Steve Binder quotes from Elvis (2005)

What's going on, Elvis?

I'm sorry, Steve. I can't do it, man. I can't go on.

What?

This whole thing was just a bad idea. I haven't played in front of the live audience in more than seven years, man. I don't know if I can do it anymore. What if they don't like me?

"Don't like you?" Oh my God... Elvis, you created rock 'n roll. You're the King. You step out there, your gonna be King again.

It's just like riding a bike, Elvis. Once you get on stage it's gonna be like old times.

"Before Elvis, there was nothing..." - John Lennon

Let's be frank. I don't think most kids know who the hell you are anymore. It's the 60's, man. You hear what their playing on the radio? The Mamas and the Papas, the Stones, Marvin Gaye...

I know, I know. I listen to everything. The Rascals, Aretha Franklin.

There's a song out there right now. MacArthur Park, Richard Harris sings it. Would you've sung that tune?

Damn right. That there's a great song. Jimmy Webb he can flat out right.

Here's what I have in mind. We tape it over three days. The first day, is in front of a live audience. "Elvis' big comeback". Now, I know you'll be nervous, so we'll just get that outta the way. The next two days, we tape several stage numbers, drawing on your own personal and musical life.

I like it.

There is a problem, Elvis. The Colonel and NBC want you to sing just Christmas songs. Now I think that's too limiting, and the exact opposite of what you should be doing. What do you think?

I think let's do it. [stands and shakes his hand] This is going to be great, Steve.

Steve, that was great, man.

Congratulations, man. You were great.

Oh, thank you. Thank you, bro.

Hey, look at that. New beginnings.

Yeah. New beginning.

Why do you put up with him bullying you? Treating you like a child?

You know, I've thought about that a lot over the years. And I'd try to explain it to you, but you just wouldn't understand.

I think I do.

How? You know nothing about the world I come from.

Actually, I know a lot about you, Elvis. It's my job. Your not that poor kid from Tupelo anymore. You live in the big house. You can be your own boss man. You've certainly out grown that old carny.

I gave him my word. Besides, before me there was no such thing as a rock star. He wrote the book on how to make one. Anyone else I'll hire will just have read it.

Well, maybe it's time to write a new book. Your own book.

It's 1968. The times they're changing, man. You can change too.

When I first came up to Hollywood, I'd come up here and sit for hours. [gestures over to the Griffith Observatory] Right over there, the observatory? That's where they shot Rebel Without a Cause. Man, I used to dream about being a great actor like Jimmy Dean. This sign was beautiful then. And now... feels as though lots of things are like that these days. Broke down, beat up. Rotten. I really like what you guys did, putting James Brown and the Stones together.

We're, uh... big fans of yours too. It's just that, Mr. Presley, we don't usually...

Oh, Elvis.

Elvis, uh... Christmas specials aren't really our thing.

I know. Tell me, honestly... where do you boys think my career's at right now?

Well, it's...

It's in the toilet, Elvis.

You hear that, Jerry? Oh, Lord. I knew you were the right guys for this job. You know, back when I was starting out, some people wanted to put me in jail, even kill me, 'cause of the way I was moving. So they cut my hair, they put me in uniform and they sent me away. That killed my mother. And ever since then... I've been lost. And when you're lost, people take advantage. I need you fellas to help me get back to who I really am.

And who are you, Elvis?

I sure as hell ain't somebody who sings Christmas songs by a fireplace for an hour.

And what does the Colonel think?

I don't give a damn what the Colonel thinks.

Listen, I, uh... I just wanna say that... that this nation is hurting. It's lost. You know? It... it needs a voice right now to help it heal. We have to say something. [turns to Elvis] You... have to make a statement, E.P.

Mr. Presley does not make statements. He sings "Here Comes Santa Claus" and wishes everyone "Merry Christmas and good night".