Believe it when they say 'truth is stranger than fiction". This is the bizarre account of Elvis Presley (Michael Shannon) flying commercial to the nation's capital for a secret meeting with the president. Elvis, with best intentions, goes to The White House, with a hand-written letter asking for a DEA agent-at-large badge. It is December 21, 1970, just four years before Richard Nixon (Kevin Spacey) would be forced to resign from office. The Commander-in-Chief reluctantly decides to meet Elvis after urging from White House staffer Bud Krough (Colin Hanks) and his associate Dwight Chapin (Evan Peters).
This movie, similar to the meeting itself, borders entertaining and sheer oddity. It is a tongue in cheek look at an actual meeting that had comic and heartwarming qualities. Both men, of importance, boasting and bragging on the other to get what they wanted. Elvis wanted his badge and Mr. Nixon wanted an autographed picture for his daughter. And for the meeting to end! Spacey is hilarious, playing the role a bit downbeat, but has all the Nixon mannerisms down pat. I feel he steals the show from Shannon, who looks and acts nothing like Elvis, but tries to say something with his dead eyes. It is to be consider a comedy and it is. ELVIS & NIXON is worth watching.
Note: the actual photo taken at the meeting has easily become the most requested photo from the National Archives.
Something also on the odd side, is that the soundtrack features NO Elvis music. Tunes are provided by Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
This movie, similar to the meeting itself, borders entertaining and sheer oddity. It is a tongue in cheek look at an actual meeting that had comic and heartwarming qualities. Both men, of importance, boasting and bragging on the other to get what they wanted. Elvis wanted his badge and Mr. Nixon wanted an autographed picture for his daughter. And for the meeting to end! Spacey is hilarious, playing the role a bit downbeat, but has all the Nixon mannerisms down pat. I feel he steals the show from Shannon, who looks and acts nothing like Elvis, but tries to say something with his dead eyes. It is to be consider a comedy and it is. ELVIS & NIXON is worth watching.
Note: the actual photo taken at the meeting has easily become the most requested photo from the National Archives.
Something also on the odd side, is that the soundtrack features NO Elvis music. Tunes are provided by Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Blood, Sweat & Tears.