Sofia Coppola unleashed her latest work of art, “Priscilla,” on Oct. 27. With dark themes interwoven with a candy-colored atmosphere, the adaptation of Pricilla Presley’s 1985 memoir “Elvis and Me” did not disappoint. Written, directed and produced by Coppola, the long-awaited film grossed over $12 million in just over two weeks in the US, leaving moviegoers questioning who the real Elvis may have been.
Coppola’s staple ‘delves into girl-hood’ filmography now feels complete with the release of Priscilla, making me wonder why she hadn’t approached the story earlier. She perfectly showcases loneliness and the anxieties that young girls feel no matter the time period or location. Whether it’s 1770s France in “Marie Antoinette” or 1970s Michigan in “The Virgin Suicides,” no other director could have shed light on Priscilla’s memoir so brilliantly
Presley also played an integral part in the film, serving as an executive producer, overseeing many casting decisions and the direction of the movie. Starring newcomer Cailee Spaeny and “Euphoria” star Jacob Elordi as a young Elvis, the film delves into the controversial meeting between the star and Priscilla. While both are stationed in Germany, Elvis for service and Priscilla due to her father’s enlistment, their encounter evolves into one of pop culture’s most talked about relationships. We witness Priscilla get swept into Elvis’ world, as she falls head over heels for the singer in their brief few months together. But when Elvis must return to America, we witness Pricilla’s angst and depression as photographs of Elvis and co-stars are splashed across papers as he seemingly “forgets” about her.
Their status as a power couple had the world turning a blind eye to the real story. Paparazzi sightings, lavish wardrobes and sold-out shows were all the world swooned over. But underneath all the glitz and glam was a tragic story between a 14-year-old girl and a 20-something-year-old man. “Priscilla” exposes pieces of her life behind closed doors, allowing us to see the raw truth behind her days with the King. The movie also highlights these concerns subtly, like the hard-to-ignore height difference between the two, symbolizing the vast age difference and power imbalance.
Coppola revealed Elvis’ estate did not accept her offer for the rights to use his music in the film. Many feel the movie is better off, as it sheds less light on Elvis and his ventures and instead, allows Priscilla to stay at the forefront of the film. While the absence of authentic Elvis music was hardly noticeable, the soundtrack is full of ‘50s and ‘60s classics and inspired instrumentals.
The production faced challenges typical for independent filmmaking, including strict budgets and a tight filming schedule. Coppola raced against a six-week clock with a $20 million budget to bring justice to Pricilla’s story. Even with these constraints, no detail was left undeveloped. Costume design played a major role in the story, with the passing of time being most evident in Priscilla’s changes in style. The costume design team looked to old Harper’s Bazaar issues, as well as real photos of Priscilla and Elvis to bring the characters to life, especially for adoring, long-time fans.
To add to the intrigue of the high-profile film, many flocked to Variety’s released email exchanges between Lisa Marie and Coppola where the late daughter of Priscilla and Elvis criticized how the script was portraying her father. While it’s important to respect her views and concerns on the movie’s subject, Lisa Marie shared, “As his daughter, I don’t read this and see any of my father in this character.” Priscilla, as an executive producer, retained creative control over the direction of the script and the movie itself. Everything included was approved by her, and she pointed out that it is a film that focuses on her relationship with Elvis, not on his role as Lisa Marie’s father.
If you’re looking for a film to enjoy over winter break that will give you a glimpse into pop culture history with a dark story accompanied by gorgeous visuals, “Priscilla” delivers. The two-hour movie is available to watch in theaters.
