The new film 'Priscilla', directed by Sofia Coppola, has sparked debate over its portrayal of Priscilla Presley’s early relationship with Elvis. Based on Priscilla’s memoir 'Elvis and Me', the movie depicts her sexual awakening at age 12 when she met Elvis, then 24. The film shows their first kiss and her growing up, but some details have been questioned for accuracy.
According to the memoir, Elvis gave Priscilla two 500mg Placidyl pills during a visit to Graceland, causing her to slip into an unconscious state. She took the pills before a bath but managed to get to the bedroom before they took effect. This scene is accurately portrayed in the film, along with Elvis’s reliance on uppers and downers, which Priscilla later adopted before weaning herself off.
Elvis was fanatical about Priscilla’s appearance, preferring her in bold colors like red and blue, with heavy eye makeup and dyed black hair. He also corrected her posture and smoothed wrinkles on her forehead. These details are faithfully reproduced in the movie, highlighting his controlling nature.
Elvis’s erratic temper is another factual element. He once threw a chair at Priscilla after asking her opinion on a record, and frequently threatened to end their relationship, even asking for a separation while she was pregnant with Lisa Marie. The film captures these volatile moments, showing the emotional toll on Priscilla.
However, the film alters the context of their LSD trip. In reality, the couple took LSD with three friends in a Graceland conference room, not alone as shown. Despite these changes, Priscilla has praised Coppola’s research, saying 'She did her homework.' The film remains a largely accurate portrayal of their complex relationship.
