Priscilla: Beyond the Shadow of Elvis

Setting the Stage

Sophia Coppola’s most recent film, Priscilla, is a magnificent and introspective investigation of a young woman’s turbulent transition from adolescence to adulthood amid the sumptuous confines of one of the world’s most legendary personalities. Coppola frequently exhibits an insightful ability to probe past the sparkling sheen of societal appearances, revealing the depths that lie beneath. In the film, she expertly weaves parts of romance and anguish, creating a complex depiction of emotional states that include love, hatred, and terrible loneliness. Thus, the question arises: what fundamental insights does the film provide into the characteristics of Priscilla and Elvis, as well as the complexities of their relationship? To understand the true substance of Coppola’s story, it is necessary to examine both the historical facts surrounding Priscilla’s life and the cinematic version given. Furthermore, an investigation of the real-life complications associated with Elvis Presley, which the film confronts, adds to our understanding of Coppola’s skillfully woven underlying themes and motifs.

The film, based on Priscilla’s autobiographical biography, methodically traverses a chronological period of 13 years, capturing crucial junctures in her life, beginning with an accidental encounter with Elvis Presley at the tender age of 14. This historic meeting took place against the backdrop of Elvis’ ascension to global fame, as he also fulfilled his military commitments in the United States Army. Priscilla’s childhood was marked by a peripatetic lifestyle typical of military dependents, with her father’s military career causing her to be uprooted and transported to several locations throughout the world. In 1959, fate brought Elvis and Priscilla’s worlds together at a military installation in Germany, where both her father and the famed entertainer were stationed. The film precisely recreates the setting of their initial encounter, which was spurred by a serendipitous invitation made to Priscilla by an Elvis acquaintance, resulting in their first interaction amongst an intrigue and allure-filled social gathering. Notably, Priscilla’s allure is fueled by widespread respect for Elvis, an iconic person whose magnetism transcended boundaries.

The film elucidates the origins of their alliance, which grew into a genuine camaraderie punctuated by a common undertone of isolation—the result of Elvis’ towering popularity and Priscilla’s restless upbringing, which hindered the formation of long-term partnerships. Within this emotional resonance, the film methodically investigates the juxtaposition of two diverse but merging loneliness experiences. Within a short period, Priscilla, still in her adolescence, found herself immersed within the walls of Graceland, thanks to Elvis’ forceful overtures to her parents, disguised as familial involvement and noble aspirations. Elvis made solemn promises to Priscilla’s parents, promising to protect her well-being amidst the lavish surroundings of his home.

In these early phases of their relationship, the film perceptively depicts Priscilla’s increasing imprisonment within the orbit of Elvis’ fame and influence. The temptation of being singled out by a luminary amid a mob of admirers, echoing motifs ubiquitous in fictional narratives, lends Priscilla’s entrée into this realm a mystical quality. The glittering trappings of famous life, complete with jet-setting adventures, sumptuous soirées, and the attraction of romance, captivate Priscilla’s imagination, instilling a sense of being adored and desired. Nonetheless, the film gradually reveals the darker undercurrents that pervade their relationship, as Priscilla confronts the stark reality of her subservient position within Elvis’ sphere of power. Despite the romanticized exterior, Elvis’ intentions are revealed to be rooted in possessiveness and manipulation, confining Priscilla to a subordinate status akin to that of a prized item devoid of agency or autonomy. The painful contrast of fleeting moments of tenderness against a background of widespread emotional abuse and manipulation highlights the complexities of their relationship.

Priscilla, long consigned to the status of an appendage to Elvis’ character, felt herself continually overshadowed, her originality obliterated by the radiance of his celebrity. Thus, the need to clarify this component of their story compelled a genuine admission of imperfection. As she stated in her Rolling Stone interview, Priscilla accepted responsibility for expressing her truth, understanding that the heart of storytelling is allowing the audience to reflect and discern. The encroachment of Elvis’ reputation and character enclosed Priscilla’s personality in a compliance straitjacket, reducing her to a subordinate role with no agency or autonomy. His strict standards went beyond surface aesthetics, directing every aspect of Priscilla’s life, from her wardrobe to her cosmetics, eroding her identity and subsuming her inside his demands.

Cultural Context

Their partnership was a nexus of different power relationships, typifying the era’s established cultural standards. Elvis’ adult stature contrasted with Priscilla’s adolescence worsened the inherent disparity, which was intensified by his standing as a wealthy and influential luminary versus Priscilla’s status as an average teenager. Furthermore, the dominant patriarchal mindset of the time fostered hierarchical familial arrangements in which husbands wielded unilateral authority while assigning others to submissive duties. The film delicately depicts the convergence of multiple forces that ensnare Priscilla within the boundaries of a magnificent but desolate gilded cage, where her agency is severely limited. Priscilla initially attempts to regain some control over her circumstances by taking little steps and focusing her attention on modifiable parts of her life. This motif is dramatically clarified in the film’s exposition, as Priscilla methodically creates a character reflective of societal expectations—an artifice highlighted by meticulously applied cosmetics and perfectly styled blond tresses—a performance she expertly refines over time.

As Priscilla grows older, she realizes the hollowness beneath this beautifully managed exterior, seeking a more substantive fulfillment that goes beyond superficiality. As Priscilla grows beyond the constraints of fandom, she develops as a woman with recognizable needs and desires, increasingly disillusioned by the superficiality of her celebrity status. The constant sensation of loneliness that surrounds her existence, overshadowing her alleged luxury, is central to Priscilla’s thematic weave. Instead of focusing on sensationalist celebrity news, the film dives into Priscilla’s tragic isolation as she languishes within the immense expanse of her lavish home, continually abandoned by her famed hubby. Elvis’ open infidelities and contemptuous attitude toward Priscilla’s ambitions compound her acute sense of alienation, pushing her to the margins of his public life as he pursues extramarital affairs with impunity.

The visual story displays Priscilla submerged in the enormous expanse of her luxurious surroundings, her stature dwarfed by the abundance of material belongings and the obvious absence of human contact. As the shell of glamour begins to peel away, Priscilla embarks on a voyage of self-discovery, eventually developing a more nuanced and strong sense of identity. Priscilla’s growing autonomy is expressed by her greater willingness to state her preferences and desires, which began with minor acts of rebellion, such as wearing clothing that contradicted Elvis’s directives. Simultaneously, the previously shy and acquiescent Priscilla undergoes a dramatic evolution, increasingly vocalizing her displeasure and exerting her agency within the boundaries of their partnership. Priscilla’s desire for personal fulfillment extends beyond the bounds of her marriage partnership, as she cultivates her hobbies and pursuits, forming a sense of self outside of Elvis’ orbit.

The film concludes with Priscilla’s heartbreaking exit from Elvis’ orbit, representing a definitive separation from the chains of their stormy union. Transcending the image of the starry-eyed ingenue who initially charmed viewers, Priscilla emerges as a resolute and self-assured lady ready to embark on the next chapter of her adventure. This transforming journey is tangible, capturing Priscilla’s maturation from a passive observer to an active player in her own life story—a metamorphosis highlighted by her clothing choices. The palpable sense of agency embodied in Priscilla’s decision heightens the impact of her leaving. No longer bound by her famed spouse’s whims, Priscilla meets the impending departure with steely resolution, a testament to her newfound autonomy and self-determination. According to costume designer Stacey Battat, Priscilla’s dress serves as a visual metaphor for her emancipation, with her conscious decision to bid farewell in pants reflecting her rejection of conventional norms and assertion of freedom.

Priscilla and Elvis’ divorce was finalized on October 9th, 1973, around thirteen years after their first meeting. Priscilla was just 28 years old at the time. Priscilla began a new chapter in her life by starting a clothing business with her stylist and confidante, Olivia Bis. Concurrently, she embarked on new romantic relationships marked by a level of passion she had not experienced throughout her time with Elvis. While the breakdown of her marriage brought her a new feeling of independence and self-actualization, Priscilla maintained an amiable relationship with Elvis, building a friendship that extended beyond the bounds of their prior marital relationships. Following the death of Elvis’ father in 1979, Priscilla became executor of his estate and the famed Graceland house.

Striking a Balance

Despite the film’s noble effort to highlight Priscilla’s emotional story after years of marginalization, not everyone agreed on its merits. Coppola faced a tough challenge in striking a precise balance between accuracy and sensitivity while recounting a complex and divisive story. The film attempted to provide a nuanced representation of Priscilla and Elvis’ troubled relationship, balancing truth without overly hurting the real-life protagonists engaged in the story. Although Priscilla and Elvis’ union was originally considered an idealized romantic paradigm, modern opinions highlight the large age gap between a 14-year-old and a 24-year-old. Despite Priscilla’s insistence on the veracity of their love story, the film, based on her biography, frankly analyzes the many facets of their relationship. Coppola’s directorial technique avoids judging implications, instead focusing on a detailed investigation of each character’s point of view while remaining aware of Priscilla’s. The film fearlessly explores the darker aspects of their story, an unavoidable outcome given the inherent difficulties of their connection.

The film boldly confronts the narrative’s complicated and disputed components, refusing to turn away from hard facts. The film explores the complexities of Priscilla and Elvis’ relationship, confronting the uncomfortable facts that pervade their union. Through genuine language such as “Wow, she’s young, she’s like a little girl,” the film attempts to authentically represent the deep ramifications of Priscilla and Elvis’ huge age difference. In its unwavering devotion to authenticity, the film frankly depicts Elvis’ less savory qualities, not to disparage his character, but to offer audiences with a thorough grasp of the complexities of Priscilla’s captivity. Dialogue like, “That was a real accident, baby. You know I’ve never truly wounded you. Maybe those are too much, my doctor is looking after me, I don’t need that, your opinion” serves as a devastating reminder of the psychological manipulation and gaslighting that is common in their relationship.

However, the film’s realistic depiction of Elvis’ complexity did not receive overwhelming acclaim. According to Coppola, “I think it’s sympathetic to see his struggles and the human side, but there’s so much folklore of him as this God.” This comment indicates an understanding of the contradiction between Elvis’ ongoing mystique as an iconic person and the film’s more nuanced portrayal of his humanity and shortcomings. In recent months, information has emerged about the pre-production process of Priscilla, in which Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis Presley’s daughter, allegedly read the script and then expressed vehement opposition to its content. Lisa Marie showed significant outrage in a series of email discussions with Coppola, strongly arguing for modifications to the script to avoid what she saw as potentially devastating consequences for her father’s public reputation. Her apprehensions stemmed from a firm belief that the script’s portrayal of Elvis differed significantly from her real experiences and perceptions of her father.

Lisa Marie’s concerns stemmed from a firmly held trust in her father’s innocence and purity, and she vehemently refuted any allegations of predatory or manipulative behavior made in the tale. She insisted that her father’s character, as represented in the script, bore little similarity to the paternal figure she knew and respected, dismissing the portrayal as inconsistent with her intimate knowledge of Elvis’ personality and behavior. Accepting that a loved one may have committed harmful acts can be a difficult task, especially given abusers’ inclination to conceal their cruel behavior from individuals in their close social circle. The National Domestic Violence Hotline emphasizes this problem, stating, “People with controlling, unhealthy, and abusive attitudes understand their behavior is unacceptable. That is why they do not exhibit it to the majority of people in their lives or treat others with the same level of brutality.” This acknowledgment reveals the subtle nature of abusive behavior, which is frequently hidden from public view, exacerbating the difficulty of recognizing its existence.

In her review of the film, Priscilla showed her enthusiasm for it, noting, “At the end, I was quite emotional. It was done quite carefully and with care, and I had tears in my eyes.” Her support for the film reflects her appreciation for its painstaking craftsmanship and compassionate portrayal of her experiences, thereby reinforcing its creative integrity and emotional relevance. Elvis Presley Enterprises, Elvis’ estate custodian, refused permission to use his songs in the film. Despite this limitation, Coppola had anticipated such a possibility since the project’s beginnings, ensuring that her directorial vision remained intact. This strategic forethought demonstrates Coppola’s rigorous planning and adaptability, allowing her to overcome potential roadblocks without jeopardizing the film’s creative vision or thematic coherence.

Bibliography

• Ide, W. (2023). Priscilla review – Sofia Coppola’s stylish, sensitive portrait of life with Elvis. The Guardian.
• Lane, A. (2023). “Priscilla” Presents the Echoing Void of Elvis’s Fame. The New Yorker.
• Willmore, A. (2023). In Priscilla, She’s the Girl Who Has Everything — Except Actual Power. Vulture.