Elvis Goes There

Elvis Goes There is a compelling documentary series brought to you by Epix in 2019. It features the iconic film critic and TV host, Elvis Mitchell, as he delves into the world of cinema with a new adventurous perspective. Unlike traditional film critic programs, Elvis Goes There takes us on a global journey, exploring far-reaching locations that have impacted the world of famous directors and their movies.

Across each of the four riveting episodes, viewers have the opportunity to follow Mitchell as he embarks on an insightful expedition alongside prominent Hollywood figures such as Ryan Coogler, Guillermo Del Toro, Sofia Coppola, and Paul Feig. Each of these filmmakers is introduced in their respective cinematic landscapes; that is, the cities, countries, and neighborhoods that have significantly influenced their life and work.

The show excels in weaving together informal conversations, culture exploration, and plot insights. These valuable elements provide a rare look into the intimate dynamics between location and storytelling, locality and universality, offering an appreciation of cinema as both an art and a reflection of various social fabric.

As a highly respected film critic and interviewer, Mitchell utilizes his distinct style of engagement to derive profound confessions and reflections from the film personalities. While these interviews form the backbone of the series, Mitchell also features locals and cinephiles for their unique perspectives on the filmmaker’s work. This holistic approach allows viewers to completely immerse themselves in the essence of each region and its social context, thereby appreciating the films and their creators on a deeper level.

One of the show's standout features is its cinematography. Mitchell and the production team did an excellent job knitting breathtaking exterior shots and picturesque landscapes, from the sonic archipelago of Mexico, Guillermo Del Toro’s homeland, to Ryan Coogler’s Bay Area, which ultimately transports viewers to the heart of their stories.

Elvis Goes There balances its elements of a guided tour and film appreciation class quite seamlessly. You travel with Mitchell as he roams through the arteries of Sofia Coppola's beloved New York, to the historic London neighborhoods that Paul Feig cherishes. Through these walks, Mitchell introduces the audience not only to the spatial dimensions of these movie stories but also the cultural, societal, and historical elements that shaped their narratives.

Each episode focusses on one director, giving proper time and depth to their unique experiences and involvements in the different locations. Through personal interviews and exploration of locales significant to their lives, Mitchell attempts to understand the lens of these directors, their inspirations, and aspirations that resonate through their films. Like a mirror reflecting the expressive power of cinema, Elvis Goes There seeks to expose the sensitivities, prejudices, ideals, and opinions of these distinguished artists by deconstructing their links with their birthplace or significant cities.

Simultaneously, individual episodes encompass interviews with other industry names who have either closely worked with the featured director or deeply influenced by their work. These conversations add an extra texture to the understanding of the director's impact on their peers and the industry as a whole.

It's noteworthy how Mitchell's style allows filmmakers to disclose substantial information about their films without feeling interviewed or scrutinized. Instead, he fosters an environment that nurtures honesty, openness, and intellectual stimulation.

The global locations, combined with the front-row experience of the filmmakers' creative processes, make this series a must-watch for movie buffs and travel enthusiasts alike. Whether you're interested in understanding the magic behind your favorite movies, appreciating the unique narrative that each location brings to a film, or simply intrigued by an amalgamation of culture, cinema, and travel, Elvis Goes There caters to a wide range of audience interests.

Overall, Elvis Goes There is an innovative blend of travelogue and film history that brings intimacy, freshness, and depth to the traditional interview format. With iconic film figures, stunning locations, thoughtful questions, and Mitchell's conducting charm, the series offers an entirely new perspective on understanding cinema, its creators, and the places that shaped them.