Elvis Presley known as “The King” is considered to be one of the greats. His controversial lyrics and performances paved the way for modern day art, musical or not. Behind this iconic figure stood an extraordinary woman with a story to tell. The story of how Elvis Presley was not who he was perceived to be.
Priscilla’s story has been told, written and directed by Sofia Coppola in the “Priscilla” movie. Priscilla’s movie illustrated the hardships and the love her life held. “ The film exposed Elvis Presley and the distress he inflicted on his wife, a woman he was meant to protect and cherish. It presented the domestic violence, use of drugs, and sexual relations he had with many other women besides Priscilla.
For some background information, Priscilla first met Elvis when she was just 14. They met through her father who has spent some time with Elvis when he served in the U.S army. She was a shy girl with a big heart. Eventually her parents allowed her to live at Graceland, Elvis’s home, under the circumstance that she would graduate high school. Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship was extremely unexpected but Priscilla’s willingness to be who Elvis wanted her to have kept him around.
It was any young woman’s dream to be chosen by Elvis, but to Priscilla, it became a nightmare. Priscilla spent most her time isolated from the world waiting months at a time from Elvis to return from his jobs. While waiting, she would often read magazines or newspapers talking about Elvis’s sexual relations with coworkers. When she confronted him, he would say it was for a publicity stunt or just rumors, but Priscilla knew that was not the truth. Even though he was not loyal to her she was blindsided by the desperate love she had in her heart for him and stuck with him. Sadly, it only got worse. Priscilla herself has said that Elvis was a very competitive person and would not allow himself to lose. His fragile masculinity and inability to accept losing led to the first act of domestic violence Priscilla endured.
Although Priscilla didn’t deserve the way she was treated, I think she stayed because within all the physical and mental abuse there was still beauty in their love for each other. Throughout the movie, Elvis displays a deep connection to Priscilla and Priscilla to Elvis. He made sure she was always taken care of and provided her with anything she wanted. While he was away and she was lonely, he gifted her a poodle so she wouldn’t feel completely alone. Even though nothing can justify the way he mistreated her, I believe he did love her. In the end it became too much, and they went their separate ways. I don’t think Priscilla regrets anything, but she was finally freed from the cage Elvis had put her in. That is the life of Priscilla Beaulieu.
