Watch Elvis & Nixon
- R
- 2016
-
6.4 (15,181)
In 1970, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, decides he wants to become a federal agent-at-large to help fight the war on drugs. So, he heads to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Richard Nixon, hoping to convince him to make him a special agent. Elvis & Nixon is a delightful comedy-drama that depicts the meeting between Elvis Presley and President Nixon that occurred in December 1970. The movie perfectly captures the over-the-top personalities of both individuals, with a delightful performance from Michael Shannon as Elvis Presley and Kevin Spacey as President Nixon.
The film is directed by Liza Johnson, who has an eye for detail and a strong sense of pacing. The movie starts by introducing us to Elvis, who is bored with his life and wants to do something different. Seeing the rise of drug use across the country, he decides he wants to become a federal agent-at-large, and he takes his request all the way to the top, to President Nixon.
The movie then jumps to the Oval Office, where we see President Nixon struggling with his own demons. He's not sure how to deal with the country's drug problem, and he is facing a lot of other challenges, including protests and a tense relationship with the media. When Elvis shows up with an odd request, the President is initially hesitant but eventually agrees to meet with the King of Rock and Roll.
The bulk of the movie takes place in the Oval Office, as Elvis and Nixon meet and discuss the possibility of Elvis becoming a federal agent. The conversation is tense at first, with the two men struggling to connect due to their vastly different backgrounds and personalities. However, they eventually find common ground and form an unlikely friendship.
Shannon's performance as Elvis is wonderful. He perfectly captures the rock star's eccentricities, including his love of karate and penchant for absurdity. Meanwhile, Spacey is excellent as Nixon, portraying the President's insecurities and anxieties with ease. The two actors have great chemistry on screen, and their scenes together are delightful.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with Alex Pettyfer playing Elvis's friend Jerry Schilling, who helps orchestrate the meeting between Elvis and Nixon. The movie also features strong performances from Colin Hanks as Nixon's aide, Evan Peters as a White House staffer, and Johnny Knoxville as Elvis's friend and bodyguard.
The movie is also visually stunning, with excellent attention paid to the costume and set design. The film perfectly captures the look and feel of the early 1970s, from Elvis's jumpsuit to Nixon's suit and tie.
Overall, Elvis & Nixon is a charming and funny movie that paints a captivating portrait of two larger-than-life individuals. The movie is well-written, well-directed, and well-acted, with excellent attention paid to the details that make this story so fascinating. Whether you're a fan of music, politics, or just great storytelling, Elvis & Nixon is a movie worth watching.
Elvis & Nixon is a 2016 drama. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 59.