Bubba ho-Tep
Elvis was the King, but Bruce Campbell is the Man. Among fans of cult cinema and B-movies, Campbell’s turn as Elvis in this sly and surprising film will be talked about for years. For me, it’s one of the best performances I’ve seen this year- and obviously a favorite. But I’m getting ahead of myself- what’s this art-house oddity- with a kick-ass rock-a-bily score by Brian Tyler- about? Simply, it’s the “what if” scenario of, “what if Elvis switched with an impersonator to get out of the spotlight, broke his hip, landed in a coma, and woke up in retirement home in Texas with JFK- who claims to have been dyed black by his enemies- as a roommate,” continued with “what if the elder Elvis and JFK found themselves battling a Egyptian Soul-Sucker- named Bubba ho-Tep by the two because of the cowboy hat and boots he wears- for the souls of the people in the home?”
Before you continue, don’t pigeonhole this film as a horror film, because truthfully, this isn’t a flick to be scared by, even if it is written (adapted from a short-story by Joe R. Lansdale) and directed by Don Coscarelli, who made the “Phantasm” series (unseen by me). However, don’t think of it as a comedy either, even though it’s often quite funny. Instead, think of it as a character study, a conspiracy-theorist fantasy, and the deconstruction of two great American icons from the inside-out- it’s the only way the movie’ll work for you. Of course, the cheap jokes you expect from any non-historical film that centers on either Elvis or JFK are inevitable, but they’re few and far between in a movie that takes both these individuals- be it history’s view, the obsessionist’s view, or the story’s notions of them- seriously. Ossie Davis- a serious actor most of the time (best remembered by me for his turn in Spike Lee’s “Get on the Bus”)- brings the same presence, conviction, and integrity most people remember the real Jack Kennedy for, and makes you believe this obviously-delusional individual really is the late Commander and Chief whose death is still among this country’s greatest tragedies, but not at the expense of the comedy of the situation. However, what laughs Davis’ JFK receives avoids the easy target of the individual’s sanity, so instead of making fun of the man’s mental state (as a lesser movie would), we feel for him, and we trust him, believing he really is who he claims to be, as the King does. It’s a performance of touching surprises, and an inspired bit of unexpected casting bliss.
Whereas greatness from Davis is expected, in Campbell’s performance- even for a fan- greatness on this order is wholly unexpected. Like I said, among us geeks, Campbell’s Elvis will be talked about for years. Personally, the sort of acclaim Bill Murray received for “Lost in Translation” (which has lead to much Oscar buzz, though I’m less enthusiastic) should be given to Campbell (Ash from the “Evil Dead” movies). Bruce isn’t just impersonating the King- his turn is too lively for that- he’s resurrecting him (at least people’s lasting memories of him), and deepening him into a man who’s life was taken from him by fame, and regrets it (he ponders- in subtly affecting voiceovers- if Priscilla would care if she knew he were alive, and wishes- in a touchingly memorable scene with Davis- he had been there for Lisa Marie as a father); a man who asks for a roommate’s things to remember him by after he dies, even if he didn’t know him that well; a man who takes a clearly mentally-ill individual on his word he’s JFK; and a man who- in a poignant finale- finds the peace his fanatics and legend won’t allow. If you want a basis for what to expect- look at what Johnny Depp did in “Pirates of the Caribbean” earlier this year. Ain’t It Cool News’ Harry Knowles- in his laudatory review- says “this is, bar-none the funniest Bruce Campbell movie to date,” but that fails to prepare you for Campbell’s skillful dramatic work in this crazy-brilliant movie.
