God Is the Bigger Elvis

God Is the Bigger Elvis is a fascinating 2012 documentary showcasing the incredible and unique story of Dolores Hart, who once was a bright shining star in Hollywood and a close associate to the legendary musician Elvis Presley, before she chose an entirely different path by becoming a Benedictine nun.

Undeniably, Dolores Hart was a rising Hollywood superstar in the late 1950s and early 1960s. With an irresistibly charming screen presence and a multitude of talents, she started her career in the film industry as an elegant and versatile actress making her mark in various genre films. Her exceptional acting abilities were commendable enough that she received an impressive start, co-starring with leading actors of that time, including Anthony Quinn and Montgomery Clift.

One of the key highlights of her career, the one that lent the title to the documentary, was her working relationship with the 'King of Rock and Roll' Elvis Presley. Dolores Hart holds the distinction of being the first woman to share an on-screen kiss with Elvis, which elevated her status and fame tremendously.

Whether you are a fan of Hart, a mid-century cinema aficionado, or simply a curious viewer drawn to offbeat real-life tales, God Is the Bigger Elvis deftly serves a multitude of interests. Director Rebecca Cammisa paints a lively and compelling portrait of this remarkable woman and her stunning transformation from a silver-screen siren to a woman of faith. Using a skilful mix of interviews, archival footage, and on-location shooting, the film takes the audience through Hart's glittering Hollywood career, the allure and cost of fame, and ultimately her life-altering decision to leave it all behind for a life of prayer and contemplation.

The film’s exploration of Hart’s spiritual journey delivers an emotionally resonant testimony on personal convictions, about the sacrifices one is willing to make in order to gain peace and fulfillment. Griding deeper into the narrative, it does not shy away from plumbing the depths of Dolores' faith, wrestling with the big questions about religion, commitment, sacrifice, happiness, and meaning.

At the same time, the documentary also showcases Hart's current life in the contemplative Benedictine monastery of the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticut. It provides viewers with a look inside the peaceful communal life of the nuns, their adherence to a strict schedule of prayer and work, and specifically highlighting the simple, yet profoundly sacrificial life Dolores Hart chose to lead. It enlightens the audience on the historical and spiritual significance of the monastic life, revealing a world that is unseen by many.

Moreover, glimpses of Elvis Presley throughout the film add yet another layer to this complex and captivating documentary. Fans of Elvis will be delighted to see him as they've never seen him before - through the eyes of a woman who knew him not just as the groundbreaking icon in the music industry, but as a fellow co-star and a friend.

Visually poignant and emotionally captivating, God Is the Bigger Elvis is a thought-provoking documentary that also subtly touches upon the relationship between media, fame, and personal identity. The film’s craftsmanship, along with its unique focus and deep respect for its subject matter, resulted in an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2012.

If you're intrigued by the idea of a young, talented and successful Hollywood actress who found purpose not in the flashbulbs of the red carpet but within the tranquillity of the nunnery, then this documentary is certainly worth a watch. The movie is not only about Dolores Hart and her choice to leave Hollywood for monastic life but also about the leading figures in her life and those she influenced.

In essence, God Is the Bigger Elvis is a beautifully crafted documentary that invites the viewers to reflect upon their perceptions and judgments about success, personal fulfillment, faith, and the choices that define our lives. The wholesome narrative and heartwarming elements of Dolores Hart's extraordinary journey from the Hollywood spotlight to the peaceful silence of the Abbey are certain to leave viewers pondering long after the film’s poignant end.