Starring: Michael Shannon, Kevin Spacey, Alex Pettyfer, Colin Hanks
Elvis & Nixon
Director: Liza Johnson
Rating: 3.5/5
Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey are two of the most exciting actors around and they join forces this weekend, as they take on the title roles in Elvis & Nixon.
Elvis & Nixon marks the return of Liza Johnson to the director's chair for what is her first feature film since Hateship Loveship.
On the morning of December 21st, 1970 the world's biggest star, Elvis Presley (Shannon) arrived on the White House lawn to request a meeting with the most powerful man in the world, President Richard Nixon (Spacey). Elvis & Nixon tells the astounding true story of this meeting between two men at the height of their powers.
For me, Shannon and Spacey truly make this movie as they both give wonderful performances as Presley & Nixon, as they come face to face for one of the most bizarre meetings to even occur at the White House.
There is a lack of factual material behind this true story - simply because no one was there to witness the conversation between these two iconic figures. However, Johnson has overcome this lack of substance with some truly terrific humour and is happy to play on the absurdity of this meeting.
Elvis and Nixon were two very eccentric men and the film really does reflect this. Shannon and Spacey really do dive into those eccentricities and that is thoroughly entertaining as well as very funny.
While there are some great supporting performances from the likes of Johnny Knoxville and Even Peters, it is Shannon and Spacey who really take centre stage and are allow to shine.
There are some wonderful exchanges of dialogue between the two actors - you do have to wonder how much of that was in the script and how much of that was added in by the actors in that moment. It is great to see these two fine actors come face to face and spar well.
There's no denying that this is odd and a left-field movie but that doesn't stop it from being hugely entertaining. Because of the lack of fact, the movie is a little lightweight but it is a whole lot of fun.
The film does capture the period perfectly as well as the bizarre context of this meeting. Throw in two terrific performances from Shannon and Spacey, and you have a film that is a great watch.
Elvis & Nixon is out now.
Tagged in Kevin Spacey Michael Shannon