Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s latest film has caused quite a stir. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Elordi revealed that he went to great lengths to immerse himself in the character by indulging in copious amounts of bacon. Priscilla Presley had shared with the cast that Elvis was a fan of bacon, which served as the inspiration for Elordi’s unique method acting approach.
Elordi admitted to consuming about a pound of bacon a day while on set. Despite the excessive consumption of pork, Elordi confessed that he didn’t show any physical signs of the bacon overload. However, he did note that he gained some weight from the constant bacon consumption. It’s an interesting take on method acting, one that differs significantly from Austin Butler’s approach in the previous Elvis film.
While Butler continued to use his Elvis voice even after the cameras stopped rolling, Elordi took a different route. According to Coppola, Priscilla Presley herself praised Elordi’s portrayal, stating that his voice sounded just like Elvis in his prime. This adds a layer of authenticity to Elordi’s performance, as it aligns with Priscilla’s personal recollections of the legendary musician.
The film, aptly titled ‘Priscilla,’ has garnered positive reviews overall. However, it hasn’t escaped controversy. Unlike the glossier biopic starring Butler, this film delves deeper into Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship and how they came together. There has been criticism surrounding Elvis’s courtship of Priscilla while she was a teenager, especially in the context of the present day. Even Lisa Marie Presley, before her untimely passing, expressed concerns over the portrayal of her parents’ relationship.
Despite the criticism, Priscilla herself has been supportive of the film since its inception. In fact, the movie is based on her memoir, making it a project close to her heart. The controversy and differing opinions about Elvis’s legacy are inevitable, leaving fans and critics alike to ponder its impact on the iconic musician’s reputation.
The portrayal of Elvis in ‘Priscilla’ has also drawn objections from Elvis’s estate. They have voiced their disapproval of Coppola’s characterization of the legendary icon. It’s clear that this film treads into sensitive territory, exploring a side of Elvis’s life that may challenge the perceptions of his legacy.
As ‘Priscilla’ continues to spark discussions and evoke strong reactions, audiences are left to decide for themselves how they perceive Elvis’s life and fame. It is impossible to please everyone, especially when delving into complex and controversial aspects of a public figure’s life. Regardless of differing opinions, ‘Priscilla’ stands as a testament to Sofia Coppola’s exploration of the human side of Elvis Presley and his relationship with Priscilla.
In the end, Jacob Elordi’s unconventional method acting approach with bacon adds an intriguing layer to his portrayal of Elvis. Whether or not his weight gain from consuming copious amounts of bacon truly enhanced his performance is up for debate. Nevertheless, his commitment to the role and the praise from Priscilla Presley herself solidify his dedication to bringing the essence of Elvis to the silver screen.
‘Priscilla’ is now playing in theaters, giving audiences a chance to experience a different side of Elvis Presley’s life and legacy. It’s a film that sparks conversations and challenges perceptions, ultimately leaving viewers to draw their own conclusions about the iconic musician.
