Open Door Policy

I recently watched Elvis Meets Nixon, a 1997 TV movie. It's about their meeting, but also the events leading up to it. It's not a documentary, but a fanciful re-creation.

No one would call it a classic, but it's a lot better than it needs to be. Allan Arkush directed. He's a producer on Heroes, but is best known to me for helming Rock 'n' Roll High School.

What I found most fascinating is how they captured what it's like to be a celebrity, perhaps the biggest in the world. Elvis at that time had a shaky grasp on reality, but can you blame him? His name, and face, opened doors.

In the movie, no matter where he goes, people are thrilled to see him, and want to do things for him. You might question the accuracy of this portrayal, thinking it's exaggeration for comic effect, except you know this guy actually drove up to the White House, delivered a hand-written letter, and got in to see the President. After that, how can you exaggerate?