Eddie Presley

1992

Comedy / Drama

IMDb Rating 5.4/10 10 362 362

impersonator

Director

Jeff Burr Photo
Jeff Burr

Top cast

Ian Ogilvy Photo
Ian Ogilvy as Captain Starch
Clu Gulager Photo
Clu Gulager as Sid
Quentin Tarantino Photo
Quentin Tarantino as Asylum Attendant
Ted Raimi Photo
Ted Raimi as Scooter

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by Super_Fu_Manchu 7 / 10

The movie Lawrence Tierney calls 'Eddie Depressly'

There are a number of reasons to see Eddie Presley; it strikes a realistic if depressing tone, and doesn't dive out of this realism for the sake of the third act. The film portrays the monotony of living life on the ropes, and the futility of seeking fame that eludes so many. Whitaker is convincing as the main character in the film based on the play which he wrote. His attachment to the writing is clear; he allows the audience to see all sides of his character, uncomfortable yet involving viewing.Ultimately though, the film refuses to make judgments on its principal character; his narcissism and vanity go unchecked. We see him totally ignoring the advances of a woman who is meant to be his perfect match; the caring co-worker type who indulges his self centered fantasies. We see him use the services and faith of his friends without thanks. We see him expect fame rather than truly deserve it. The main character is so deeply flawed, yet the film only reflects on his depression and possible mental handicap (portrayed in incongruous flashbacks), without judging his motivations. Long shots of Eddie whimpering or sighing to himself, losing himself in the past, do little for the film. The audience of his show within the film are rightly falling asleep, but he continues his ramble about how sad it is for him, his past etc. This faces the film's actual audience with a difficult choice; do we too simply fall asleep while this man feels sorry for himself? The filmmakers are too in love with their central character to detach themselves from him enough to actually make a satisfying flick. I admit I became attached to the character, particularly in the first hour (significantly stronger than the second half, where Eddie plays his show to a bored audience). However, as the film progressed I found myself getting frustrated at Eddie's self delusion; one which the filmmakers become so involved with, its hard to see whether they themselves were even conscious that it's a delusion either. It's hard to even refer to this flick as a character-study, since it rarely actually studies the character - rather it gets swept along by his narcissism, before ultimately drowning in his own self-interest. This is reflected by the movie's initial running time of 3 hours, which was inevitably cut down to a more manageable 95 minutes.Those seeking the tooted cameos will probably be disappointed by the blink-and-you-miss-it appearances of Bruce Campbell and Quentin Tarantino, which are literally glances. Neither has a line in the film either. More entertaining is Lawrence Tierney's cameo; a role he was made for. Also on show is Ted Raimi, brother of 'Evil Dead' director Sam Raimi, who is amusing as always but catastrophically miscast.Overall this is a picture that wears its faults on its sleeve, much like Eddie himself. Whilst it never quite reaches the melancholy brilliance of a Jarmusch movie, it does have its moments, and is worth checking out. It's also of interest to the low budget filmmaker, given its shoe-string budget.
Reviewed by chadthor

The quest for one man's identity on the lower end of the Hollywood food chain.

A minor masterpiece of borderline genius. Duane Whitaker's play comes to cinematic fulfillment in EDDIE PRESLEY, a paegn to Hollywood Bottom Feeders. Loaded with quiet power and insight, EP is the story of a Presely impersonator with a wounded psyche, unflinching in his quest to keep the King's spirit alive. He bets it all on one night of glory, a headlining spot at dingy Tinseltown dive. He ends up losing his girlfriend, his job, his chance, but not his pride, as he engages in a cathartic Lennybruce-esque confession that celebrates the poetry of the angles while exorcising his own demons. A must for anyone whoever spit in the face of certain demise.
Reviewed by juliolugo143 1 / 10

This movie SUCKS

This was One of the worst movies I'v e ever seen. There were a few interesting characters but most of them made no sense to me. First was the odd dude in the coffee shop? What was that all about? He was always looking in the napkin dispenser. Then there was the old dude security guard. I guess he was one of the few believable characters in the film and he's done some other good work. Unfortunately, his part was far too small. OK, then there was Doc's club. Now this could have been played a lot more. The talent was rough. I personally enjoyed the ventriloquist. He was a metaphor for this film : HE SUCKED. About the only thing I liked were the two old ladies watching the show at Docs' They were cute, and I suspect related to the director or maybe the blue-haired investors that forked over the dough for this film and got a cameo. Who knew they would be the two best actors in this film! I also want to give a Golden Globe nomination to the rabbit that bit the magicians finger. He was really in character. Obviously, he is a star and probably regrets appearing in this stinker
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