Prisicilla is a biographical drama directed by Sofia Coppola based on the memoir ‘Elvis and Me’ written by Priscilla Presley and Sandra Harmon. The book and the movie detail Priscilla’s relationship with Elvis from her perspective. Priscilla is the second movie to be released in a span of a year that is centered around Elvis.
The two leads are Cailee Spaney (Priscilla) and Elvis (Jacob Elordi). The film’s timeline spans from their first meeting when her family was stationed in Friedburg, Germany where she meets Elvis Presley at a house party at age 14 to her terminating their relationship in 1972.
Priscilla is a stylistic movie from its color pallet to its soundtrack. The film is filled with pastels that mainly consist of pink and blues. Sofia Coppola utilizes empty space to highlight the isolation Priscilla experienced during her relationship with Elvis. There was an incident in the film when Priscilla first moves into Graceland; she had a chance to work part time at a boutique but was prohibited by Elvis because “In case I call, and I want you to be there.” As is consistent with other Sofia Coppola films, the soundtrack enhances the experience. The song that stood out is the final scene where Priscilla leaves Graceland and everyone says their goodbyes, ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Dolly Parton playing in the background. ‘I Will Always Love You’ not originally written to be a breakup song is accurate even with the context it is being used in.
Throughout the movie the audience sees through Priscilla perspective on her life, which is narrowed to only being an extension of Elvis. Elvis controlled Priscilla both in her life and as a person; Priscilla making the choice to leave Elvis was a declaration of her freedom. Her divorce from Elvis wasn’t about no longer loving Elvis, but rather the need to be her own person. Priscilla’s last line to Elvis was, “If I don’t leave now, I will never leave you.” Priscilla’s love for Elvis is present throughout the movie.
Priscilla is a quiet movie, Priscilla’s (Cailee Spaney) voice is soft and seldom used. Despite that, Spaney puts on a spectacular performance by using her eyes and body language. She portrays the natural naivety that comes with being a young teenage girl and a young woman who wants to be a person of her own terrifically. Performances that are ‘loud’ are often associated with great acting. Quiet performances like these are often overlooked where it is the same skill level or even more. Cailee Spaney captures desolation. When looking into Priscilla’s eyes (Caliee Spaney) you almost feel as lonely as her.
Jacob Elodri also delivers as Elvis with his accent and height that calls for attention. Elordi is a dominating force, his performance at times can feel like his character in Euphoria, though is powerfully overshadowed when he seems like Elvis himself.
The main problem of the film is the editing. The fade to black transitions makes the pacing of the film a bit awkward. It created a feeling of the film being incomplete, and there was still more of the story to be told.
Priscilla is a movie about a woman, told by a woman and made for women. Even if you are not one the movie is still worth watching. Priscilla deserves 4 out of 5 shields.
