In 2022, Baz Luhrmann’s film Elvis was released with much acclaim. A year later, Elvis’s wife, Priscilla, tells a tale that shocks viewers with its raw story-telling and stunning cinematography.
Priscilla is the story of Priscilla Presley from when she met Elvis Presley all the way to leaving the marriage. The story itself is based on Priscilla’s memoir Elvis and Me, but is brought to life by the award winning Sofia Coppola. Coppola, having directed other films like The Virgin Suicides and Marie Antoinette, captures the essence of the relationship in both a romantic and heartbreaking way, depicting every fight and make-up with so much passion that the viewer can’t help but get lost in their love.
The movie starts with a fifteen-year-old Priscilla, portrayed by Cailee Spaeny, at a diner in Germany, where her father is stationed, doing homework when she gets invited to an Elvis party. As she attends more and more parties, she draws attention from then 24-year old Elvis Presley, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. Elvis, having just recently lost his mother, relies on Priscilla to get him through his moment of pain, connecting with her in a way that makes her feel special and wanted. Their relationship soon evolves, and after a little while Priscilla leaves Germany and goes back to the States to live with Elvis in Memphis.
After her settling in, Elvis has her change her appearance in drastic ways; she dyes her hair black, wears more intense eye makeup, and completely changes her wardrobe from prints to solids, especially blue tones. Elvis and Priscilla later get married, and after 6 years of marriage full of ups-and-downs, Priscilla makes the decision to leave him.
Priscilla’s journey is one of trials as she navigates the complexities of life. Her resilience and character is tested by the many challenges she faces, one of which being her husband, Elvis. In this movie, Elvis is depicted with a heightened temper, and after every incident, she increasingly understands the man that Elvis is. A few scenes pertaining to this stand out, such as when Priscilla discovers a romantic note from Elvis’ costar in his jacket pocket, and in a fit of rage he throws her clothes in a suitcase, telling her she needs to get out and see her parents for a while; or when Elvis asks Priscilla what she thinks of his new music, and after she responds with honest criticism, he throws a chair at her, but immediately rushes over to apologize, saying he was born with his mother’s temper. The beloved Elvis Presley is separated from his god-like appeal and made more real in this film: the pedestal he was put on finally pulled out from under him.
After the emotional descension that was the entire movie, the final scene was what really did it for me. The night before, a drugged-up Elvis tries sleeping with Priscilla, but she immediately pushes him off and leaves. The next morning, Priscilla declares that she is leaving their marriage. Elvis tries convincing her not to, listing off all the things she’d be missing, but Priscilla stands her ground and leaves the room, saying if she stays, she’d never leave. At this moment, the background behind Elvis is full of red hints, like the sunlight behind sheer red curtains and the red stripes of his pajamas, while Priscilla’s background has quite dull tones, and it looks simply like any home background. You’d think they were in separate rooms. This image shows Elvis in his own glamorous, exciting life and Priscilla moving on to the life of simplicity that she wants.
Sofia Coppola has such a way with cinematography. Aside from being a beautifully-told story, the movie itself is a cinematic masterpiece. From the set design to the soundtrack, this movie transcends the ordinary, with a breathtaking aesthetic that draws the viewer into the world of Elvis and Priscilla. Whether you’re a fan of drama, romance, or simply appreciate the art of cinema, Priscilla is a must-see that promises to leave a lasting impression.
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