Almost a year after Baz Luhrmanns Elvis was released, Sofia Coppolas Priscilla premiered on November 3rd. Contrasted from Luhrmann’s flashy and bright biopic on the king of rock n roll, Coppolas’ film on Priscilla Presley, played by Cailee Spaeny, is a quiet and intimate look at Elvis and hers relationship. Based on Priscilla Presleys’ memoir “Elvis & Me,” the film presents itself as simply her story. Although Elvis, played by Jacob Eldori, is an essential part of her story, the film has him take the back seat for once.
Sofia Coppolas’ ‘Priscilla’ is a raw and honest peek into a toxic love affair between Priscilla Presley and Elvis Presley
One of the biggest critiques about this film before it was even released was that it was being made to bash Elvis’s legacy. However, that could be farther than the truth. Although the film does showcase Priscilla’s mistreatment from Elvis, including cheating, gaslighting, and the fact of her being 14 when she met the 24-year-old Elvis, this film isn’t about him. It’s Priscillas’ story and what she went through while being married to Elvis.
A central theme of this film is loneliness, a theme that’s explored in most of Sofia Coppolas’ films. When Priscilla arrives at Graceland, her days are spent going to school, where she doesn’t make friends, and coming home while waiting for Elvis to call her while he’s off shooting another movie, Playing with her dog, or painting her nails bright red on the soft carpet while ignoring her homework. Coppola captures the essence of isolation, dissecting its various facets and portraying its profound impact on Priscillas’ mentality. Loneliness is not merely a circumstantial but an intrinsic part of her psyche, a sentiment that resonates with audiences who may find parallels in their own lives.
The cinematography stands out in this film as well, as it looks like a moving old photograph. There are cuts where we see moments of their life together through an old-fashioned camera, such as their iconic wedding photos. It’s a subtle touch of letting the audience know they are watching a part of a person’s past played out on screen.
Music is another stand-out in this film; Elvis’s estate did not give the movie any permission to use his music in the film; however, the lack of his music goes completely unnoticed. There as subtle ways of having the music, such as using covers of songs and music from Sofias Coppolas’s husband’s band Phoenix. The song choice that has the most impact is Dolly Partons’ ‘I Will Always Love You’ playing at the film’s end. The song has had its place in music and film history as it’s a ballad of knowing you’ll never stop loving someone but coming to terms that staying in a relationship with them isn’t healthy. The song’s choice fits the time and the emotions Priscilla feels when she makes the hard decision to leave Elvis.
Priscilla is one of the most biopics to come out this year. While the film sometimes struggles with pacing, either moving too fast or too slow, it is a raw and honest look into not only the relationship of Priscilla and Elvis but a a compelling and thought-provoking film that bravely explores the complexities of toxic relationships. Anchored by powerful performances, striking cinematography, and a haunting soundtrack, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of staying in a relationship that is fundamentally unhealthy. It’s an emotionally charged film that lingers long after the credits roll, challenging audiences to reflect on the fragility of love and the strength required to break free from destructive bonds.
