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'Priscilla' depicts Elvis Presley as physically and emotionally abusive. Here's what Priscilla Presley said about his controlling behavior in her memoir.
'Priscilla' depicts Elvis Presley as physically and emotionally abusive. Here's what Priscilla Presley said about his controlling behavior in her memoir.
Eve CrosbieJan 14, 2024, 11:03 IST
Sofia Coppola's "Priscilla" is based on Priscilla Presley's 1985 memoir "Elvis and Me."Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images, A24
Sofia Coppola's "Priscilla" depicts the tumultuous relationship between Elvis and Priscilla Presley.
The biopic is based on Priscilla's 1985 memoir "Elvis and Me," which she wrote with Sandra Harmon.
Starring Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and "Euphoria" actor Jacob Elordi as Elvis, the film charts the 14-year romance between the couple who first met in West Germany in 1959.
The couple separated in 1973 and just over a decade later, Priscilla shocked the world when she revealed intimate details from their relationship in her memoir she cowrote with Sandra Harmon, "Elvis and Me" — which serves as the basis of Coppola's film.
Unlike the Elvis seen in Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic about the King of Rock 'n' Roll, the Elvis in "Priscilla," is portrayed as temperamental, controlling, and, at times, downright abusive.
If you were curious about how much of the movie is based in reality, here's what Priscilla wrote about her tumultuous, troubling relationship with Elvis in the book.
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Priscilla recognized that there was a power imbalance between her and Elvis, and said that she began to see him almost as a God.
Priscilla and Elvis Presley on their wedding day on May 1, 1967.Bettmann/Getty Images
Elvis molded Priscilla into his ideal of a perfect woman — and that included both her opinions and her looks.
Elvis and Priscilla Presley prepare to board their private jet following their wedding at the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.Bettmann/Getty Images
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Elvis wanted Priscilla to remain "untouched" before she married him, but was not faithful to her.
Priscilla Presley (née Beaulieu) in 1960, a year after she met Elvis Presley.Bettmann/Getty Images
Elvis told Priscilla, "It's either me or a career," when she landed a job as a model.
Priscilla Presley, with her dog, Honey, at Memphis International Airport in 1963.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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Priscilla said she couldn't depend on Elvis when she was going through difficult periods.
Elvis Presley with Priscilla Presley and their daughter Lisa Marie Presley on February 5, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Elvis was possessive and jealous when Priscilla developed friendships with other men at Graceland.
Jerry Schilling and Priscilla Presley at the Met Gala in 2022, more than five decades after their friendship began.Theo Wargo/WireImage/Getty Images
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Priscilla put her own needs second to Elvis' and her studies suffered as a result.
Elvis Presley with Priscilla Presley and his father Vernon Presley circa 1970.Oscar Abolafia/TPLP/Getty Images
Priscilla was left with a swollen black eye and bruises on her arms after a pillow fight with Elvis.
Elvis Presley poses with Priscilla backstage at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.Bettman/Getty Images
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He also threw a chair at her in anger after she gave her opinion about one of his demos.
Elvis Presley.RB/Getty Images
Elvis made threats and demanded Priscilla pack up her things and leave when she confronted him about his affairs.
Elvis Presley in a hospital room with Anita Wood (left of him) and others in 1960.Bettmann/Getty Images
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At one point, Priscilla felt the only way to get Elvis' attention was by overdosing on pills.
Elvis and Priscilla Presley in 1973.Bettmann/Getty Images
Priscilla said Elvis sexually assaulted her toward the end of their marriage.
Priscilla Presley on the front lawn of Graceland.Mike Brown/Getty Images