In a shocking turn of events, Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of legendary musician Elvis Presley, has expressed her dismay and horror over the portrayal of her father in Sofia Coppola’s upcoming film “Priscilla”. The film, which is based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir “Elvis and Me”, delves into the story of the courtship between Elvis and Priscilla when she was just 14 years old and he was 24. However, Lisa Marie is concerned that the film’s depiction of her father is “shockingly vengeful and contemptuous” and could potentially tarnish their family’s reputation.
In an effort to spare her family from public embarrassment, Lisa Marie sent two emails to Coppola, pleading with her to reconsider her vision for the character. Worried about the strain it could put on her relationship with her mother, as well as the scrutiny it would bring to Elvis’ living grandchildren, Lisa Marie highlighted the potential consequences of the film.
Feeling strongly about the matter, Lisa Marie even threatened to publicly speak out against the film and go against her mother and Coppola if changes were not made. In response, Coppola expressed her hope that Lisa Marie would feel differently once she sees the final film, emphasizing that she is honoring Priscilla while presenting Elvis with sensitivity and complexity.
The controversial portrayal of Elvis in “Priscilla” has sparked conversations about the age gap and power dynamics between Elvis and Priscilla. Some critics and viewers have labeled Elvis as a “predator” and accused him of “grooming” his young bride. Lisa Marie, however, doubts that her mother would understand the modern interpretation of her own experiences, appealing to Coppola’s own Hollywood legacy for understanding.
These emails shed light on the struggles that Hollywood faces when attempting to create art around the legacies of iconic figures like Elvis, as well as the involvement of estates in disputes over adapted content. Lisa Marie also revealed the personal impact that the film would have on her family, particularly her young twins, who have already gone through a difficult period in their lives.
Lisa Marie did commend the film “Elvis”, directed by Baz Luhrmann, for its accurate depiction of her father. In contrast, she criticized Coppola for what she perceived as an attempt to bring Elvis down. The emails reveal the tension and intense emotions that surround the production of “Priscilla” and the profound impact it has on the Presley family.
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