Elvis & Nixon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll ditches Graceland to demand a federal badge from President Nixon, leading to a surprisingly hilarious Oval Office showdown involving karate and questionable decorum.

🍿 Elvis & Nixon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Elvis’s Urgent Mission

In December 1970, Elvis Presley, disturbed by the counter-culture and drug epidemic sweeping America, takes matters into his own hands. After shooting a television in a fit of rage over the news, he decides to travel to Washington D.C. with an urgent, unconventional request for President Richard Nixon. Elvis aims to offer his services as an “undercover agent at large” for the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. He believes his celebrity status and acting experience from 31 motion pictures make him uniquely qualified to infiltrate anti-American organizations, including the hippie movement and other perceived threats to American youth.

The Journey to D.C.

Elvis unexpectedly recruits his long-time friend and former “Memphis Mafia” member, Jerry Schilling, to accompany him on this spontaneous mission. Jerry, attempting to build his own career away from Elvis, is hesitant but ultimately agrees, leading to a series of comedic and often bizarre encounters. Their journey includes an incident at Memphis airport where Elvis is detained for carrying firearms, only to be released after offering autographs. Upon arriving in Washington D.C., Elvis personally delivers a handwritten letter to the White House gates at 7:30 AM, requesting an immediate meeting with President Nixon.

White House Deliberations

President Nixon is initially infuriated by the unsolicited request from a rock star, dismissing the idea of a meeting as a nuisance that interferes with his daily nap schedule. However, his White House staffers, particularly Egil Krogh and Dwight Chapin, see a valuable public relations opportunity to boost the President’s declining approval ratings, especially among the youth. Despite the absurdity of Elvis’s proposal – including a request for an official federal badge for a non-existent “Agent-at-Large” position – the staffers work tirelessly to convince Nixon. They leverage the fact that Elvis is beloved by voters across the country, especially in the South, and even discreetly inform Nixon’s daughter, Julie, of her father’s refusal, prompting her to pressure him to meet the King for an autograph and photo.

The Pre-Meeting Antics

While awaiting confirmation for the meeting, Elvis continues his eccentric behavior, surprising fans at a local donut shop and attempting to meet with John Finlator, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Narcotics. During this meeting, Elvis passionately reiterates his desire to fight drug use and offers his “expertise in disguises” from his movie career. Meanwhile, Jerry Schilling becomes increasingly anxious about his personal life, having forgotten a crucial dinner engagement with his girlfriend’s parents back in Los Angeles. His loyalty to Elvis is tested as the White House meeting remains uncertain, creating a humorous contrast between Elvis’s single-minded pursuit and Jerry’s mundane responsibilities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elvis (Michael Shannon): The iconic rock and roll star who impulsively travels to Washington D.C. seeking to be sworn in as a federal agent-at-large.
• Nixon (Kevin Spacey): The U.S. President who is initially reluctant to meet Elvis but is persuaded by his staff for the potential public relations benefits.
• Jerry (Alex Pettyfer): Elvis’s loyal, longtime friend and former employee who reluctantly accompanies him on his impromptu mission to the White House.
• Krogh (Colin Hanks): A White House staffer who sees the PR value in President Nixon meeting with Elvis and works to make the unusual encounter happen.
• Sonny (Johnny Knoxville): A member of Elvis’s ‘Memphis Mafia’ who joins him and Jerry in Washington D.C. during the attempt to meet Nixon.
• Chapin (Evan Peters): President Nixon’s special aide who, along with Krogh, navigates the complexities of arranging the unexpected meeting with Elvis.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elvis: “That’s how I learned to develop these knuckles of steel. Now, slap them. Come on, harder! Harder! Let it out! Let it out! Those are the steel claws of a tiger, Mr. President.” – Said to President Nixon during an impromptu karate demonstration in the Oval Office, showcasing Elvis’s peculiar blend of showmanship and earnestness.
• Nixon: “Who the f*** set this up?” – His exasperated and incredulous reaction upon being informed of Elvis Presley’s unscheduled and persistent request for a meeting.
• Elvis: “It’s a matter of national security!” – Declared with intense seriousness when attempting to secure an immediate meeting with J. Edgar Hoover, emphasizing his profound conviction in his mission.
• Krogh: “The King is here. The King. Elvis.” – A White House aide’s persistent attempt to clarify to a skeptical superior that ‘The King’ requesting a meeting is indeed Elvis Presley, highlighting the unusual nature of the visitor.
• Elvis: “Thank you. Thank you very much.” – His signature farewell line, frequently used throughout the film after various interactions, reinforcing his iconic public persona.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $1,055,287
• Worldwide Gross: $1,798,432

💥 Elvis & Nixon Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘Elvis & Nixon’ not really knowing what to expect beyond that famous photo, and man, was I pleasantly surprised! Michael Shannon as Elvis initially threw me off because he doesn’t physically resemble him much, but he totally nails the King’s vibe – that mix of southern charm, strange intensity, and underlying loneliness. Kevin Spacey as Nixon is just *chef’s kiss*, absolutely spot-on with the mannerisms and voice. I particularly loved the slow burn of setting up the meeting; it made the eventual Oval Office scene feel earned and even more hilarious. Watching these two larger-than-life figures awkwardly bond over shared experiences of fame and misunderstanding was gold. It’s a quick, funny watch that makes you wonder just how much of it was actually true.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical comedies and satirical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in character studies of iconic figures”
  • “Those curious about unusual moments in American history”
  • “Admirers of Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey’s acting”
  • “People who enjoy quirky, lighter takes on true stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated R for language”
  • “Depiction of gun violence (e.g., shooting a TV)”
  • “Discussions related to drug culture and social unrest of the 1970s”

Professional Reviews

• FilmSpeak Magazine: “Liza Johnson’s ‘Elvis & Nixon’ transforms a historical footnote into a charming, often uproarious character study. Michael Shannon delivers an unexpectedly nuanced Elvis, capturing his eccentricities and vulnerability, rather than a mere impersonation. Kevin Spacey’s Nixon is a masterclass in controlled exasperation. The film’s strength lies in the electrifying chemistry between its leads, making the extended Oval Office scene a comedic highlight.
• Reel Insights: “This film isn’t a deep dive into history, nor does it try to be. Instead, ‘Elvis & Nixon’ offers a delightfully quirky glimpse into one of the most absurd true encounters. While it takes its time getting the two legends in the same room, the payoff is worth it. Shannon and Spacey embody their roles with a captivating blend of oddity and wit, making for an enjoyable, albeit slight, cinematic experience. A surprisingly warm and funny picture.

Audience Reactions

Viewers consistently praised the lead performances, especially Kevin Spacey’s spot-on Nixon.: The unexpected humor and quirky tone of the film resonated strongly, making a bizarre historical event surprisingly entertaining and lighthearted. Many found the final meeting scene between Elvis and Nixon to be the absolute highlight.

Overall Consensus: A charmingly quirky and humorous film, largely carried by stellar performances from Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey, providing an entertaining, albeit light, take on a strange historical encounter.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The iconic photo of Elvis Presley and Richard Nixon shaking hands is the most requested photograph in the National Archives.”
• “Since President Nixon only began taping Oval Office conversations two months after this meeting, the dialogue in the film is entirely fictionalized and imagined.”
• “The film notably does not feature any of Elvis Presley’s actual music due to licensing complexities.”
• “A historical inaccuracy in the film shows Dr Pepper bottles with logos that were ten years ahead of their time for the 1970 setting.”
• “While the film portrays Elvis’s motivation for a federal badge as combating counter-culture, the real Elvis reportedly sought it partly due to death threats and a desire to carry concealed weapons internationally.”

🖥️ How to Watch Elvis & Nixon?

The comedic historical drama ‘Elvis & Nixon’ is available to stream for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. As an Amazon Studios production, it may also be included with a Prime Video subscription in certain regions or during specific promotional periods. Check your preferred platform for current availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Elvis & Nixon, you might like these similar films:

• Elvis Meets Nixon (1997): An earlier made-for-television dramatization that also explores the same peculiar historical meeting between Elvis Presley and Richard Nixon.
• Frost/Nixon (2008): Explores another pivotal and tense moment in Richard Nixon’s post-presidency through a series of high-stakes interviews, offering a deeper look into the former President.
• Being There (1979): Features an unassuming protagonist who accidentally gains influence in high political circles, leading to humorous and thought-provoking situations about perception and power, much like Elvis’s unexpected sway.
• Almost Famous (2000): Offers a vibrant and authentic portrayal of the 1970s rock and roll scene, providing a glimpse into the era and the lives of musical icons, albeit from a different perspective.
• Vice (2018): A satirical biopic that delves into the hidden machinations of powerful political figures, blending humor with historical events and offering a quirky take on political history.

🛒 Elvis & Nixon Related Products

• Federal Agent at Large: Elvis’s Badge Replica: Own a piece of this bizarre history with a high-quality replica of the Federal Agent at Large badge Elvis so desperately sought. Crafted with intricate detail, perfect for display.
• Graceland to Oval Office: The Unseen Photos of Elvis & Nixon: An exclusive digital photo album and interactive e-book, featuring rare photographs from the era, behind-the-scenes production stills, and historical context of the iconic meeting. Includes interviews with historians.
• King & Commander: The Strategy Board Game: A strategic board game where players take on the roles of Elvis or Nixon’s aides, navigating bureaucracy and public relations to achieve their leader’s peculiar goals before time runs out. Features retro 70s design.
• Elvis & Nixon ’70s Throwback T-Shirt: Sport a vintage-style graphic tee featuring stylized artwork of Elvis and Nixon in their iconic meeting pose, designed with a distressed, retro feel true to the 1970s aesthetic.

🎧 Soundtrack

Elvis & Nixon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hold On I’m Coming” – performed by Sam & Dave
• “Green Onions” – performed by Booker T. & the M.G.’s
• “Walking The Dog” – performed by Rufus Thomas
• “Hard To Handle” – performed by Otis Redding
• “Spinning Wheel” – performed by Blood, Sweat & Tears
• “Proud Mary” – performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Follow Hanala Sagal, Comedian, Screenwriter, Elvis & Nixon, Comedy Wellness, Shape Up LA!

Ever wonder what it’s like to bring a story like ‘Elvis & Nixon’ to the big screen? Hear directly from Hanala Sagal, one of the screenwriters, as she gives you a peek into her journey with the film – it’s always fascinating to get the creator’s take!

Best/Worst 10 history films of 2016 | Based on a True Story

Curious about how ‘Elvis & Nixon’ stacks up against actual history? This video dives into the film’s historical accuracy, placing it among the best and worst of 2016’s history films – a must-watch if you love historical context!

Follow Hanala Sagal, Screenwriter/Producer, Elvis & Nixon, Comedy Wellness

Want even more insider info on ‘Elvis & Nixon’? Join co-screenwriter and producer Hanala Sagal for additional stories and insights from behind the scenes – it’s a great way to deepen your appreciation for the film’s creation!

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