Everybody knows about Elvis Presley. Known as the “king of rock and roll,” his international stardom carries from one generation to to the next, through iconic films such as Elvis, or more recently, Priscilla, directed by Sofia Coppola. His fame began among the youth of the 50s and 60s, exemplified in the beginning of Coppola’s film, when he asks fourteen year old Priscilla Wagner what kids listen to these days, and she responds with “Bobby Darin, Fabian, and you.” Seven years later, she would be his wife. That is all we knew about her.
Until now.
Priscilla, starring Cailee Spaney and Jacob Elordi, is a heart wrenching and perfect timeline of Priscilla Presley’s life from her first encounter with Elvis to her search for a life of her own. “It’s great to see more female viewpoints in movies,” says Ramapo student Alexis Lynch. Directed by a woman, and switching the typical narrative of celebrity biopics, the movie ushers in an era of film where women’s stories are recognized as more than an accessory to develop the male character’s plotlines. Overall, the movie subverts expectations in every way possible. “Priscilla avoids falling victim to Hollywood biopic cliches and is not afraid to take chances with exposing the darker aspects of Elvis’ personality and the power/control he had over his wife,” says Ramapo teacher Mr. D’Amico.
Based on Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me, the movie builds its credibility through its evocative screenplay and stellar performances. Although Mrs. Presley had only spoken to the director “a couple of times,” she has praised Priscilla loudly, supposedly being moved to tears at its debut at the Venice film festival, and stating that, “Sofia did an amazing job, she did her homework…And I really put everything out for her that I could,” (Cosmopolitan).
Priscilla is an amazing movie for fans of complex, real stories, and previously forgotten or ignored viewpoints. Sofia Coppola’s film is a unique and beautiful film and certainly worth seeing.
