‘Priscilla’ Review: Sofia Coppola’s Lush and Compassionate Presley Biopic Is a Perfect Fit

Venice 2023: Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi shine in Coppola’s deeply feminine film committed to truth-telling instead of myth-making

priscilla
Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi in "Priscilla" (A24)

If the Hollywood dream factory is about myth-making, a fraction of it is about unraveling those myths through truth-telling. Attentively adapted from Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir “Elvis and Me,” writer-director Sofia Coppola’s compassionate, dreamy and lushly designed “Priscilla” is a little bit of both of those dueling Hollywoods.

It’s a rare cinematic opportunity to experience the notably private, known but unknowable Priscilla’s own truthful side of the story, and to see her stormy relationship with the King of Rock and Roll through her heavily-lined and faux-lashed eyes. It’s also a sumptuous bolstering of the Presley myth, a name with endless legends and perspectives attached to it.

Want to keep reading?

Create a free account, or log in with your email below.

 

Gain access to unlimited free articles, news alerts, select newsletters, podcasts and more.

 

Comments