By ALIYA MERRIWETHER
Beakon Staff Writer
A good film is one where you walk out of the theater recognizing that something stood out about it. Whether it be the way it was shot, acted, edited, or acted. There has to be an aspect that makes the project its own.
There is no denying that 2023 has been a great year for Hollywood films. With incredible successes from fantasy-comedy Barbie and musical Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, moviegoers have had an amazing year. As well as intelligent biopics including Oppenheimer and Napoleon, which all offered an alternative to the large amount of remakes and sequels already available.
There are many films that have gained a lot of praise, and “Priscilla” shares immense qualities that audiences cannot stop thinking about from the moment they exit the theater. Like the other films, “Priscilla” is based on true events. It is a film that captures the essence of a famed relationship, and is very effective in its efforts.
The film tells a story, featuring the two leads Elvis and Priscilla. Even for those who may not know much about the relationship between the two already, the film opens your eyes to a Hollywoodized version of what went on during their relationship. Knowing that the film is produced by Priscilla Presley herself, gives an additional insight on how intimate the movie actually is.
The movie may surround the romance between Elvis and Priscilla, but it is deeper in its core. It showcases what it is like to be an adolescent with a first crush. Their connection is one that is not easy to watch, but hard to look away from. We see Priscilla long for Elvis’s presence, as he becomes a status symbol at the same time. She is a young girl who feels chosen by someone like Elvis Presely. The film shows what it’s like to be young, experience love and be blindsided by it.
The movie is not meant to romanticize the relationship between the two, but to shed light on our society. It shows how we value celebrities and how the influence controls our society. Overtime, Priscilla and Elvis’s relationship develops to a point where it is controlling, toxic and one sided.
Priscilla can be described as an uncomfortable film. It depicts one of the most famous cultural figures of the 20th century in a light that his fans will not agree with. The movie is raw, immersive and does not hold back. Elvis is featured as arrogant and controlling. You have to admire the approach the film has in telling a story where someone very well known and respected can still have a darker background.
The Elvis Presley Foundation declined their approval for the film “Priscilla”. There have been several films honoring the iconic musician in a positive light that have been approved. This included last year’s “Elvis”. It is no surprise that this movie has been declined. Due to this, there are no Elvis songs in the film. This creates even more of a challenge, to create a soundtrack that can capture the throwback feel and beautiful setting.
It’s important to note that although Elvis is prominently displayed, he is not the protagonist and this is not his story. The movie tells Priscilla’s story. It is a story on how we view our idols and the sacrifices we make for people we admire. No matter a person’s fame, there is always one side of the story, the other side, and the truth. This movie gives fans a perspective that has been overlooked, making it important.