Elvis & Nixon

The vast majority of films based on true stories typically carry a dramatic flair, especially any that may cover an historical political figure. So when "Elvis & Nixon" came along, seeing that it was a comedy, albeit a dry comedy, but a comedy nonetheless, I had to see it in order to understand that yes, something in history can be humorous.

On a December morning in 1970, the King of Rock 'n Roll, Elvis Presley (Michael Shannon) showed up on the lawn of the White House to request a meeting with the most powerful man in the world, President Richard Nixon (Kevin Spacey). This chronicles the untold true story forever immortalized in the most requested iconic photograph in the National Archives.
The meeting, coordinated by lifelong friend and personal assistant, Jerry Schilling (Alex Pettyfer) and White House Advisor, Bud Krogh (Colin Hanks), is one that almost didn't happen, but with a little motivation between both parties, it did happen. During the meeting many things were discussed including Elvis' request to offer his services as an undercover agent in the war on drugs. We learn several things about each of these iconic figures in the course of their conversation whereas they seemingly had more in common than one might think before watching this film.

Others to round out the cast are Johnny Knoxville as Sonny, friend of Elvis', Evan Peters as Chapin, Sky Ferreira as Charlotte, Tracy Letts as John Finlator, head of the DEA, Tate Donovan as Haldeman, Ashley Benson as Margaret, Ticket Agent, Ahna O'Reilly as Mary Anne Peterson, Kamal Angelo Bolden as Mac and Ian Koch as Donald.

This was directed quite well by Liza Johnson ("Fernweh--The Opposite of Homesick" 2000, "Return" '11, "Hateship Loveship" '13). Certainly this filmmaker doesn't have a plethora of work under her belt, however the work she's done is quirky in nature and definitely in the independent world. I believe this production actually needed someone in that director's chair who knows how to bring out the subtle nuances one would be looking for given this project, and Johnson did this in spades. It was refreshingly written well by Joey Sagal, Hanala Sagal and Cary Elwes. What I found astounding was that two out of the three writers here have never written a screenplay--Hanala Sagal is the only one who has, and this was written better than some seasoned screenwriters out there. This wasn't without some pitfalls-- some choppiness, a little slow in places, but considering the lack of experience in the writing field here, I feel this story gave a lot more than one would expect. What can I say about the two actors? Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road", "99 Homes", "Midnight Special") was superb as Elvis and Kevin Spacey ("American Beauty", "The Usual Suspects", "K-PAX") was brilliant as Nixon. These two brought out the obvious and the subtleties of their respective characters.

If you like true stories, and more to the point, a true story rich in character development, this is definitely the film for you. Their meeting wasn't as 'earth-shattering' as was the portrayals by these two fine actors--this is more why you're in the theater. But there are other sides to these two men that one hasn't read historically that might peak one's interest while viewing this. film.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                              Rated: R                                 86mins.