The Venice Film Festival is currently buzzing with excitement over Sofia Coppola's highly anticipated movie, “Priscilla,” which delves into the complex relationship between Priscilla Presley (played by Cailee Spaeny) and rock and roll icon Elvis Presley (portrayed by Jacob Elordi from “Euphoria”).
The film explores their connection, which began when Priscilla was just 14 years old and Elvis was 24, during his time in the Army while stationed in Germany.
Coppola's film is not shy about highlighting Elvis's grooming behavior towards young Priscilla, as well as his controlling tendencies, including instances of violence.
He would often offer her pills, throw chairs at her, and even came close to s**ually assaulting her.
At the film's press conference, attendees were surprised to find Priscilla Presley herself in attendance.
“It's incredibly challenging to watch a film about your own life and love,” Presley confessed, tears streaming down her face.
“I must say, Sofia did an outstanding job.
She did her research.
We spoke several times, and I shared everything I could with her.”
Presley, who tragically lost her daughter Lisa Marie earlier this year, also serves as an executive producer on the film, which is based on her memoir, “Elvis and Me.”
“My parents found it difficult to comprehend why Elvis was so interested in me and what attracted him to me,” Presley revealed.
“I believe it was because I was a great listener.
Elvis would open up to me in Germany, pouring out his fears, hopes, and the pain of losing his mother, something he never truly recovered from.
I was the person who offered a listening ear and comfort.
That's where our connection truly lay.
Despite being 14, I was mature beyond my years in terms of life experiences.
That was what attracted him to me.
People assume it was purely about s**, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
We never engaged in any s**ual activities.
He was kind, gentle, and loving, while still respecting the fact that I was just a 14-year-old girl.
Our relationship was rooted in deep emotional connection and shared thoughts.”
Presley continued, “I can't explain why he trusted me so much, but he did.
I never once revealed our relationship to anyone, and that was something he cherished.
I never mentioned him to anyone at school.
We built a bond that endured until I eventually left.
It wasn't because I stopped loving him – he was the love of my life.
The lifestyle, however, proved to be incredibly challenging for me, and I believe any woman can relate to that struggle.
But it didn't taint our relationship.
We remained very close, and we had our daughter.
I made sure he saw her regularly.
It felt as though we were never apart.
I want to make it clear that our love endured despite our physical separation.”
In conclusion, Priscilla Presley boldly addresses the misconceptions surrounding her relationship with Elvis during her teenage years.
She sets the record straight, emphasizing their emotional connection rather than any s**ual involvement.
With this film, she hopes to shed light on their complex journey and provide a deeper understanding of their unique bond.
