Priscilla Presley’s story, as portrayed in Sofia Coppola’s new film “Priscilla,” is receiving high praise and sparking important conversations about the ways in which women have been treated in the entertainment industry, especially at the hands of famous men.
The film, which depicts the marriage between Priscilla and Elvis Presley, offers a hazy and claustrophobic view of their relationship, highlighting the ways in which Priscilla was isolated and controlled by the rock legend. Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of Elvis is chilling – particularly in a scene where he gives a sleeping pill to his teenage girlfriend, leaving her unconscious for two days.
Sara Stewart, a film and culture writer, suggests that the film provides a radically different look at the Presley legend, challenging the conventional image of the rockstar. By dissecting the other side of the imbalanced marriage, “Priscilla” invites viewers to reevaluate their understanding of the iconic rock legend.
Stewart also draws parallels between the portrayal of Priscilla and broader cultural narratives, such as the romanticization of “bad boys” in fiction and the toxic undercurrent of the fetishization and abuse of women in the entertainment industry. She notes that the film provides a nuanced step forward in this discussion, despite its deeply unsettling moments.
One of the most striking aspects of “Priscilla” is the involvement of Priscilla Presley herself as an executive producer. The real-life Priscilla has expressed satisfaction with the film, despite objections from her late daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, who found the script to be “shockingly vengeful and contemptuous.”
Ultimately, “Priscilla” serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive mistreatment of women in the entertainment industry and prompts important conversations about the ways in which women’s autonomy and agency have been disregarded, particularly at the hands of famous and influential men.