Watch Orion: The Man Who Would Be King

Orion: The Man Who Would Be King is a 2015 documentary film that tells the story of a musician named Jimmy Ellis who was cast into success after he began impersonating Elvis Presley in the 1970s. The documentary is directed by Jeanie Finlay and produced by Rebecca Mark-Lawson. The film begins with the early life of Jimmy Ellis and explores his musical journey prior to his discovery. The audience is taken through his life growing up in rural Mississippi where his love of music began. Ellis demonstrated an early talent for singing and playing the guitar, but his attempts at a career in music didn't seem to be going anywhere. That is, until the 1970s, when a producer who was looking to create a new Elvis Presley impersonator discovered Ellis.

The producer, Shelby Singleton, crafted a stage persona for Ellis that was modeled after Elvis Presley. He even gave him the stage name "Orion," which was a nod to the constellation in the sky.

Orion quickly gained a following, and his shows were wildly successful. Fans were enamored with his striking resemblance to Elvis, and his performances seemed to capture the magic of the King himself. Despite his success, Ellis's true identity remained a secret. He continued to perform under a mask that concealed his face, making it impossible for anyone to know who was truly behind the Orion persona.

As the documentary unfolds, it delves deep into the complex world of celebrity impersonation. It explores how the Orion phenomenon became so popular, and what it was about the performer that captivated audiences. The film features interviews with Orion's friends, family, and colleagues, as well as with people who were instrumental in his career. It also features commentary from music critics and journalists who covered the Orion phenomenon.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way in which it explores the relationship between Jimmy Ellis and Orion. The audience gets to see how the performer struggled with the identity he had created for himself, and how it ultimately led to his downfall. As the years went by, Ellis became increasingly disillusioned with the Orion persona, and his attempts to break free from it proved fruitless.

Ellis's story is a fascinating one, and the documentary does an excellent job of weaving together the various threads of his life. It explores the highs and lows of his career, as well as the many challenges he faced along the way. The film also offers a fascinating look into the world of celebrity impersonation, and how it can be both a blessing and a curse for those who engage in it.

Overall, Orion: The Man Who Would Be King is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary that offers a unique perspective on the world of music and celebrity. It provides an intimate look at the life of Jimmy Ellis and the impact that the Orion persona had on him and his career. It's a must-see for anyone who is interested in music history, celebrity culture, or just a good story.

Orion: The Man Who Would Be King is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 84.