Finding Graceland (1998) User Reviews

Good direction; First-rate acting; Fascinating story

[kent-11 · 8/10 · 31 July 2001]

This is the kind of film you'll be debating a year after you see it. Harvey Keitel at his best.

The film should have been nominated somewhere.

This is a truly adult film with no easy answers, but with fascinating people involved in a plot worth your close attention.

Great Movie

[dreamindevallee · 10 July 2002]

(There's a small spoiler in my review but it won't give away the movie)This movie has been out for awhile and I'm wondering what took me so long to rent it. It's a great movie that should have gotten more press at release time. Lots of clues for those of you who are looking and for those of you who aren't just a lot of fun. I've watched it two times and will most likely purchase it as soon as I can find a copy to have in my personal library. One might take notice of the name of the person in the newspaper article and also check out who the executive producer is. Harvey Kietel is great, he's totally believable. This is one of those movies that will leave you feeling good about what you've just seen.

Excellent Movie

[sarahandelvis77 · 13 May 2004]

This movie was one of the best movies i have ever seen! When I first rented the movie I thought it was going to be slow and have no plot at all, but as it turns out I realized that this movie was much more than critics said it was. The plot was excellent, the characters were great, especially Harvey Kietel he did a wonderful job playing the King of Rock n' Roll. I recommend this movie to anyone who likes Elvis, or who dislikes Elvis because this movie will most possibly change your mind! The movie also has a lot of values everyone needs to know in life. Not only is this movie about Elvis it is also about the famous Marilyn Monroe. This is one SPECTACULAR movie and I recommend everyone go see it now!!!

Elvis Lives.....

[rbrb · 10/10 · 18 March 2001]

This really is a "gem" of a film...American movie-making at its best....the script, directing and acting are all approaching if not at genius level..and all the actors give superb performances especially the actor playing "Elvis"...the scenes where he sings and later cries are guaranteed to bring tears to the eye..... The beauty of the film is that it explores the depth of human grief interwoven with the wish or myth that 'Elvis Lives'..... And once again this movie proves that you don't need to have violence to produce a brilliant work of art.....Well Done to the film makers!!

Harvey Keitel produces an unforgettable character true to our images of the real Elvis... and yet... this movie is not about Elvis, it is about the heart, and dreams, and hope.

[trgusa · 18 September 2002]

Pure enchantment and intrigue... enter this movie to witness Harvey Keitel stand up for the spirit, if not the flesh, of Elvis. Johnathon Schaech (as Byron Gruman) portrays a grieving husband traveling east who picks up the hitch-hiking Keitel, who claims to be Elvis making his way back to Graceland to reveal his 20-year plot to disappear. Little known to Byron, Elvis has a hidden agenda, and at every turn produces magic from all those who surround him. His true identity and intentions drag you into the plot and you teeter on not believing, and wanting to believe. Bridget Fonda enters as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, and she and Byron both pursue the enigma of Elvis, all the way to the real Graceland. In the end, it is the journey, not the destination that matters, and Keitel produces an unforgettable character true to our images of the real Elvis... and yet... this movie is not about Elvis, it is about the heart, and dreams, and hope. The charm of this movie will linger with you (however improbable), as in "Local Hero", "Cinema Paradiso", or "The Swimmer" (Burt Lancaster), or even "One Special Christmas", or "Field of Dreams". Don't miss this performance, it's on my list of "must see at least once".

the movie has two levels

[zojo7jp · 10/10 · 11 April 2004]

This film is based on creative ideas. The acting is fresh. Overall the movie has two levels, one the uplifting plot of a human soul celebrating his love for mankind and spreading it through example; two an edgy undertone suggests that the whole thing may blow up into a dark side shocker for reasons that are never quite revealed. Maybe it's just that amazing Harvey K. It is a brilliant film in concept and execution. Rare.

Help Can Come From Unexpected Places

[roaddreamin · 8/10 · 21 April 2006]

"Finding Graceland" is a sweet, fascinating movie that will take you through a whole landscape of unlikely characters who show up unexpectedly and manage to leave their perfect gifts behind. It is a road movie in which the adventures are spiritual. When Keitel announces that he is Elvis, you suspect that he is delusional but, before the movie ends he will convince you that what you think you know is not necessarily the way things are. Keitel is wonderful at playing tough guys but I think he really shines as an actor in his smaller and more low-key movies like this one and Smoke. The cast is excellent - some playing celebrity impersonators who are real, complex human beings with personalities of their own. Bridget Fonda as a tender, almost motherly, Marilyn Monroe is great fun to watch. I've seen this movie several times and it holds up well, always revealing new layers of story and message. Wonderful scenery, a classy car, excellent performances, and a quirky plot make this a worthwhile movie to watch. Maybe even to watch over and over. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Transformational Sleeper

[Sorcerer2001 · 8 March 2001]

Warning! Don't try to watch this movie without an IQ in excess of 100 and don't try to watch it with your brain... watch it with your heart.

It's clear why this movie didn't appeal to many audiences. It uses uncertainty and ambiguity like a craftsman. It raises more questions than answers. It suggest that a side of life exists that most people rarely suspect much less see.

Harvey Keitel is an unlikely angel hitching his way back to Graceland. The movie illustrates our unwillingness to accept the fact that our world is what we say it is and what we say it isn't.

Hidden in this predictably country and western-flavored, womanizing, motel tour across the southern countryside is an Elvis look-alike that doesn't look like Elvis, but knows things that only Elvis knows, and even wears the same shoe size as Elvis.

And the bottom line... the road less traveled that Elvis clearly steers for each person he encounters is redemption... personal transformation. But then, angels really don't make good entertainment, do they?

One of the BEST!!!!!!!!!!

[ltmetom · 10/10 · 7 August 2000]

This movie will make you laugh and break your heart at the same time. Bridget and Harvey are at their absolute best. You don't have to be an Elvis fan to love this movie. If you have ever loved & lost, this show will make you want to keep living. I rented it because I think Bridget Fonda is sexy. I got more than I was looking for.I am a 38 year old man that cried with joy after seeing it. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would like to give it 100. Their are not many gems like this one!!!

It doesnt matter whether he is or isn't, your heart will pound.

[docwho-1 · 9 August 2002]

Damn fine movie. Will keep you guessing all the way till the end, and perhaps you'll choose not to believe anyways. I was glued to this movie from start to finish, the King will always live on in peoples memories won't he.

good stuff

[flyingscot · 10/10 · 17 May 2002]

I great film that will kept your attention far past the credits. Harvey Keitel is a master of the art and adds to his already lengthy credentials with an outstanding performance as the King. Anyone who has doubted their memories or the reality of another's life, should watch and enjoy.

Remember the King

[tejohr · 9/10 · 9 June 2005]

This probably won't be anyone's best movie, or even one of the favorites but you will remember it for sure. You'll remember it cause of 2 things. First is that King is back in this one and second is that it's very original movie. At the beginning I wanted to switch TV program, but try to stay with it until end and you'll see it have interesting story.

Harvey Keitel is very good as Elvis. No he doesn't walk, he doesn't talk like he did/do but cause as movie goes you'll start to think more and more that he could be him. That's the thing what's good in this movie: it will keep you in front of your TV cause you will won't to find out if he's Elvis or one of many imitators.

The rest of actors are solid, nothing special but you'll believe in the story they tell you and that's the most important part.

If you like Elvis I strongly recommend you to see this one and if you don't you may still see this movie cause as I said, you won't see movie like this again.

One of the year's best films.

[Mr.Movie · 10/10 · 11 August 1999]

I recently viewed "Finding Graceland", and I must say I was highly impressed. This excellent film features some of the best acting of the year, including terrific performances from Jonathan Schaech, Harvey Keitel, and Bridget Fonda. The story is very intriguing, but still manages to not take the downtrodden approach done by many other films like this. As of the posting of this message, "Finding Graceland" is the third best film I've seen this year. Gotta love Keitel belting out "Suspicious Minds" in a Mississippi casino...and that pink jacket looked great on him, you've got to admit.

many hidden facts about elvis and his life since 1977!

[kmeg1223 · 3 November 2001]

i found out about this movie from a book written by gail giorgio called "elvis undercover" i highly recommend reading this book, and then watching the movie. the movie is executive produced by priscilla presley and elvis presley enterprises. the book suggests that elvis presley is actually in this movie in disguise. a scene at the very end shows a bum in a train car all alone, if you look closely at the features it is uncanny! another scene in the casino with another disguise sort of a kenny rogers look, but again the features of the face are very familiar! elvis was a master of disguises as the book tells you. i read the book in two days and have watched the movie and am convinced that there is a strong message in this movie!! especially note the fact that the name "jon burrows" is used in the movie which is documented to be one of the alias names of elvis during his years as an entertainer and after? WORTH WATCHING!!!

What a suprise.

[billybrown41 · 4 September 2001]

Yesterday, I was flipping channels and came across this little gem. As soon as I saw Harvey Keitel, I laid the tv remote down. I caught it during the opening credits and I had no clue what to expect. I wasn't too concerned though. Any film involving Keitel usually has its rewards. The story follows a young man who was widowed a year ago. He's taking a road trip when he picks up a drifter who claims to be Elvis, but looks nothing like the king.

This is the kind of feel-good drama that I haven't seen in a long time. Perhaps what suprised me the most, was that this is the kind of flick that the whole family can enjoy. The prfanity is very light and there is one mild scene of sexuality. Harvey Keitel delivers a knockout performance as Elvis and Bridget Fonda was also quite good in a barely recognizable role as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. It was only when she took off the make-up that I recognized her. This one is well worth seeing.

By movie's end I believed in Elvis all over again.

[philxxxx · 8/10 · 17 August 2001]

A touching movie despite its occasional tendency to melodrama. Keitel is brilliant as a deluded Elvis impersonator -- or is he really Elvis? Bridget Fonda is a convincing Marilyn Monroe impersonator. Johnathon Schaech does a competent job as a stunningly good looking former med student whose life has been derailed by a tragedy. The '59 Caddy convertible is even better looking than Schaech -- what a car! The story really is complete but not immediately obvious -- you might want to watch it a couple of times. A must see if you're a fan of "The King" and if you're not, you may be by the closing credits. Long live The King!

nice one

[zakariaa_laboudi · 9/10 · 8 December 2005]

that is certainly a good movie to see, there might be some confusions during the story but at the end you just wish that the movie never ends because it really makes you live the story and pop up into the scene and be a part of the story...Good job! **that is certainly a good movie to see, there might be some confusions during the story but at the end you just wish that the movie never ends because it really makes you live the story and pop up into the scene and be a part of the story...Good job!** ***that is certainly a good movie to see, there might be some confusions during the story but at the end you just wish that the movie never ends because it really makes you live the story and pop up into the scene and be a part of the story...Good job!&&

C'mon, lets go cat!

[rarematters · 13 February 2002]

This movie was a lot of fun. If you're an Elvis fan you will surely like the ride to Graceland. It taps into the mystery surrounding Elvis in ways I've never seen before. The characters are a little emotionally strung out but it creates a sense of bonding between them that draws the viewer into the gig. Enjoyable movie, and some great scenery too. From out west, to gambling in Tunica Mississippi, to crying on Elvis's carpet inside Graceland. Priscilla was an advisor to the film and allowed some intimate participation from the estate. Harvey Keitel is a HOOT! Thumbs up and "thank you ver.." ...alright I won't.

Slow movie building toward a solid end.

[Osiris-11 · 6/10 · 26 September 1999]

I was completely bored for the first hour of this movie. To be honest, Winkler does very little in the beginning to make the story interesting. The initial interactions between Byron and Elvis seemed one dimensional and uninteresting, and absolutely nothing made Byron Gruman endearing as a character Until well past the first hour. Keitel was, of course, good in his role but Schaech was stiff and the direction was actually quite bad in places. Bridget Fonda plays a somewhat endearing Marilyn Monroe impersonator, only annoying while her character is "in character." Truth be told I was tempted to turn the movie off halfway through it and go on to one of the other titles I had rented for the weekend. I am glad I did not. The movie is entertaining for the last 45 minutes and toward the end Schaech finally reaches down deep to pull off a rather heartwarming performance. This is a multi-faceted story of redemption, with every character eventually finding something they had needed all along. Finding Graceland is most definitely worth the price of a video rental so long as you can stand a long and often boring buildup. In the end the story aptly uses the growing mythology of The King to tell a story that is worth the time it takes to hear it.

An interesting yet slipshod road trip adventure

[Ed-Shullivan · 5/10 · 8 July 2019]

Harvey Keitel acting in almost any movie will turn up the heat and his ability to steal scenes playing many various characters is well known. Having just watched this road trip adventure/fantasy film I came away with the feeling that I was glad to have seen Harvey Keitel play the delusional Elivis Presley who to the other characters surprise, Byron Gruman (Johnathon Schaech) this Elvis impersonator seemed to know far too many remote and personal moments of the real Elvis's life.

The first half of the film grabs you and holds you until the end of the film, but the latter half is weak and Elvis's kink in his armor is gradually revealed.

I give this film a passable 5 out of 10 rating.

Surprisingly Intelligent, Sweet and Gentle

[jayraskin1 · 9/10 · 17 January 2010]

I was not a big Elvis Presley fan, but after seeing his first T.V. appearances on the Dorsey Brothers show on youtube a few weeks back, I have been reconsidering him. I have started watching his old movies and reading more about him.

I was born in 1953, so I essentially missed his excellent early movies and only saw one of his less than stellar later ones growing up. I think it was "Roustabout" and I wasn't too impressed. I liked his singing, but I really was more of the Dylan-Beatles generation.

I was expecting the film to be like "Elvis has Left the Building" just a comedy making fun of Elvis impersonators. It is not like that at all. It was a bitter-sweet romantic road tale. See "Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins" "Easy Rider" "The Last Detail" or "Trains,Plains and Automobiles" for other examples. Basically the formula is incompatibles find themselves traveling together to a common destination and having adventures along the way that bring them together.

Harvey Keitel is not a great Elvis impersonator and Bridget Fonda is not a great Marilyn Monroe impersonator. This is a weakness in the film, but on the other hand, they do build sincere, believable, and likable characters. Keitel and Fonda are wonderful actors and this film does give them some room to work and show off their craft.

The film is pleasant to watch and has a few nice comedy moments. Most of these have to do with Keitel trying to cheer up melancholy Johnathon Schaech. However, I think the film gets more soulful and touching towards the end when the characters do make it to Memphis. The scenes inside and outside of "Graceland" are fascinating.

The film basically says that Elvis Presley was a wonderful singer and a nice guy and we miss him like we miss all dead people in our lives that we loved. It is sweet and respectful of Elvis. You get the feeling that it is exactly the type of film he would have made if he had knowingly chosen to make a last film.

The writer-director David Winkler hasn't done anything this nice and personal since. Hopefully, he will get to make another movie in this genre.

I love this movie...but you have to watch closely

[ri_ingle · 10/10 · 11 July 2008]

I have not seen anyone talk about the opening scene of this movie when Elvis is in the cab of the 18-wheeler.The truck driver thanks him for helping him get over his suicidal feelings.Later in the movie, we find out that the truck driver was the engineer on the train involved in the accident at the core of the plot.A very subtle point that is interesting to note.For many reasons, this movie connected with me on a very emotional level.I have watched it several times and see something new every time.I often wonder if I had seen it at the theater, instead of on TV, if I would have liked it as much.There are just too many layers of plot to digest in one viewing.That is what makes it so watchable.

Finding Good Movies Outside of Graceland

[nuntukamen-1 · 10/10 · 18 February 2008]

Anyone reading these viewer comments will note there are only two real complaining reviews, and they both hedge at the end and urge one to watch this film. Unusual plot, unusual acting, unusual theme in spirit. I guess you could say this is an unusual film. I accept that the Harvey Keitel character is really Elvis, a sort of channeled sub-personality, because there is no other possible intended meaning in the scene with Elvis's childhood buddy who has become a County Sheriff, Haynes. All actors have performances that are memorable, but Gretchen Mol as Beatrice, the train wreck victim, is hauntingly beautiful in her short, but major, role. The bum on the train at the end, is nameless in the credits, even though everyone else has their names listed, but I do not think it is Elvis, as has been stated in the book Elvis Undercover, and by another reviewer. The scene where Keitel actually sings an Elvis song is worth the price of admission, purchase, or rental. Several mention that Priscilla Presley originally was standoffish to the film, but after reading it opened the doors to Graceland for filming, and the rest is Hollywood magic and history.

This film is just an artistic wonder. Magic and then some.

Remember the King!

[Renaldi · 18 September 1999]

This flick offers Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. What more could you ask for? The actors are good and it's worth a look just to see Harvey Keitel do his Elvis, even though he doesn't resemble the King in the least.

Sometimes it gets a little slow, but the simple plot is not predictable so there are a few surprises to keep you interested. And anyone who can't figure out if Keitel's character really is Elvis needs to watch it again.

Pleasant surprise

[jaykay-10 · 5 July 2000]

With only the sketchiest details beforehand, I expected nothing more than a flimsy "Elvis lives" flick (Then why was I watching? Good question). But this picture has a great deal to say about dealing with pain and loss brought on by reality, about finding one's own identity, about emotional interaction.

Perhaps it tries to say too much. There are loose ends, a too-heavy reliance on coincidence, and an idecision as to whether blind fate or human dynamics controls the course of one's existence. So be it. A quasi-philosophical approach to human destiny featuring Elvis and Marilyn? I'll take it.

Harvey Keitel was so badly miscast as any sort of Elvis that I was at first appalled by his having been chosen for the part (Did they need some sort of "name" in the credits?) But by the time the picture's themes began to emerge, it made a great deal of sense for someone totally impossible as Elvis to be playing the role. The story justified it. The character wasn't Elvis.....but he was.....but he really wasn't.

If you found some or all of what I did in this movie, you will enjoy Clint Eastwood's "Bronco Billy."