Baz Luhrmann has thrown his support behind artists speaking out publicly about political issues in a new interview.
Appearing on the latest episode of the Rolling Stone Uncut podcast while promoting his new film, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, the Australian director discussed current debates regarding musician and actors who have used their platform to address political matters, such as ICE.
In recent weeks alone, the likes of Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish and Bruce Springsteen have all publicly condemned ICE agents and their operations.
In the podcast, Luhrmann discussed a particular scene in the movie where Elvis pushes back on a journalist asking about his political views, insisting he is just an entertainer but that others should be able to if they wish.
“This is the whole point of the documentary. [Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker] taught Elvis from very early on,” Luhrmann said.
“When [Presley] was young, he was very outspoken… but he was taught to just back off. But in his songs, he expressed himself. The Colonel had nothing to do with that. So when he went to sing ‘In the Ghetto,’ everyone’s like, ‘Do not do that song.’ And it was his number one hit. I’m very proud when he does the song ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’. ‘There are people on reservation and out in the ghetto… but for the grace of God go you and I… before you abuse, criticise and accuse walk a mile in my shoes.’ That’s a song of empathy.”
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He continued: “As an artist, you have to express yourself, no matter what form you do it in. And some do it through their work, and some also stand up and have a political view. You want to ask me my point of view about certain things going on? I think citizens in Iran who are protesting, or citizens in America who are protesting [against] a government shooting them? I’m thinking that’s probably friggin’ absolutely, totally, morally wrong.”
Watch or listen to the full podcast out now.