Scene from “Elvis & Nixon”
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In 1970, Elvis Presley got it into his head to protect the youth from the greatest dangers (drugs! hippie culture!). He wants to talk to US President Richard Nixon about this. He shows up at the White House with his best friend Jerry and asks for an audience in order to be appointed the FBI’s special counsel. Nothing for Nixon – but then one of his daughters of all people wants an autograph from the King. And so the President agrees…
The plot of “Elvis & Nixon” sounds unbelievable, but in fact, in December 1970, the head of state met the head of rock culture. The photo of the two has been considered the most coveted one requested by the US National Archives for many years.
Directed by Liza Johnson, the film draws its appeal from the naturally hilarious differences between the two men and their ideas of what America should be like. Both deliver a very quirky duel in which every little detail has to outdo the other.
So “Elvis & Nixon” oscillates somewhere between sometimes somewhat silly tragic comedy and (tame) political satire. Brilliant in every role, Michael Shannon gives Elvis a distinctive stature all his own, while Kevin Spacey – just a few years before the abuse allegations – gave Nixon a brittle saturation. Not much is told here, because this incident does not give much. But of course the fun is in the details.
“Elvis & Nixon,” Jan. 30 – 12:20 a.m., Tele 5
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