without him, the world star Elvis would never have existed»
Here the light figure Elvis, there the shadow figure Colonel Tom Parker. But Tom Hanks, who plays Parker in the upcoming ‘Elvis’ movie, underscores the manager’s importance to the king of rock ‘n’ roll’s success. It was only through him that Elvis became a world star.
–
“Elvis” by Baz Luhrmann (59) is one of the most awaited films of the year: The biopic about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was already celebrated at the world premiere in Cannes and will now be released in Swiss cinemas next week. Not only Austin Butler (30) as Elvis Presley (1935-1977) caused a sensation, but also Tom Hanks (65) as his manager Colonel Tom Parker (1909-1997). This was considered a highly shady figure. He enriched himself shamelessly from the artist, but was also his most important pioneer.
“Without him, the world star Elvis would never have existed,” Hanks emphasized in an interview with Blick. “Parker immediately recognized that he could shape Presley into a cult icon. He didn’t look at what Elvis pulled off on stage, but at the effect he had on his audience. So he realized that this young singer was a forbidden fruit. And Parker knew there was a lot of money to be made from forbidden fruit.”
“Parker was a small, clever wretch”
Hanks is fully aware that Parker himself became very rich thanks to Elvis. But he puts it into perspective: “He has always been able to satisfy all sides. He was initially asked why he was involved with such a controversial figure. He said, ‘Last year the kid had talent that was worth a million dollars. Today he’s got a million in his hands.’ And of course Parker put 10 percent of that in his own sack.”
Hanks had originally imagined the manager very differently. “I had an image in my head of a big and loud guy. Instead, while studying the role, I met the real Colonel Parker. He was this clever little wretch who, without hesitation, charged 25 centimes too much for an Elvis photo even from children. And enjoyed that just as much as cheating a casino in Las Vegas out of 25 million. He just loved scams like that, no matter the amount.”
Priscilla Presley as an antagonist
However, as time went on, friction between Elvis and Parker increased. “Which was mainly because Elvis met Priscilla. This then became an even more important person in his life – an authority that could undermine that of Parker », Hanks describes the important part of Elvis’ ex-wife (now 77).
“Nevertheless, Priscilla still likes the Colonel to this day,” says Hanks, who spoke to her at length in preparation for his performance. “She said to me that she thinks it’s a pity that he is no longer alive. And that she is very happy with the film.”
