- Date of Release: 15 November 2023
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Musical
- Language: English
Priscilla
Introduction
Onto the final release of the previous weekend and I finished watching the new English film Priscilla which is directed by Sofia Coppola. In the year where some of the most legendary filmmakers of our times have churned up some smashing films, I was particularly interested in what Sofia Coppola has to dish out given that she is a director with a lot of finesse with respect to her sensibilities. Having watched her beautiful film Lost In Translation, the prowess of the filmmaker to create situations which are heartfelt with utmost sensitivity is what made me fall in love with her work. I was a little skeptical with Priscilla for the only reason that the film is a biopic of sorts based on the memoir of Priscilla Presley, and one thing that I have noted with biopics this year is that they are a little more fragmented than necessary. Yes, the genre comes with its limitation but with Sofia Coppola at the helm of it, I was confident while curious on how she would tackle a sensitive subject. While Priscilla was the closing film at the MAMI Film Festival this year, and a film that I had then missed out on, I finally got to watch Priscilla in a theatre near me. So then does Priscilla manage to impress, let’s find out.
Story & Screenplay
Based on the memoir by Priscilla Presley titled Elvis And Me, Priscilla follows the story of the unseen side of Elvis Presley through the eyes of his then wife Priscilla while highlighting his equation with her. The story here is heartfelt and intimate, while being subtly traumatic while witnessing the drama through the eyes of an individual reduced to objectification and desire. And I must say that the subject is handled with utmost sensitivity while almost underplaying the events, the latter which ensures that the drama allows the viewers to form an opinion for themselves. The screenplay standing at a shade under 2 hours is intimate and compelling while unfolding at a leisurely pace with each event allowing the viewers to know the protagonist and her husband a little more.
The drama begins with the introduction of a young protagonist, all of 14 years old who is introduced to Elvis Presley, someone who instantly takes a liking for her. The opening sequence also highlights the enormous age gap between the two individuals that is a bit of a concern for the parents of Priscilla, much like it is expected to be. But they eventually have to bow down to her teenage daughter who has a mind of her own. Yet, this is just the start as Elvis begins to objectify her and her choices while constantly putting a gaze of desire on her through his choices.
Now much has been talked about the film Animal and the kind of impact that it has created. But what was alarming for me was a few viewers endorsing the behavior and the character traits of the protagonist in that film, something that is absolutely ridiculous. What the drama here does is highlight similar traits of an individual in a much restrained manner in what forms a major chunk of the proceedings in the drama. Yet, it is also highlighted on how women keep giving repeated chances, at times out of love, to characters who are toxic around them. There is a tactful accumulation of trauma that keeps building within them oblivious to the characters around them, who more often than not take them for granted. And that is shown rather spectacularly in this searing drama that is unassuming with its emotional quotient.
There are layers and layers of humiliation directed towards the protagonist including having to resort to the kind of dressing and hairstyle as per her husband’s choices to having to swallow the bitterpill of his innumerous affairs or even resorting to intoxicating substances, all of it while being completely blinded in the love for him. Yet, the events leading up to the final act are immensely progressive as something that all women(or even men) should take note of if subjected to such humiliation. Overall, the screenplay is a slow burn but it makes for a fascinating character study that is well worth your time.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are conversational and almost intimate in the manner in which they unfold, wherein the lines suck you in and allow you to indulge in the conversations. The music and the BGM are good and they blend well with the drama. The cinematography synchronizes the colour grading of the scene beautifully with the use of sedate frames to compliment the subdued colours that are prevalent as a part of the production design. The editing could have been better. I am not a fan of screen blackout and I would have preferred a connecting scene to join the dots together. Director Sofia Coppola does a wonderful job particularly with the strong characterization of the two distinctly different individuals. While her narratively is tilted in favour of Priscilla where most of the drama transpires through her lens, she does well to not vilify the character of Elvis to a point that you would hate him. There is restraint in her craft that is laced beautifully with sensibility and purpose.
Performances
The performances are pretty good here in a drama that essentially comprises of two characters. Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley is subtly restrained with his sexism and authority while masking these aspects in a charming exterior. He delivers a balanced performance wherein his antics are subtle but effective in triggering you in limited proportions. Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla is soft and tender while lacing her character with utmost dignity. There is a pronounced feeling of sincerity in her performances that is heartfelt and subtly unabashed in many ways. She was just brilliant to witness here.
Conclusion
Priscilla is a personal account and an eventual catharsis of an individual reduced to objectification and desire wrapped in a drama that might be a slow burn but is immensely effective. Available in a theatre near you and Highly Recommended.
