Sofia Coppola’s biopic, ‘Priscilla,’ received widespread acclaim, but it didn’t win favor with Lisa Marie Presley. Here’s why.
Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla made its grand debut at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2023.
A24 released it in limited U.S. theaters on October 27, 2023, before expanding its reach on November 3.
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Coppola’s biopic Priscilla garnered widespread acclaim from festival-goers, critics, and even its namesake, Priscilla Presley herself.
But not everyone in the Presley family has showered the movie with praise. Most notably Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis and Priscilla’s only daughter.
Here’s what various members of the Presley family had to say about the film:
Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie had strong reservations about the script. She was taken aback when she first laid eyes on Coppola’s Priscilla.
Lisa Marie expressed her concerns in a letter to the director before her unfortunate passing, firmly stating her opposition to the film’s creation.
Four months before her untimely death, Lisa Marie reached out to Coppola about the portrayal of her father in the biopic.
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According to Variety, she sent two emails, pleading with the Oscar-winning director to reconsider the way her father was depicted in the film.
In her email, Lisa Marie wrote, “My father only comes across as a predator and manipulative.” She was horrified by this portrayal, deeming it “vengeful.”
She added, “As his daughter, I don’t read this and see any of my father in this character. I don’t read this and see my mother’s perspective of my father. I read this and see your shockingly vengeful and contemptuous perspective.” She went on to express her confusion about the script.
This wasn’t the only email Lisa Marie sent. She also warned that she might have to publicly express her disapproval of the film, even if it meant going against her mother and the film director.
The second email was sent to Coppola four months before Lisa Marie’s passing in January 2022.
Priscilla Presley
The movie had a powerful impact on Priscilla.
In June, Priscilla shared her excitement for the upcoming movie on social media, expressing her admiration for Sofia Coppola and her work.
She was present at the Venice International Film Festival and was deeply moved by the audience’s seven-minute standing ovation.
At the movie’s press conference, she admitted the emotional challenge of watching a film about her life but commended Coppola for her remarkable work.
Riley Keough
Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s oldest daughter and one of Priscilla’s granddaughters, has remained publicly silent regarding the film.
Priscilla stars Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis, telling their love story from Priscilla’s perspective when she was 14 and Elvis was 24.
The film draws inspiration from Priscilla’s 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me, offering insights into her teenage struggles and experiences.
Banner photo via Instagram @priscillamovie.