‘Priscilla’ is a biopic drama based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir “Elvis and Me and is a kaleidoscopic glimpse into the life behind the curtain. The movie explores her relationship with Elvis Presley, starting from their first encounter in Germany when she was just 14 and he was 24, and continuing through their courtship and rocky marriage. This film offers an intimate view of Priscilla’s life under public scrutiny and the complexities of their relationship.
Sofia Coppola’s signature aesthetic mastery is fabulous. ‘Priscilla’ is a visual feast, each frame decorated with the decadence of Elvis’ world. Priscilla’s relationship with Elvis, the very core of the film, remained frustratingly opaque. Amid the glitter and glam, Priscilla herself seemed to fade into the background. I felt like the film skimmed over pivotal moments in her life and there wasn’t a very cohesive narrative. While it is a visually stunning film, but its beauty remains hollow without the emotional depth and narrative coherence that could have truly elevated this film.
Jacob Elordi, portraying Elvis, was strikingly reminiscent of the real Elvis in appearance. Cailee Spaeny’s portrayal of Priscilla felt somewhat bland, though it’s unclear if this was an intentional aspect of her character.
The cinematography was fantastic with rich texture adding to the visual narrative. The color grading deserves special mention: the saturation captured the essence of the 60s and the vintage style camera infused charm and nostalgia. The overhead shots were another standout, showcasing a skillfulness of camera work. Moreover, there is meticulous attention to detail, such as the 1960s-era classic cars and period-authentic houses which added depth to the scenes.
In conclusion, ‘Priscilla’ was a visually stunning portrayal of a legendary relationship, and the film excels in cinematography. While not my favorite Sofia Coppola movie, this film was still an interesting watch.
