Pretty much everyone has seen the classic photo of Elvis Presley shaking hands with President Nixon in the White House. Most people probably saw that picture and said, "How in the hell did that even happen? And what could they have possibly talked about?" Well, lucky for us, the new movie, Elvis & Nixon takes a stab at explaining all our questions away.
The trailer, posted on IMDb as an exclusive, is based on the actual story behind that odd staid-president-and-wacky-rock-and-roll-god meeting, which took place on December 21, 1970. I like how the video starts off sounding like a joke, because, certainly, most people who have seen this picture do believe it’s some kind of joke, but then goes on to mention how famous the photo is.
On that fateful day in 1970, Elvis Presley (Michael Shannon) randomly walked up to the north gate of the White House with a hand-written note for President Nixon. Let’s stop right there. This did, in fact, happen for real. And, we all know that the only people who can walk up to the White House with a note that looks like it was scribbled by a crazy person, is someone famous. Anyone else would have been promptly escorted off the premises by 50 percent of the people on the grounds who carry guns. Then, the letter actually got to Nixon (Kevin Spacey), and he, completely on the spur of the moment, agreed to talk with Elvis (even though his nap hour was coming). And it only gets weirder from there.
How could it get weirder, you ask? Well, Mr. Presley wants a badge. A federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs badge. And, he tried to get that badge earlier in the day from the deputy director of the bureau, but couldn’t convince him. Even with all his experience in costume and disguise from making 31 major motion pictures. So, he figured he’d go to the man at the top, and, obviously, that’s Nixon. You know, so he can get his badge and bust all those Communists.
Looks like Elvis was right, though, he could certainly have supplied his own firearm. Geez, Elvis. You have body guards, how many of your own weapons do you need to carry on your very own person? Two pearl-handled specials, a simple revolver and, a gold gun? It’s was probably solid gold, too. You know that, right? Gold plated guns are for Commies.
Our favorite hip-swiveler was bold, too. After being expressly told not to, he ate Nixon’s personal stash of M&M’s and drank the man’s Dr. Pepper. Again, any normal person would have been thrown right out on their spangled ass for that offense. Yet, somehow, they manage to find Commie and Beatle hating common ground. Which helps Elvis show off his knuckles of steel and "steel claws of a tiger" fingernails. Oh, Elvis. You slay me.
Well, even if only 40 percent of the things in this movie actually happened, I’m OK with that. I mean, aren’t you? This film looks batshit and beautifully funny. I can’t wait to see more. Elvis & Nixon comes out in April.
