Priscilla

Elvis is the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. That’s not hyperbole. It’s simply his established title. Even the lives of the people he affected justify a film. Priscilla is based on the 1985 memoir Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley. This is her story, adapted and directed by Sofia Coppola. Even from that atypical viewpoint, this is a weird movie.

Priscilla challenges expectations of the saga you want vs the one you get. I knew Elvis wouldn’t be taking center stage. I expected an account of Priscilla’s relationship with Elvis from her point of view. It is that, but this isn’t a by-the-numbers biopic. It’s the gloomy depiction of a woman trapped, filtered through the lens of a stylized mood piece.

Priscilla Beaulieu (Cailee Spaeny) and Elvis Presely (Jacob Elordi) first meet in 1959 in West Germany. Priscilla’s stepfather is a captain in the Air Force. The US Army has stationed Elvis there as well. He is 24. She is 14 and still in 9th grade. Her parents (Ari Cohen & Dagmara Dominczyk) are rightfully concerned by the ten-year age gap. A significant height difference further accentuates that age disparity. Elvis absolutely towers over the little girl. For the record, Australian actor Jacob Elordi is 6’5″. Actress Cailee Spaeny is 5’1″. The actress is also 25 but surprisingly believable as a 14-year-old girl. When Elvis’ service is complete, he returns to the United States, which leaves Priscilla in a depression. They would reunite.

Priscilla is about isolation and control. Years later, while still in high school, Elvis requests Priscilla stay with him at his estate. He promises her parents to enroll her in a good Catholic school. It’s a bizarre life. Graceland is a literal gilded cage. He encourages her to adopt a more adult appearance. On his suggestion, she dyes her hair black, embraces a beehive hairstyle, and wears heavier makeup, more eyeliner and mascara. He even chooses her fashions. His ever-present entourage of male buddies/employees constantly weigh in on these decisions. Later, during Christmas 1962, Elvis gifts Priscilla, a well-manicured poodle. She discovers the pet in the backyard, surrounded by a tiny white picket fence. The symbolism is heavy.

Marriage did not make things better. In 1967, Elvis finally proposes to Priscilla. They would consummate their relationship for the first time after the ceremony. However, his extended absences from their marriage would weigh heavily on her. Additionally, the tabloid reports of alleged affairs with various women, including Ann-Margret and Nancy Sinatra, would ultimately prove too much to bear. The couple would finalize their divorce six years later. The end comes abruptly. Cue Dolly Parton singing “I Will Always Love You.”

The shadow of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis looms over this picture. Full disclosure. I loved that 8-time Oscar-nominated epic. That glitzy explosion of color and music culminating in the celebration of a superstar was an artistic triumph. This is not that story, but it does concern the same man. In this portrait, Priscilla’s understanding of Elvis was from a sheltered perspective. She never even sees her husband perform in this portrayal. Director Sofia Coppola doesn’t have access to the Elvis catalog. The soundtrack is curated from anachronistic tunes from other artists. It is a distinctive choice that underscores the narrative’s focus is not on him.

Priscilla is not some grand tale of love nor even a detailed examination. It’s a hazy representation of a compliant individual who fell backward into a famous marriage and lived passively. We never understand who Priscilla is. I consider that a weakness. Although that’s the entire point. Cailee Spaeny is undeniably hypnotic in the titular role. She conveys a languid, almost zombie-like existence. Her nuanced and subtle performance brilliantly demystifies Priscilla’s unique association with Elvis. I can’t say I loved this movie. Nevertheless, I can’t stop thinking about it.

11-02-23