In Awe of Coppola

Emilia Vieira Pop Culture & Opinions

Photo: A24

With Oscar-winning director Sofia Coppola’s newest movie Priscilla just released in November, there is no better time to break down the notable trademarks that create Coppola’s distinct style. You can recognize a Sofia Coppola movie by the first few frames. She is known for her focus on aesthetics, and her impeccable taste shines through in all her work.

The sets, costumes, and soundtracks of Sofia Coppola movies never fail to impress. Her time spent working in the fashion industry is apparent through the iconic feminine style in her movies. Fashion is often symbolic in her films; in Priscilla, it is used to convey control. As the titular character becomes more involved with Elvis, he controls more and more of her appearance, tailoring her style to his tastes: tall hair, thick eyeliner, and no prints. As the movie progresses and their relationship deteriorates, she goes through a drastic change in appearance. The significance of fashion in Coppola’s work can be seen in Marie Antoinette as well. The sets and costumes in this film are far more historically accurate than the plot, and the few deviations are intentional. In Marie Antoinette, clothing is used to show the loss of innocence and the passage of time. The soundtracks in Sofia Coppola’s films are also a highlight; the selection of music is fun and well thought-out each time. She frequently uses 80s music from her youth and other favourite songs of hers, leading to an admirable and highly personal final product. Sofia Coppola’s work is heavily theme-driven. Identity, isolation, and the complexity of human relationships are common themes in her films. She portrays these through thoughtful framing, blocking, and pacing choices. The slower pace and long shots of characters’ faces allow for reflection from the audience. Her candid use of dialogue is also a major contributor to the emotionally intelligent way she explores her characters. These qualities are evident throughout Priscilla, and are a large part of what makes the movie so impactful. Her unique directorial choices have created one of the most distinct styles in Hollywood, and though she has received more criticism than directors with similar styles, she has still managed to leave a lasting impression on the industry. With the release of her eighth film, Sofia Coppola reminds us of her genius once again, leaving nothing but anticipation for the next.