Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, wrote to director Sofia Coppola ahead of her death earlier this year. Coppola directed the soon-to-be-released “Priscilla” for A24, which chronicles the Presley’s marriage from Priscilla’s point of view per her memoir “Elvis And Me.” The late Presley did not take to the film’s screenplay kindly.
In the heated email, first obtained by Variety, the late Presley reportedly wrote to Coppola, “My father only comes across as a predator and manipulative. 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 and I don’t understand why?”
The message was sent to Coppola in September of 2022. The director replied, “I hope that when you see the final film you will feel differently, and understand I’m taking great care in honoring your mother, while also presenting your father with sensitivity and complexity.”
“Priscilla” was an official selection of this year’s Venice Film Festival. Cailee Spaeny, who stars in the titular role, took home the best actress prize, with actor Jacob Elordi garnering critical acclaim for his portrayal of Elvis. Notably, Elvis and Priscilla had a ten year age gap, and met when she was 14 years old to the singer’s 24 years old. The film is entirely based on its source material, but Coppola has been outspoken on her intent to be transparent regarding the power imbalance of the infamous relationship by contemporary standards.
Lisa Marie Presley passed this January at the age of 54, with the cause of death ruled as a complication from bariatric surgery years prior.
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Many were not surprised to learn of the late Presley’s dissent towards the film. Rumors circulated shortly following her death that her last will and testament excluded Priscilla from her will. She left Graceland, the famous Memphis, Tennessee estate and now resting place of Elvis, to her daughter, actress Riley Keough. Keough and Presley settled the case out of court, with Keough continuously speaking out about her approval of her grandmother’s access to the property despite rumors of a family feud.
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… I mean… did LMP actually read her mother's book?? I thought the movie made Elvis look good and followed pretty closely to how PP wrote it
— Colleen Haggerty (@HaggertyColleen) November 2, 2023
Coppola has encouraged nuance and understanding ahead of the film’s release, and told Rolling Stone recently “I try not to be judgmental of any of the characters and really be as sympathetic as I can to each of them. And I’m really focused on her perspective, but even with the parents, you’re like, ‘How can anybody let their kid go live with Elvis that young?'”
“Priscilla” hits theaters Nov. 4.
