The highly anticipated biopic Priscilla, directed by Sofia Coppola and based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir Elvis and Me, has garnered significant attention. However, a surprising revelation has emerged regarding the film’s soundtrack – it will not include any Elvis music. This decision has sparked curiosity and debate among fans and moviegoers.
Elvis and Priscilla’s Unique Love Story
Priscilla delves into the captivating love story between Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, who first crossed paths in Germany at a party hosted by the rock ‘n’ roll legend during his military service. The film highlights the stark differences between the two: Elvis, a global superstar, and Priscilla, a young girl far from her home. Notably, at the time of their meeting, Elvis was 24 years old, while Priscilla was a mere 14 – a central aspect of the film’s narrative and the reason behind the absence of Elvis’s iconic music.
Presley Estate’s Stance
The decision to exclude Elvis’s music from the film stems from the Presley estate’s refusal to support the project or authorize the use of Elvis’s songbook. Priscilla unflinchingly portrays Elvis Presley as a manipulator, preying on an unsuspecting young girl who lacks the means to resist his advances. This stark portrayal contrasts significantly with the depiction of Elvis in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film Elvis, where the estate approved the use of his music. In Luhrmann’s movie, Elvis is portrayed more as a victim of his management, with a focus on his career.
Priscilla’s Involvement in the Production
Priscilla Presley played a pivotal role in the making of Priscilla. As an executive producer for the film and the primary subject of the story, her input was invaluable in adapting her own autobiography. Sofia Coppola, the director, spoke of Priscilla’s remarkable ability to recall details from that period in her life and her unwavering support for Cailee Spaeny, the actress portraying Priscilla in the film.
Priscilla’s goal with the movie is to present a nuanced perspective of her life with Elvis. She wants viewers to understand that she was not merely a victim and that their relationship had more depth than meets the eye. In her own words, Elvis was “the love of my life.” Priscilla expressed pride in Coppola’s work, acknowledging the portrayal of their challenging marriage.
Release Date Update
Originally scheduled for release in theaters in October, Priscilla has now been rescheduled for November 3, generating even more anticipation and intrigue surrounding this unique cinematic portrayal of a legendary love story.
The decision to exclude Elvis music from Priscilla adds an intriguing layer to the film’s narrative. It offers a fresh perspective on the tumultuous relationship between Elvis and Priscilla Presley, highlighting Priscilla’s involvement in the production and her desire to depict a more nuanced view of their love story. As the release date approaches, audiences are eager to see how this unconventional approach to storytelling will unfold on the big screen.