In the mid-1960s, the enchanting aura surrounding Priscilla Presley, then a young woman romantically linked with the charismatic Elvis Presley, captured the imagination of people across America. However, beneath the glitz and glamour lay a complex and often isolating reality, as revealed in the forthcoming movie Priscilla, helmed by renowned filmmaker Sofia Coppola. The film, premiering on September 4 at the Venice Film Festival, offers audiences an intimate portrayal of the iconic couple's story from Priscilla's vantage point.
Recalling a pivotal moment from her past, Priscilla reminisces about a time when she overheard whispers in a Beverly Hills boutique.
"I heard the girl saying, 'You know who that is? That's the girl Elvis is dating and they're getting married,' " Priscilla recalls in an interview she did alongside Coppola with The Hollywood Reporter. " 'She's pregnant.' "
She wasn't.
"I was like, 'Oh my God, that's what's being said?' "
This incident marked a turning point in her realization of the scrutiny and speculation that came with her newfound public status. Now, at the age of 78, Priscilla opens up about the lifetime of narratives and judgments surrounding her relationship with the legendary Elvis, providing an insight into her personal journey and emotions through the film.
Coppola and Presley Have a Deep Bond
Sofia Coppola took inspiration from Priscilla's 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me, for the movie's script. Initially expecting a glamorous narrative, Coppola was pleasantly surprised by the emotional connection she felt with the material. As a director known for capturing the essence of young female yearning in films like Lost in Translation and Marie Antoinette, Coppola was uniquely equipped to delve into Priscilla's story. Having grown up amidst the captivating world of her father, renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia understood the complexities of living within the realm of a magnetic artist. In creating the film, a deep bond has been forged between Priscilla and Coppola.
"I know that growing up, people are looking at you in a different way. And also living in a house with my dad, this big personality, a great artist and a lot of our life revolving around that. And seeing my mom's life, how she was trying to find her way within his, I could relate to that," Coppola says.
The film aptly captures scenes that reflect a bygone era's norms and expectations, often challenging and sometimes even alarming in today's context. Priscilla's journey unfolds through the lens of a young girl striving to fit into Elvis's world, making efforts to understand his desires and preferences. Despite the ups and downs, Priscilla's affection for Elvis remains tender, underscored by her understanding of the era's distinct dynamics.
In a poignant interview held at Santa Monica's The Georgian Hotel, Priscilla and Coppola delve into the movie's themes, revealing their own experiences and emotions. The conversation takes on a somber note as Priscilla reflects on the sudden passing of her daughter, Lisa Marie, just seven months earlier at the age of 54 due to a small bowel obstruction.
On Jan. 10, the night of the Golden Globe Awards, Austin Butler had just won best actor in a drama for playing Elvis in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis movie, and mother and daughter went to the Chateau Marmont together after the show to celebrate.
"We had just gotten there, you go down all these stairs," Priscilla says. "I tripped a little bit because I had these high heels on, and she started laughing so hard. I started laughing. We hadn't even had a drink yet. She goes, 'Oh my God, Mom, you can't even have a drink.' ... It was fun, a fun memory. Then we sat down and ordered drinks, and she says, 'Mom, my stomach hurts really bad.' We immediately got up and left." Two days later, Lisa Marie's ex-husband, actor-musician Danny Keough, called Priscilla and said Lisa Marie was in the hospital. "I got right in the car, but she was already gone," Priscilla says. "I still can't believe it. I don't wish this on any mother."
Priscilla's Story Has an Element of Mystique
Throughout her life, Priscilla has upheld a sense of privacy, a quality that Elvis found endearing. Their relationship commenced when Priscilla, then a teenager, visited Elvis's house while he was stationed in Germany. Remarkably, she kept this encounter a secret even from her schoolmates, earning Elvis's admiration for her discretion. Coppola finds this attribute intriguing, as it adds an element of mystique to Priscilla's story — a rarity in today's world of oversharing.
Over the years, there have been several depictions of Priscilla's life in pop culture. Now, Sofia Coppola's film brings a fresh perspective to Priscilla's journey, focusing on her personal growth and identity amid the larger-than-life presence of Elvis. The movie's cast, led by Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis, delivers captivating performances that capture the essence of their characters.
The film's production was meticulously executed, replicating key locations like Graceland, Las Vegas, and Germany. Production designer Tamara Deverell paid attention to details, creating contrasting visual palettes to depict different phases of Priscilla's life. The movie employs distinct editing styles and sound designs to distinguish scenes with and without Elvis, capturing his larger-than-life presence.
As the anticipation for "Priscilla" builds, it promises to provide an intimate and authentic glimpse into the extraordinary life of a woman who, despite living in the shadow of an icon, managed to carve her own path and identity.
Priscilla will premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2023. After that, it will have its wider cinematic release on October 27, 2023, in the US.
