Movies have the ability to transport us into different worlds, derive various emotions, and whisk us away on an adventure. If you loved the highly anticipated dramatization of Elvis Presley’s Baz Lurhmann-directed Elvis (2022) biopic, you would enjoy Priscilla, which is based on Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir Elvis and Me.
Priscilla the biopic, directed by Sofia Coppola, appeared to have accomplished that, in spite of reports of conflicts between the real-life Priscilla Presley and the movie’s director. With the release of the movie based on the Love Is Forever actress’ life and her romance with Elvis Presley, Coppola chose to honor the actress through her storytelling. While Priscilla Presley was initially concerned about her biopic, as anyone would be, she thoroughly enjoyed the film and has even given her approval. This was recently confirmed by Cailee Spaeny, who played Elvis Presley’s ex-wife.
The Alleged Conflict Between Sofia Coppola and Priscilla Presley?
According to PEOPLE, Priscilla Presley praised the biopic Priscilla during a Q&A session at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas, but she also acknowledged that she was initially “concerned” before the film. The late King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley‘s ex-wife, stated:
“I was very concerned about this movie; I think it’s right on, to be honest with you.”
She then praised the Academy Award-winning director, thanking her for taking such care with the story, which was largely based on the 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me. She then lauded Coppola’s directing abilities, saying:
“I admire her filmmaking. I think she does an excellent job. She is for women, and when she approached me about doing a film about me, I was moved. If anyone were to make a film, it would be for her. I would never support another film by anyone else. She has a big heart, her father is well-known, and she really connected with me. I have no objections to what she did in any manner.”
The fact that the director cared about the story’s accuracy convinced Presley that it was in capable hands. Based on Elvis and Me, Coppola’s 2023 biographical drama film, Priscilla, centers on the life of The Fall Guy actress and her marriage to King of Rock and Roll.
Priscilla Received the Seal of Approval, Cailee Spaeny confirmed
The actress Cailee Spaeny, who played Priscilla Presley in Sofia Coppola’s film Priscilla, disclosed to PEOPLE that she was greatly commended for her performance by the real-life Presley. The actress expressed her immense gratitude to the former wife of Elvis Presley for her positive feedback regarding her role in the film:
“[Priscilla’s] reaction and how she said she watched her life through seeing the movie. That’s it. That’s the best review I could get.”
But the actress admitted that she is a much harsher critic when assessing her own performance in Priscilla, which earned her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress:
“There’s always things I would change. I know, after every film, I’ve never gotten to the point where I’m like, ‘That was perfect.’ There’s always things I would change about my performances when I watch them.”
Meanwhile, Coppola revealed that she kept in touch with the Dallas actress while filming, and Spaeny worked with the writer to faithfully portray her life. The film chronicles the journey of Priscilla Presley from child bride to lonely wife, living a highly co-dependent lifestyle thanks to her famous husband. The director told The Hollywood Reporter:
“Her story was so vivid in my mind and the visuals of that world, Memphis, the Sixties. It’s so American. And I always like themes about finding one’s identity and teenage girls growing into adulthood.”
Cailee Spaeny, who you might recognize from Mare of Easttown, plays the title role, and Jacob Elordi from Euphoria plays Elvis Presley in Priscilla. It had a limited theatrical release in the US on October 27, 2023.
Priscilla is currently playing in theaters.
