[Rating: Minor Rock Fist Up]
The name and legacy of Elvis Presley has endured over the decades cementing him as a pop culture icon. Who do we have to thank for keeping that man’s entire persona alive and relevant in 2023? His wife, Priscilla Presley.
A year after the life story of Elvis hit the screen, a brief glimpse into the relationship of the Presley’s is explored in director Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla. Here, based on Presley’s memoir, we see a more subtle, often complex side of a relationship that leaves more questions and emotions than solidified feelings.
Priscilla Beaulieu (Cailee Spaeny) is an army brat growing up alone and bored in Germany. In 1959, she meets Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi) during his stint in the army and an immediate connection is formed. Priscilla develops what can (and should) be described as a schoolgirl crush as she is only 14 and Elvis ten years her senior. However, Elvis returns to the United States and doesn’t see Priscilla for four years. Both friends rekindle what was started and Priscilla’s parents are convinced enough by The King to let her finish her schooling in Memphis, live at Graceland and more importantly, live with Elvis.
From there, the rest of the story of how Priscilla went from girl to married to one of the biggest singers in the world is shown. The highs and numerous lows of a marriage that is so chaotic and should not work on so many levels finds Priscilla in quiet moments that make her reflect what the hell she got herself into.
What I really liked from this film was the performance of Spaeny. She gets so many quiet moments that is just her reflection of what Priscilla went through as a young girl thrown into a bizarre life. I wanted to reach into the screen and help Priscilla escape this marriage that Elvis was too damn controlling of and didn’t entirely seem interested in.
As for everything else, this moves in a slow dreamlike wonderment of a film. Spaeny and Elordi are embracing their figures with their good looks and great acting abilities. The film itself feels very early Coppola (i.e. Virgin Suicides) in its aesthetic.
Coppola isn’t telling you to change your own opinions about who Elvis was as a husband, but rather giving you a chance to hear another side of things. Yes, I can understand what the late Lisa Marie Presley felt about this film because that was her father and she has an image of him that she wanted to know and love in her life. If anything, give Priscilla’s memories a chance to be their own thing that she wants others to know and embrace.
Christian Ramos is a classic film fan, having had the dream to host Turner Classic Movies for years now. He also has a large amount of Oscar trivia in his head, remembers dressing as Groucho Marx one Halloween, and cherishes the moment Julianne Moore liked his tweet.
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