Priscilla – “Losing Me to a Life of My Own”
As a kid, young and naive, we sometimes do not ask for the truth. The movie “Priscilla” is a beautiful contrast of the effects Hollywood can have on young girls and how the glamorous façade conceals the exploitation that occurs underneath the façade.
The movie begins with reminiscences of the 60s, as an upbeat tune of “Baby I Love You” by the Ramones plays while the camera shifts to 14-year-old Priscilla Ann Beaulieu studying in the town’s local coffee shop. A man, by the name of Tory West hovers over young Priscilla which undoubtedly excites Priscilla. It’s presumed that Elvis Presley knew of Priscilla’s father, a German military official, and essentially selected his close friend to be his wingman. Every 14-year-old in town listens to Elvis Presley on their record player.
Priscilla later acquired consent from her parents to see Presley. It appears as though Priscilla’s parents do not stress the dangers concerning their child meeting Presley. Her mother, although hesitant, agrees to grant Priscilla clearance, marking the start of the controversial relationship.
The “Elvis and Me” book emerges as a symbolic anchor in the narrative, representing the tumultuous and often painful reality behind the glamorous façade. This memoir captures the essence of their troubled relationship and contrasts sharply with the public image of their life together.
From the early hits to the somber notes of later songs like “My Elixir” by Hillsong, highlighting the vital differences between Priscilla’s youthful dreams and the reality her disillusionment ironically led her to after being isolated by Presley. Priscilla has to abide by his every want; never wear too much floral print, actually any print because it “removes the shape of your body.” Read Vera Stanley Adler’s “The Initiation of the World” because it aligns with Presley’s biblical ideologies. Everything in Priscilla’s life seemed to have solely become a purpose to please Presley. Presley only showed young Priscilla in the form of gifts such as fancy watches, shiny new cars, and a new puppy to divert her attention from what she wanted.
Overall, “Priscilla” uses features like the ironic vibrancy in the tracks, the realistic memoir, and aesthetics to create the symbolic showcase of the facade she had fallen to. As the movie closes off I find it immaculately heart and breathtaking that the movie began with a young and naive girl descending to find herself, and like humans universally, with growth, she was able to permit the journey of healing with her baby. Only when she grew up, Priscilla was able to escape the years of entrapment showcased by “Priscilla.”