The Issue with Elvis

In the opening of the heartfelt and poignant film, The Issue with Elvis, the first line of dialog is "Even lost souls have a place." The movie, the feature debut of writer/director Charlotte Wincott, which co-stars her husband Jeff Wincott and their son Wolfgang, then incorporates Charlotte's own Ph. D father Bryant Mangum playing the often mournful hymn "Amazing Grace" on harmonica. That first line about "lost souls" finding a place and the original hymn's lyric about being lost and then "found," sets the tone for this touching meditation on abandonment, on friendship and on fatherhood. The movie is also an examination of the struggles of people with mental health issues. Ultimately, it's a feel-good movie where the two main characters (Jeff as Dr. Mercer and his real-life son Wolfgang as runaway "Elvis") form an unlikely bond.

The acting was good even if the dialogue seemed a little clumsy at times. At other times it was quite believable and poignant. The cinematography was very good. I was looking for a little more of a climax to the story, but I did enjoy watching it and I would recommend it. I am very intrigued with movies I label COVID movies - small cast, filled during the pandemic, and a lot of outdoor scenes. I would highly rate this movie in that group.

The movie's unforced, natural pacing and the actors' vivid performances make this a story worthy of the telling. Dr. Mercer's quirky character is believable and nuanced. Dialogue between Mercer and adolescent runaway Elvis frames an intriguing relationship with a satisfying conclusion. That this film was a family effort; written, produced, directed, scored and essentially brought to life by the Wincott family is nothing short of astonishing.

Two broken lives come together to heal, grow and learn from each other what life has to offer. Low budget, family-production is slow to get started but once it does the story relies upon dialogue to carry it forward and the interaction of the lead with the young runaway. Nice movie about love and trust healing two people. Worth a watch if you are not looking for explosions and lots of action in a movie.

Highly recommend this charmingly compact indie film.

One of the worst negatives in today's world is the curt approach that social media has fostered. People are hyper-critical. Unrelenting. And unrealistic.

In a world where everything is too slow and too common, The Issue With Elvis asks us to slow down and pay attention to the life all around us...because there are lives at stake. And it matters.

In the golden years of indie film, the 1980-1990s brought us wonderful slices-of-life; movie gems to touch our hearts.

The Issue With Elvis is one of those gems. It doesn't try to force dialogue to sound "like other movies." The actors act. The sets are limited. It's all about the story and that slice-of-life.

Written and Directed by PhD in neuroscience Charlotte Wincott, The Issue With Elvis stars her husband (Jeff Wincott) and son (Wolfgang Wincott). What a wonderful family effort that really lends to the vulnerability of the relationships and authentic vibe of the story.

The Issue With Elvis asks us to pay attention to the "life" all around us.

To each other.

Because it matters.