Sofia Coppola's "Priscilla" Offers New Perspective on Elvis Presley through Lens of Priscilla Presley's Struggles

Film adaptation of Priscilla Presley's memoir "Elvis & Me" explores the iconic but complex relationship between Elvis and Priscilla Presley, highlighting themes of control and isolation within the context of 1960s America.

Sofia Coppola transforms the narrative of Priscilla Presley's life with Elvis Presley in her biographical film 'Priscilla', retaining her signature visual styles and focusing on portraying the legends through the female gaze.
Adapted from Priscilla Presley's memoir, 'Elvis & Me', the film explores the couple’s complex relationship starting from when Priscilla was just 14, raising themes of control, isolation, and grooming that Priscilla experienced during her relationship and ultimately her marriage to Elvis.
With Priscilla Presley on board as an executive producer, the film takes a blunt stance on the manipulative aspects of Elvis's behavior, such as prescribing Priscilla amphetamines and controlling her wardrobe, appearance, and interactions.
The production paid particular attention to the recreation of Graceland—the couple's abode—that is reflective of both of Priscilla's changing emotions and the historical accuracy of the house, including the subtle changes it underwent over the course of her decade-long stay.
Even as the film covers the love and compassion that marked their relationship, it ends at the point when Priscilla begins to grapple with her life outside of Elvis—the domination of her spouse's stature and her role in his legacy, which in essence makes this film more about Priscilla's struggles as opposed to Elvis’s life.