Movie Review #039 - Priscilla (2023)

 

1. Movie Facts

Priscilla (2023) is a biographical drama film, written, directed, and produced by Sofia Coppola. The film is based on the memoir Elvis and Me, which was written by Priscilla Presley and Sandra Harmon. Priscilla Presley also serves as an executive producer for the film. The story revolves around Priscilla (played by Cailee Spaeny) and her intricate romantic involvement with Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi).

Distributor: A24, Stage 6 Films, Mubi

Production Budget: <$20 million

Worldwide Gross: $20.9 million

Adapted from: “Elvis and Me” by Priscilla Presley and Sandra Harmon

Director: Sofia Coppola. She is the youngest child and only daughter of filmmakers Eleanor and Francis Ford Coppola who made the Godfather Trilogy. Sofia Coppola's Notable Films: Lost in Translation (2003), The Virgin Suicides (1999), Marie Antoinette (2006)

Writer:  Priscilla Presley, Sandra Harmon, Sofia Coppola

Actors:

• Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla Presley. Known from movies Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018), Onward (2020), The Craft: Legacy (2022)

• Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley. Known from movies The Kissing Booth (2018), The Kissing Booth 2 (2020), The Kissing Booth 3 (2021)

Genres: Biography, Drama, Music, Romance

Soundtrack: Compiled by Phoenix and Randall Poster

2. Review

Spoiler Free Plot: In 1959, "Priscilla" portrays the meeting of young Priscilla Beaulieu with the iconic Elvis Presley in Germany. The film navigates their complex relationship, highlighting the challenges they face due to their age difference, Elvis's fame, and her parents' concerns. As Priscilla moves to Memphis to be closer to Elvis, she encounters the pressures of public life and the dynamics within Elvis's family. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s music scene, the film delves into themes of love, fame, and personal transformation, exploring how these factors influence their relationship and personal journeys, without revealing the specific outcomes of their story.

Impressions: I was pleasantly surprised to see a MUBI distributed film being showcased at my local cinema. Priscilla (2023) strikes me more as an indie movie than a big-budget production, which is interesting because the budget for this movie is under $20 million. The film enriches its narrative with diverse and intricate costume designs, adding depth to its visual storytelling.

I was captivated by the Vegas scene, especially the portrayal of a vintage evening brimming with life. The meticulous attention to detail, such as the 1960s-era classic cars and period-authentic houses, added depth to the scene. 

Some scenes, particularly those depicting Elvis and Priscilla enjoying moments with friends, could benefit from being extended. While these scenes are present, they unfold over two separate sequences with distinct moods, which doesn't quite capture the continuity I was hoping for.

The pacing of 'Prescila' is very good, flowing smoothly and maintaining a good rhythm throughout. However, one aspect that stood out to me was the use of historical photographs in the magazine scene. Contrasting with Christopher Nolan's approach in 'Oppenheimer,' where actor images were used, the choice to use historical photos in 'Prescila' can feel sometimes contradictory because of 2 different images: the actor and the historical picture, and felt somewhat out of place in the film's narrative consistency. Nevertheless, for this was an artistic choice from 2 different directors.

Storyline: The first impression was underwhelming, but the film eventually found its rhythm, incorporating dramatic elements that brought much-needed depth. The storytelling at first lacked the complexity and depth I was craving. Its simplicity, while straightforward, failed to captivate my interest, leaving me yearning for more dynamic elements. The film would have greatly improved with more intense dramatic scenes and captivating dialogues from the beginning. These elements only began to emerge in the latter half, which, while informative and dramatically richer, couldn't entirely compensate for the initial lack of intrigue. 

Cinematography: The cinematography effortlessly earns a 10/10 rating. From the outset, the use of extreme close-up shots was striking. These were complemented by numerous object close-ups, adding a rich texture to the visual narrative. The aspect ratio, 1.85:1, was a great choice of this movie and esthetically resonated with me.

The scenes shot within cars were a highlight, especially the intimate close-ups of Priscilla and the effective use of two-shot scenes. The color grading deserves special mention; in the daylight scenes, there was a delightful saturation that perfectly captured the essence of the 60s. This was further enriched by the use of a Super 8 video camera, infusing the film with a layer of vintage charm and nostalgia.

Particularly impressive was the cinematography in the night scenes and the lighting in the bedroom sequences. These were executed with a precision that maintained the film's overall vibe without losing visibility. The overhead shots were another standout, showcasing a mastery of camera work.

One scene that left a lasting impression employed an unfocused light effect, creating an atmosphere of intimacy that was both subtle and powerful.

Actors: Jacob Elordi, portraying Elvis, was strikingly reminiscent of the real Elvis in appearance. Prescilla's portrayal felt somewhat stiff, though it's unclear if this was an intentional aspect of her character. The actors' skill in piano playing was impressive and added a layer of authenticity. At times, the dialogue was difficult to understand, particularly due to the accents, in particular with Elvis' character being a notable example. 

Music: The music in the film was not only exceptional but also expertly intertwined with the narrative. Each scene was elevated by the carefully chosen soundtrack, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. 

Conclusion: In conclusion, "Priscilla" (2023) is a visually stunning and musically captivating portrayal of a legendary relationship. Despite some narrative and pacing issues, the film excels in cinematography and historical authenticity, offering a nuanced glimpse into the lives of Elvis and Priscilla with a blend of indie charm and high production values.

Rating: 8/10