Priscilla Presley found herself caught in the whirlwind of fame and scrutiny at a young age. The mid-1960s marked a turning point in her life when she overheard whispers about her in a Beverly Hills boutique. As the girlfriend of Elvis Presley, Priscilla’s every move was under public scrutiny. She realized that her relationship with Elvis had turned her into a public figure, subject to constant speculation.
Now, 60 years later at the age of 78, Priscilla is set to share her side of the story in the upcoming film “Priscilla,” written and directed by Sofia Coppola. The film, adapted from Priscilla’s memoir “Elvis and Me,” provides a rare glimpse into the couple’s relationship from Priscilla’s perspective. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival in September, the movie aims to convey Priscilla’s feelings, hurts, and sensitivity to the audience.
Coppola, known for her exploration of young female longing in films like “The Virgin Suicides” and “Lost in Translation,” was immediately drawn to Priscilla’s story. Having grown up in a show business family herself, with her father being famous filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia understood the pressures and complexities of navigating fame. She found Priscilla’s story highly relatable and emotionally compelling.
The film delves into moments that can be seen as reflective of a bygone era, such as Elvis dating a 14-year-old Priscilla and controlling aspects of her appearance. It also addresses instances of Elvis losing his temper and causing Priscilla harm. While these scenes may raise questions about power dynamics and consent, Priscilla sees her relationship with Elvis through a lens of tenderness. She emphasizes that it was a different time and she willingly embraced Elvis’s world, wanting to please him and be a part of his life.
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During the interview with Priscilla and Sofia, which took place at Santa Monica’s The Georgian Hotel, they touch upon deeply personal matters. Just seven months prior to the interview, Priscilla’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, tragically passed away at the age of 54. Priscilla reveals that she had a sense that something was wrong in the days leading up to her daughter’s death. The loss of her beloved child has been incredibly painful for Priscilla, and she expresses her grief and disbelief.
Priscilla and Elvis always valued their privacy, something that Priscilla believes endeared her to Elvis. Even after meeting Elvis at a party, Priscilla kept their encounter a secret from her schoolmates. Sofia admires Priscilla’s discretion and sees it as part of what makes her story so intriguing to the public. In an age of oversharing and constant exposure, Priscilla’s mystique stands out.
Over the years, there have been various interpretations of Priscilla’s story in popular culture. In 1988, a TV miniseries titled “Elvis and Me” portrayed her life with Elvis, while the band Depeche Mode was inspired by her story when writing their song “Personal Jesus.” Priscilla herself carved out a separate public persona from Elvis after his death, acting in TV shows like “Dallas” and appearing in the “Naked Gun” film series. Despite her success in these ventures, Priscilla often receives comments from fans wanting more of her on-screen presence.
Coppola’s decision to make “Priscilla” came at a moment of personal reflection for the director. Battling COVID-19 and feeling frustrated with her producing ventures, she realized she needed to go back to her true passion: directing. Priscilla’s story had been on her mind for some time, and the vivid visuals of Memphis in the ’60s made it an ideal subject for Coppola. The themes of identity and coming-of-age also resonated with her, as did the parallels between her own upbringing and Priscilla’s experiences.
With the support of Italian producer Lorenzo Miele and his company, The Apartment, Coppola was able to bring “Priscilla” to life on a budget of less than $20 million. The film does not rely on big-name stars, allowing the focus to remain on Priscilla’s story. During production, Coppola discovered that Baz Luhrmann was making a larger-scale Elvis film, but she wasn’t deterred. She believes that each film will offer a unique perspective on Elvis and hopes that viewers will appreciate both interpretations.
As the release of “Priscilla” approaches, Priscilla and Sofia prepare themselves for the emotional journey of sharing this intimate story with the world. For Priscilla, it is an opportunity to present her side of the relationship with Elvis and provide insight into the complexities of their time together. Sofia, on the other hand, hopes to connect with audiences on an emotional level and showcase Priscilla’s relatable journey of finding her identity amidst the pressures of fame.
