Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you’re a fan of Kevin Spacey or Michael Shannon.
Score: 3.5/5
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 86 minutes (~1.5 hours)
“Elvis & Nixon” is a historical dramedy based on the legendary meeting between President Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley, and Elvis’ request to be sworn in as a federal agent-at-large. It stars Kevin Spacey (President Richard Nixon), Michael Shannon (Elvis Presley), Alex Pettyfer (Jerry Schilling), Colin Hanks (Egil Krogh), Johnny Knoxville (Sonny West), and Evan Peters (Dwight Chapin).
If you’re wondering how an entire movie can be based on a single meeting, “Elvis & Nixon” covers a good deal of setup and also the events leading to the meeting between Elvis and Nixon. It’s an entertaining comedy that shows the two title characters in a more light-hearted setting, rather than the usual heavy biopics about historical characters. It’s definitely a treat to see the two personalities from opposite sides of the spectrum meeting, and relies heavily on the performances of the lead actors to carry it through its 86 minutes.
Highlights
Nixon’s characterisation
The film shows us the human side of Nixon, who’s often vilified in media portrayals, and paints him as a kindly old father who’s rather traditional. Faced with the impending upheaval of the status quo, in the form of Elvis, Nixon reacts rather predictably. But it’s his softer side that really garners your empathy, especially when you see that he’s quite a bit of a family man, with his daughters as his weakness.
Elvis and Nixon’s interaction
Their scenes almost play out like a buddy cop movie, with such thick layers of subtext between the two powerful men. It’s an unlikely connection that forms between them, even though they’re from completely different worlds. There’s also a heavy dose of humour from the inappropriate situations and misaligned expectations of and from the pair. This is the highlight of the movie, after all, and it’s certainly the most entertaining portion of “Elvis & Nixon.”
Comedic tone
There’s no slapstick since it’s not an outright comedy, but most of the humour comes from the supporting characters. Both Elvis and Nixon are very powerful men, and there are more similarities than differences working for the two. Their associates give us the perspective of the Everyman, allowing the regular audience a way to see the two men as the rest of the public sees them, and its this perspective that amplifies what might only be mildly humourous situations.
Letdowns
Too little of Elvis and Nixon
The film takes way too long to get to the good part, which is, of course, the meeting between Elvis and Nixon. The film attempts to generate tension by putting the meeting itself at stake, but you know that it will happen anyway, so there’s very little tension as a result. The scenes between Elvis and Nixon should have been longer, since that’s what audiences are coming to watch this film for.
Michael Shannon is an unconvincing Elvis
Sadly, Michael Shannon is completely unbelievable as Elvis. In terms of appearance, he’s far too old and serious looking to play Elvis. More importantly is that he lacks the flamboyance and debonair required to pull off a portrayal of one of the most popular entertainers in the world. This results in a lackluster Elvis, who is saved only by an amazing performance from Kevin Spacey.
“Elvis & Nixon” gives us an entertaining look at two incredibly influential historical figures, although it could have done with more interaction between the key characters.
“Elvis & Nixon” opens in cinemas 19 May, 2016 (Thursday).
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