Priscilla Presley comments on biographical drama PRISCILLA and its depiction of her marriage to Elvis at age 14

Priscilla Presleywife of the late king of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presleyspoke about the controversy surrounding his story told in the biopic drama Priscillaby the director Sophia Coppola. Presley attended the Venice Film Festival press panel for the film and spoke to the press from the audience when she was asked about the fact that she was only 14 when she first started dating Elvis.

First, Presley praised the film, as did Coppola, saying:

“It’s very difficult to sit and watch a movie about yourself, about your life, about your love. Sofia did an amazing job. She did her homework, we talked a few times and I really gave my all for her.

The film is the protagonist Cailee Spaeny in the title role and Jacob Elordi as Elvis, and shows Priscilla’s relationship with Elvis since their first meeting. As she is drawn into her world, Priscilla comes of age and finds her voice. However, during the press conference she insisted that Elvis didn’t take advantage of her youth.

She explained:

“It was very difficult for my parents to understand why Elvis was so interested in me and why. And I really think that because I was more of a listener. Elvis opened his heart to me in every way in Germany: his fears, his hopes, the loss of his mother – which he never, ever got over. And I was the person who really, really sat there to listen to him and comfort him. That was really our connection. Even though I was 14, I was actually a little older in life, not in numbers. That was the attraction. People think, “Oh, that was sex.” No it was not. I’ve never had sex with him. He was very kind, very tender, very loving, but he also respected the fact that I was only 14. We were more in line in thought, and that was our relationship.

He went on to add:

“I didn’t know why he put so much trust in me, but he did. And I never, ever, ever told anyone that I saw him, and that was another issue that he loved, is the fact that I never gave him up in any way. I never told anyone at school that I was seeing him. So, we built a relationship and then our relationship continued until I left. And it wasn’t because I didn’t love him: he was the love of my life. It was the lifestyle that was so difficult for me, and I think every woman can relate to that. But that didn’t spoil our relationship, we still remained very close. And of course we had our daughter and I made sure he saw her all the time. It was like we never parted.”

I understand what he’s trying to say and I’m glad he had an overall positive experience in his relationship, but regardless of maturity level, a 14 year old is a kid and there is no excuse for a 24 year old to start a relationship with a 14 year old. Today we know better and do better to protect children.

Earlier in the press conference, Coppola also talked about how he dealt with young Priscilla when she met Elvis. “I can go back to that age and remember having a crush on an older boy and a rock star,” she said. “I just pictured myself from her point of view.”

Priscilla will debut in theaters on October 27.

via: Variety