Baz Luhrmann: Thank You Very Much

In this deeply reflective and passionate episode of *Literally! With Rob Lowe*, host Rob Lowe sits down with legendary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann to discuss his groundbreaking documentary *Epic: Elvis Presley in Concert*. Luhrmann reveals the emotional and artistic journey behind the film, emphasizing how it transcends the traditional concert documentary or biopic by becoming a poetic, dreamlike experience. He shares how he discovered 59 hours of previously unseen archival footage in Kansas, including rare audio of Elvis speaking candidly about his life, and how he used innovative techniques—like reverb loops and layered soundscapes—to create a visceral, immersive narrative. The conversation delves into Elvis’s humanity, his spiritual roots in gospel music, his defiance of societal norms, and the profound loneliness that accompanied his stardom. Luhrmann also reflects on the nature of greatness, arguing that true artistry lies in imperfection, spontaneity, and the raw chaos of being human—something AI can never replicate. The episode concludes with a preview of Luhrmann’s upcoming film *Joan of Arc*, a generational story about youth, rebellion, and the birth of a new era, which he’s preparing with meticulous historical research and immersive world-building.