Unveiling the Untold Truth: Untangling the Myths Surrounding Elvis and Priscilla Presley's Love Story
‘Priscilla’ - A poignant depiction of the tumultuous love story between Elvis and Priscilla Presley, unraveling their marital struggles amidst the opulence of Graceland
A24
Priscilla, which premiered at the New York Film Festival, earns 3.5 stars (out of 4) from We movie critic Mara Reinstein.
Presenting the King of Rock 'n Roll as a flashy and charismatic music icon battling his inner demons, Elvis, and on the other side is Priscilla, portraying a softer and equally important perspective.
Based on Priscilla Presley's memoir from 1985, "Elvis and Me," the significance of Priscilla lies in its authorship and direction by Sofia Coppola, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for her masterful portrayal of women navigating their search for self-identity. Coppola's artistic vision diverges drastically from that of Baz Luhrmann, the director of Elvis. Instead of vibrant and fast-paced scenes set in a glittering Las Vegas, Coppola offers intimate shots of fake eyelashes, bottles of nail polish, and mod-style dresses from the 1960s. The notorious "Colonel" Tom Parker is only mentioned, sparing us his on-screen presence.
Priscilla offers a captivating and bittersweet tale of loneliness within a marriage, set against the backdrop of Elvis' Graceland estate. Despite her youthful appearance and soft-spoken nature, the central heroine is not naive or impulsive.
The story is so extraordinary that one might assume certain details are exaggerated. However, it is true that Priscilla Beaulieu (Cailee Spaeny), a fourteen-year-old with a ponytail, lived with her parents on a military base in West Germany in 1959 when she received an invitation to a house party hosted by Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi). The famous star, on a break from his Army service, becomes instantly smitten with Priscilla, and the feeling is mutual. Their initial brief conversation leads to more, and eventually, they embark on innocent date nights with gentle kisses.
Despite the eyebrow-raising age difference of 10 years, the film suggests that Elvis enjoyed Priscilla’s company due to his longing for the United States and his sorrow over his recently departed mother. Priscilla, now 78 and serving as an executive producer, listens attentively to his troubles. Surprisingly, even as Priscilla ages, Elvis does not desire a physical relationship with her.
Taking an unexpected turn, this unconventional courtship ventures into shocking territory when Elvis invites a then-17-year-old Priscilla to come live with him at Graceland in Memphis. While some may view this arrangement as a dreamy fairy tale, Coppola meticulously exposes the intriguing flaws that lie within.
In this relationship, Elvis provides Priscilla with pills to help her fall asleep and stay awake. Furthermore, he expects her to complete her high school education, adhere to conservative attire, and transform her hair from a dull brown to a striking jet black. It is apparent that Priscilla is merely a discomforted teenager, seemingly playacting in an unusual circumstance. The scenes alternate between Priscilla handling a gun and attempting to pass exams at school, evoking a striking contrast.
Throughout the film, Priscilla, played by Spaeny, undergoes a transformation from a lovestruck teenager to a more isolated and frustrated wife and mother. While Elvis travels for extended periods for his film projects and performances in Las Vegas, the camera remains fixed on Priscilla, who is left alone in their lavish mansion. With limited friends for support, her main source of entertainment becomes reading gossip magazines about Elvis' numerous love affairs. When Elvis is present, his behavior is unpredictable, controlling, and at times, violent. However, the film does not indulge in overly dramatic confrontations or shocking revelations, as one might expect from a story about a couple's rise and fall. Instead, Priscilla simply comes to the realization that her marriage to Elvis has come to an end. This decision may seem underwhelming, but it is more likely to be an accurate portrayal of real life.
Spaeny and Elordi have a compelling and unsettling connection. Elordi's towering presence suggests a constant physical dominance, emphasizing the significant age difference between them. Unlike Austin Butler's portrayal in Elvis, Elordi's character is a kind and smooth soul who feels somewhat estranged from his own wife. Their relationship is not characterized by intimate secrets and witty banter. Despite Spaeny's transformation from a naive and youthful girl to a more mature woman, she still deeply loves her partner. The fine line between being infatuated and starstruck is delicately navigated by Spaeny with elegance.
In recent biopics like Jackie, Spencer, and Maestro, the focus has shifted to exploring the women behind influential men. What sets Priscilla apart is its refusal to present its leading lady as a tormented victim merely surviving. Instead, Coppola's film encourages Elvis fans to examine and empathize with the one person who never wanted him to be away - because she needed him by her side, at home.
Priscilla, the centerpiece selection of the New York Film Festival, opens in theaters on November 3.
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