Movie Review: Priscilla

The new movie “Priscilla” is directed by Sofia Coppola, based on the book by Priscilla Presley Elvis and Me about the relationship that started in the late 50’s between a young 14-year-old girl, Priscilla Beaulieu and 24-year-old Elvis Presley when he was stationed in Germany when he volunteered for the United States Army. Numerous questions come to mind while watching this film, starting with why Priscilla's parents let their 14-year-old daughter become involved with Elvis Presley when she was way underage and he was an adult 24-year-old man, and world famous.

This entire movie is the story of the relationship between Elvis and Presley starting with their first date in Germany to Priscilla moving in with Elvis for years before they finally married. In the beginning, Elvis was extremely kind and respectful to his very young girlfriend, but over time, Elvis became so rude and cruel to Priscilla to the point where I wondered why she ever married him in the first place. Elvis also shared his prescription drugs with Priscilla, that included uppers to stay awake and downers to fall asleep, even when she was very young.

Elvis also had several well-publicized affairs with other famous actors while making his movies including Ann Margeret and Nancy Sinatra. Rather than apologize or try to hide his many affairs, Elvis became angry and Priscilla when she mentioned them and never apoligized for his cheating.

There are many scenes when Priscilla is required to just stay home for months, waiting for Elvis to return from a movie he is making or another tour. In so many scenes, seeing this very young woman around a chain-smoking Elvis and his entourage made up of 40-60-year-old men, was hard to watch because it was obvious she never fit in and had no business being in this life with a man who was both a drug addict and a serial cheater. Elvis even bought Priscilla several guns that matched her different outfits.

Towards the end of this story is the birth of Lisa Marie Presley and shortly thereafter Priscilla’s final realization that being married to Elvis Presley was not only impossible for her but for any woman. A marriage and relationship is difficult enough, but a life and career as insane as Elvis Presley during the peak of his fame was never going to work, especially with a woman who was so young.

The acting in this film is outstanding, with 25-year-old newcomer Cailee Spaeny, stealing this movie and receiving a major Oscar buzz for best actress. She has a perfect face for movies, and has without a doubt arrived as a bankable actress for future roles. Jacob Elordi, who plays Elvis Presley is also very good, although while he was excellent at capturing the way Elvis used to talk, his mumbling at times was very hard to understand.

I agree with the high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes for Priscilla and do recommend this movie.