Sara Stewart, a renowned film and culture writer residing in western Pennsylvania, shared her opinion on CNN about how the movie “Priscilla” transitioned into a horror film for her. This occurred when the character Elvis Presley, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, drugged his teenage girlfriend, played by Cailee Spaeny, leaving her unconscious for a shocking two days. Stewart expressed that the distressing nature of the film was evident from the beginning when a teen girl was selected by Presley for a party in a diner. Presented by director Sofia Coppola, the film delves into Priscilla Presley’s story and highlights the troubling elements behind the glamorous facade of her marriage to Elvis Presley. Stewart emphasizes that it offers an unconventional and vital perspective on the rock legend’s life.
The film captures a hauntingly claustrophobic ambiance and paints the portrait of Priscilla Presley as a vulnerable individual trapped in a gilded cage. Its visuals are reminiscent of Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of Princess Diana in “Spencer,” emphasizing the confined existence of a conflicted female lead. “Priscilla” skillfully invites its audience to reconsider the traditional image of the rock legend, adding depth to an imbalanced narrative.
Stewart draws parallels between “Priscilla” and the newly released book “The Darcy Myth,” exploring the detrimental impact of romantic fiction on women’s perceptions of love and relationships. Engaging with thought-provoking themes, the film reveals the chilling aspects of Elvis Presley’s manipulation and control over Priscilla, shedding light on the historical mistreatment of women as the partners of famous men.
Intriguingly, Priscilla Presley herself was involved as an executive producer of “Priscilla,” based on her memoir “Elvis and Me.” Despite the film’s stark portrayal, she has expressed satisfaction with its execution, despite her late daughter Lisa Marie’s objections. According to Stewart, Sofia Coppola’s sensitive depiction of the teenage girl’s initial infatuation with the rock star as the dream morphs into a nightmare skillfully unravels the toxic undercurrents of entertainment and abusive relationships.
The film serves as a testament to the pervasive idolization and exploitation of young women in the history of rock and roll, shedding light on troubling aspects of the entertainment industry. It cleverly reinforces the ongoing discussions surrounding the mistreatment of women in music, making a poignant case for reevaluation of rock hero worship.
Ultimately, “Priscilla” prompts audiences to reflect on the enduring impact of exploitative relationships between the famous and the vulnerable, leaving them with a bittersweet realization about the grim nature of supposedly celebrated romances.
