Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Priscilla Presley shares her thoughts on Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis film

‘The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending,’ she said

Ellie Harrison
Monday 02 May 2022 23:58 BST
Comments
Elvis Presley sings That's alright mama at 1968 Come back special

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Priscilla Presley has shared her thoughts on the new biopic about her late ex-husband Elvis Presley.

The 76-year-old, who attended a private screening of the film, took to Facebook on Friday (29 April) to applaud director Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis.

She said she watched the film with Elvis’s old friend, the talent manager and Presley’s Memphis Mafia member Jerry Schilling.

“This story is about Elvis and Colonel Parker’s relationship,” Presley posted. “It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered.

“Austin Butler, who played Elvis, is outstanding. Halfway through the film Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW!!! Bravo to him… he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this part. I can only imagine.”

Reflecting on Elvis’s manager Colonel Tom Parker, played in the film by Tom Hanks, she wrote: “What a character he was. There was two sides to Colonel, Jerry and I witnessed both.

“The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending. But I think you will understand a little bit more of Elvis’ journey, penned by a directer who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film [sic].”

Austin Butler
Austin Butler (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Priscilla got married to Elvis in Las Vegas in 1967. They were together until 1973 and had a daughter together, Lisa Marie Presley, who is now 54 and a singer-songwriter. Elvis died in 1977.

Elvis premieres at Cannes Film Festival next month ahead of its cinema release on 24 June.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in