Hollywood’s allure comes with a price tag that casts a shadow over emerging talent introduced to its famous stage. Austin Butler, marked by his astounding portrayal in a $288 million Oscar-nominated Elvis musical epic, endured the toll on his mental health. As the pressure mounted, seeking solace amid the storm, none other than the cherished figure of Hollywood, Tom Hanks, extended a guiding hand.
The 31-year-old found Hanks to be a lifeline who helped him both professionally and with his shattered mental health.
Austin Butler Was Hospitalized After His Role In The Elvis Film
In the world of cinema’s silver screen, the roaring applause that often accompanies a thriving performance can cloak the difficulties faced behind the curtains.
Reflecting on the chronicles of Austin Butler, he unveiled his ordeal after wrapping up filming for the Elvis movie.
The culmination of his role led to unforeseen trials as he found himself hospitalized and bedridden for an entire week. In a prior interview, the actor said,
“The next day I woke up at 4 in the morning with excruciating pain, and I was rushed to hospital. My body just started shutting down the day after I finished Elvis.”
Recollections of Butler’s endeavor by director Baz Luhrmann unveil his unique approach to the craft. Luhrmann acknowledged his balanced response even in moments of turmoil, describing it as the “most polite panic” he had encountered.
Moreover, Butler’s profound connection to Presley’s essence is grounded in a shared emotional landscape, the loss of a mother at the age of 23. He explained,
“His mother passed away when he was 23, and my mum passed away when I was 23. So when I learned that, it was one of those things where I got chills, and I just thought, Okay, I can connect to that.”
This shared grief provided an avenue to connect deeply with Presley’s story, illuminating the human tapestry incorporated into the character portrayal.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unwavering passion with which actors dedicate themselves to their craft.
The hospitalization of the artist served as a perfect example of the unacknowledged sacrifices made by artists in the pursuit of cinematic greatness.
However, Tom Hanks became Butler’s savior during his emotional turmoil, a crucial source of comfort amid the storm.
Tom Hanks Advised Austin Butler On His Career Journey
Behind the glimmering curtain of Hollywood’s allure, the burden of fame and the strains imposed by demanding roles often remain veiled.
Butler’s revelation sheds light on Tom Hanks’s strategic advice, steering him to immerse into a fresh endeavor right after completing his iconic Elvis Presley portrayal, an therapy to emotional whiplash.
Acknowledged with both a Bafta and a Golden Globe Award, Butler’s model of the King of Rock and Roll in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis was a success marked by an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
A meticulous two-year preparation paved the path for this achievement. In the present, Butler steps into the spotlight of a Second World War drama mini-series titled Masters Of The Air, under the collaborative guidance of Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Gary Goetzman.
Butler’s recounted of Hanks’ therapist resonates and is filled with wisdom, he shared with the media what the filmmaker said,
“[Hanks] said, You have immersed yourself so deeply in Elvis that, for your mental health, it would be wise to go straight into something else. If you just jump off the train, you might have emotional whiplash. And, you know. I’ve got this thing I’m producing.”
Hanks’s role surpasses mere mentorship, acting as a shining example against the turbulent consequences of fame, and redefining the narrative of success in an industry known for its contrasts and complexities.
Source: The Times
