The King is a 2005 drama film about a troubled man, recently discharged from the Navy, who goes to Corpus Christi, Texas, in search of the father he's never met. The film stars Gael García Bernal, who received strong critical acclaim for his portrayal of the main character Elvis, as well as William Hurt, Pell James, Paul Dano and Laura Harring. The film is deeply rooted in a Southern Gothic style and features themes similar to those in Greek tragedy. It was written by its British director James Marsh and also by , the Academy Award–nominated writer of Monster's Ball and Birth.