Film review: 'Elvis and Nixon'

 Who was more delusional, Elvis Presley or Richard Nixon? In "Elvis and Nixon," you get to be the judge. Director Liza Johnson chronicles what might have gone on when The King met the President of the United States at the White House on December 21, 1970.
 

The film opens at Graceland as Elvis (the magnificent Michael Shannon) is watching the evening news, which incites him to pick up a pistol and shoot the TV set. The wheels are set in motion, as Elvis decides he should contact Nixon (Kevin Spacey at his best) and become a Federal Agent at Large. Yeah, he could go under cover. No problem.
 

Elvis shows up at The White House unannounced with a handwritten letter for the president. Surprisingly, the guards have it delivered to the leader of the free world. Nixon reluctantly arranges to meet with Elvis, because his daughter, Julie, wants an autograph. True. Behind closed doors, the two share M&Ms,  Dr. Pepper and some insane dialogue. It's as good as it gets.

Two unlikely, highly respected actors manage to nail The King and Tricky Dick brilliantly. Shannon is cucumber cool as the out-of-touch, "most influential entertainer on the planet." His voice is melodious, and his body language is a sight to behold. He's got that fist-to-open-fingers gesture made so famous by Elvis down so pat, you can't get enough of it.

And Spacey captures Nixon's sleazy demeanor with such a degree of authenticity that it borders on mind-blowing. He taps into the paranoia that permeated Nixon's life, lending vast insight into what made this guy tick. It's a performance that is as sad as it is hilarious. 
 

Colin Hanks, Evan Peters and Alex Pettyfer round out this perfectly cast film. Slick scoring, employing the use of golden oldies by the likes of Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Creedence Clearwater Revival further enhance the wonderful wackiness going on in "Elvis and Nixon."

The irony of Elvis Presley eventually being appointed as an honorary DEA agent is pretty darn scary. But "Elvis and Nixon" never goes there. Instead, it takes its audience on one terrific ride.