Sofia Coppola, the renowned director behind films such as “Lost in Translation” and “The Virgin Suicides,” has sparked controversy with her latest project, “Priscilla.”
This biographical drama is based on the memoir of Priscilla Presley, the former wife of rock and roll icon Elvis Presley.
Starring Kylie Spainey as Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis, the film delves into the tumultuous relationship between the teenage bride and the superstar singer, from their initial encounter in Germany to their bitter divorce in 1973.
While “Priscilla” has garnered praise for its authentic portrayal of the 1960s and 1970s, it has also drawn attention for its intimate and unflattering depiction of Elvis and Priscilla’s marriage.
Interestingly, viewers have noticed striking similarities between this iconic couple and another famous duo, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
Coppola, inspired by these parallels, intentionally used them as a reference throughout her film.
Her aim was to showcase how Meghan, like Priscilla, was lured by her husband’s fame and glamour only to realize that she had relinquished her identity and freedom to a controlling and demanding partner.
Furthermore, Coppola wanted to emphasize how both women attempted to modernize their husbands but ultimately failed to do so.
Coppola’s film vividly portrays Priscilla’s journey, beginning when she met Elvis at the tender age of 14 and was whisked away to Graceland, his lavish estate in Memphis, Tennessee.
Isolated from her loved ones, Priscilla found herself subjected to Elvis’s strict rules and high expectations.
She also witnessed his drug abuse, infidelity, and erratic behavior, all of which took a toll on her mental and physical well-being.
The film highlights Priscilla’s aspirations of becoming an actress and model, as well as her struggles to establish her own career and identity.
However, Elvis, desiring a devoted wife and mother for their daughter, Lisa Marie, resisted her ambitions, leading to Priscilla’s eventual exhaustion with his dominance and neglect.
In 1972, after six years of marriage, she filed for divorce.
Viewers have pointed out the uncanny similarities between Meghan and Harry’s story and that of Priscilla and Elvis.
Coppola’s film exposes the flaws and contradictions within Meghan and Harry’s relationship.
Meghan, who met Harry in 2016, was initially captivated by his royal status and charm.
Nevertheless, she soon discovered that she had to sacrifice her independence and privacy to conform to the rigid and oppressive nature of the royal institution.
Additionally, Meghan faced relentless media scrutiny, public backlash, and family drama, which significantly impacted her well-being and happiness.
Like Priscilla, Meghan attempted to modernize and reform the royal family, but encountered resistance and hostility from the establishment, who expected her to adhere to tradition and protocol.
Frustrated and disillusioned, Meghan made the decision to step away from her royal duties and relocate to the United States with Harry and their son, Archie, in 2020, less than two years after their marriage.
Coppola has defended her film, clarifying that it is not intended as a direct attack on Meghan and Harry.
Instead, she views it as a commentary on the challenges and pitfalls of marrying into fame and royalty.
Her intention was to explore the human and emotional aspects of Priscilla and Elvis’s relationship and how they relate to the contemporary issues and struggles faced by Meghan and Harry.
Coppola hopes that “Priscilla” will inspire viewers to reflect on their own relationships and choices, prompting a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in such unions.