Although not part of the official press conference panel for Sofia Coppola’s Venice competition film “Priscilla,” Priscilla Presley took to the audience to deliver an emotional tribute to the film and share insights into her life, her love, and her late husband, Elvis Presley.
Emotional Reflections on “Priscilla”
Priscilla Presley couldn’t hold back tears as she spoke about the film, saying, “It’s very difficult to watch a film about you and about your life and about your love.” She praised Sofia Coppola for her incredible work and noted that she provided all the information she could to help Coppola craft an authentic portrayal.
Recalling Her Relationship with Elvis Presley
Discussing her relationship with Elvis Presley, whom she met at the age of 14, Priscilla described the challenges she faced as her parents struggled to understand why Elvis was so interested in her. She emphasized that their connection was based on deep emotional conversations rather than physical intimacy. Priscilla said, “Elvis would pour his heart out to me. His hopes, his fears, his loss of his mother. And I was the person who really sat there to listen and to comfort him. That was really our connection. Even though I was 14, I was older in life than in years.”
The Nature of Their Relationship
Priscilla clarified that their relationship was not primarily about physical intimacy but rather a profound emotional connection. She stated, “And that was the attraction. People think, ‘Oh, it was sex, it was this.’ Not at all. I never had sex with him. He was very kind, very soft, very loving. But he also respected the fact I was only 14 years old. We were more in mind and thought, and that was our relationship.”
Sofia Coppola on the Actors Strike
Sofia Coppola, who attended the Venice press conference alongside lead stars Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, addressed the ongoing actors’ strike. She expressed her support for the strike, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation for everyone involved in the film industry. Coppola added, “And I hope it’s resolved soon because there are so many people — we all want to get back to work.”
As Sofia Coppola’s film “Priscilla” unfolds at the Venice Film Festival, Priscilla Presley’s emotional tribute and insights into her life with Elvis Presley have left a profound impact on the audience and the festival’s attendees.
