Film and TV adaptations revolving around Elvis Presley have become quite the norm since the iconic singer’s tragic passing in 1977, from John Carpenter’s TV biopic starring Kurt Russell as Elvis to most recently, 2022’s Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which not only attained commercial success but awards success as the film garnered Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and Lead Actor for Austin Butler’s portrayal.
With all these adaptations of Presley, the time for a unique and fresh look at the Presley family has arrived. Who better to offer that unique take than Academy Award winner Sofia Coppola? A director who has earned our attention anytime she has a new film on the docket. Coppola has become one of our generation’s finest filmmakers, consistently delivering style and substance, and her latest film, Priscilla, does the same.
Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla lands with grace. An intimate portrait that captures a young woman’s dream-like wonder crashing into life’s realities. Coppola’s vision is subtle and delicate but emotionally satisfying.
Based on Priscilla Presley’s “Elvis and Me“, the film tells the story of Priscilla Beaulieu, a young high schooler who meets Elvis Presley, while they are both stationed in West Germany – one because he was drafted and the other because of her father’s military position. As the two spend time together, an infatuation turns into a blossoming romance from a passionate love affair to a realization that only fools rush in.
While Sofia Coppola’s screenplay never fully vilifies Elvis for beginning a romance with a child, Coppola’s script effectively shows Elvis’s darker side, ultimately leading to the couple’s split. The screenplay remains from Priscilla’s point of view, and within that viewpoint, Elvis is not without his flaws, and those flaws shockingly jump off the screen.
Coppola’s vivid style remains intact as she can blend the subtle moments with the style and charisma that both Elvis and Priscilla brought. Her most challenging task is effectively creating a musical composition that removes Elvis from the equation and she’s successful. Similarly to Marie Antoinette, Coppola’s musical choices are sublime. None stand out more than a Dolly Parton needle drop that will leave cinephiles grinning from ear to ear for its effective execution.
Cailee Spaeny is sensational in the titular role. Offering a captivating and fierce star-making portrayal, Spaeny’s evolution throughout the film is a sight to behold. By the film’s conclusion, Priscilla is confident and liberated physically and emotionally.
While Austin Butler’s take on Elvis was one of my favorite performances of 2022, Jacob Elordi’s 2023 take will stick with me. Elordi captures the magnetic presence of “The King” while never falling into a caricature. While comparisons of both performances will be made, it’s safe to say that Elvis and Priscilla can be seen as two book ends – the performances can be enjoyed for their unique and distinct approach.
As the centerpiece selection at NYFF61, Priscilla earns its placement with one of the finest films of the festival. A showcase of direction, style, and acting, Priscilla has entered the Mount Rushmore of Sofia Coppola’s best films and a personal favorite of 2023.
