‘You’re losing me to a life of my own…’
2022 brought an average film about Elvis from an auteur director with a distinct visual style. Strangely, it turns out that 2023 also saw the release of an average film about Elvis from an auteur director with a distinct visual style. Swap out Baz Luhrmann for Sofia Coppola and you have Priscilla – a film that is ostensibly about Priscilla Presley but actually views Elvis’ first wife entirely through the prism of The King himself…
Charting teenage Priscilla (Cailee Spaeny) and her apparently quite chaste and innocent early courtship with Elvis through to their acrimonious divorce, Priscilla provides a snapshot of a very specific time and place for a woman feeling trapped and overwhelmed (think also Spencer and Jackie).
The problem here is that while Coppola’s latest looks great, features some wonderful hair and make-up design and a great soundtrack, it doesn’t have anything to say. There is nothing of substance. There is no attempt to try and explain or understand Presley’s controlling and manipulative behaviour, just as their no attempt to peer behind the curtain of Priscilla’s obedient veneer. Many of the film’s best moments arrive when Priscilla is allowed some time and space on her own to react to the whirlwind lifestyle swirling around her – but these moments are few and far between. It doesn’t help that the supporting cast doesn’t offer much aside from Elordi who is admittedly compelling if you can get past the massive size difference between him and the character that he is portraying (he’s a full five inches taller than Elvis and much leaner).
Priscilla is perhaps worth watching for a captivating performance from Spaeny in the titular role but ultimately this is an empty film. Disappointing.