“I don’t know, you mean?” jokes Cailee Spaeny (Springfield, 1998) as she leaves after the premiere of “Priscilla,” Sofia Coppola’s new film, an adaptation of Priscilla’s autobiography “Presley, Elvis” and, more than likely, the Star is interviewed by “Me,” who recounts the complex and toxic relationship he had with the King of Rock from ages 14 to 28. Spaeny, who plays the protagonist, is 1.51 years old and Jacob Elordi, Elvis in the film, is 1.96 years old, a considerable height difference that Coppola wanted to use to symbolize how small and fragile Priscilla felt as his wife The two actors made headlines posing together at the Venice Film Festival. For the past two months, Spaeny is tired of hearing how she has to prepare to receive hundreds of calls, give interviews and see her face in the media and social networks, “but I can’t be prepared for anything, that I don’t know.” “About,” she says with a smile, “I’m very happy to have won the award (she won the Volpi Cup for best actress), for myself, for Sofía and for the film, but I think if I stick with it it will be dangerous in the end.” It is the first time that he is in Milan, where this session is taking place, and also one of the first in which he stars. He arrives on time, admires the studio decoration, the make-up, the wardrobes… “I feel a little Cinderella,” she tells the team. She’s here because she’s the new Bulgari ambassador and just starred in the campaign for their perfume Omnia. “I was fascinated by the collaboration with the brand’s team. How proud they are of the craftsmanship and the story behind it. “All the powerful women that have been associated with them…It also captures me in a pivotal moment like this, where I’m transitioning from being a girl to learning to be a woman, a bit like Priscilla in the movie,” she says . A few days after this interview, the actress quit the Miu Miu show, because if there is anything that resembles the revered aesthetic of Sofia Coppola’s films, it is the imagination of Miu Miu. You may not want to prepare for what’s coming, but the entertainment industry is already doing its job.
Wool turtleneck sweater from Mango. Serpenti Viper pendant in 18k rose gold with pavé diamonds by Bulgari Photo: Giampaolo Sgura
She started acting in her town’s local theater as a child. Why was this so clear to her at such a young age?
I’ve spoken to many people who are committed to this and the same thing has happened to many of us. It had nothing to do with the kind of life that should be normal. I never liked school, I had difficulties with exams and the like, with the traditional teaching system. So I started singing, dancing and acting, but of course there wasn’t much room for me in a town in southern Missouri, I didn’t know anyone who wanted to be an artist. I spent my childhood begging my parents to take me to Los Angeles. Until I got it.
Did they move in with you?
In reality, we drove back and forth for 25 hours. I was 15 years old. I spent four years going to auditions and getting nos, but I knew I could pursue this subject at some point. I worked in various places, even an amusement park, and twice a year I went to Hollywood with my mother and one of my brothers to try my luck. I couldn’t have achieved it without her. You have to be a bit crazy to let your daughter follow her ideals. Thank God they were.
Oversized double-breasted wool blazer from Dries Van Noten. Cotton t-shirt and flared wool trousers, all from Mango. Brushed leather loafers from Miu Miu. B.zero1 three-band ring in 18k rose gold with demi-pavé diamond edges, all by Bulgari Photo: Giampaolo Sgura
And suddenly they call you. Over a period of four years, you work with John Boyega and Kate Winslet and become the protagonist of a cult series like Devs… How did you process that?
I had a special career as an actress. I know people who had overnight success, who went from nothing to everything and whose lives changed a lot, but in my case it was strange. My first job was directly as a protagonist alongside Boyega in the sequel “Pacific Rim” and from then on I worked with very interesting directors and actors, but I always stayed a bit in the background, which I really appreciate. It was all very gradual and, although it seems quick, very slow. It gave me time to think about what I want to be and who I want to work with to process what happened to me.
Did you know Priscilla’s life before playing her?
I come from the south of the USA, for us Elvis is king. I grew up in Graceland and
That’s why this film is important: I knew Elvis’ story, but not Priscilla’s. When I started reading the book I was amazed. I had no idea.
Stretch satin and wool top and skirt, all from Prada. Serpenti Viper ring in 18k gold by Bulgari Photo: Giampaolo Sgura
What moved you most about your story?
All. It’s full of good and terrible things… like everyone’s life, but in an exaggerated way in her case. Many women find themselves reflected in their lives on this path to independence, especially those of their generation who seemed to find happiness only through marriage and children and could not aspire to anything else.
She lived this, but in front of all of America and at a very young age. Very tragic things have happened to her and she is still protective and kind to the people she loves, she is still strong, she is incredible. When I met Priscilla, I understood why Sofia wanted to make this film, because she was born into a royal family and was heavily criticized until she managed to live a life… The truth is that since I saw this film have done, am a different person.
Oversized double-breasted wool blazer from Dries Van Noten. B.zero1 three-band ring in 18k rose gold with demi-pavé diamond edges, all by Bulgari.
In what sense?
I realized that not everything is black and white and that it is very good for women to make mistakes, that it is normal for us to make mistakes all the time. We need to see more stories like this in fiction, real, complicated women. Just like there are a lot of very complex male characters. Because then it seems that when a female character makes mistakes, she is already the villain, and of course that’s not the case.
What was the process like before you got the role of Priscilla?
Well, you’ll laugh, but there was no trial. I had auditioned for Sofia a few times and already knew the casting directors and several people on her team because I’ve always been a big fan of hers. When I was 14 years old, I locked myself in my room to watch her entire filmography. It was the first time I was interested in a female director… well, I pursued her a lot. And a few years ago I met Kirsten Dunst and we hit it off. She was the one who told Sofia that she had the right person for the role and one day she called me. I don’t know if I realized my wishes or what, but that’s how it was.
Short dress with red tulle scarf by David Koma. Red glitter tights from the Rabanne x H&M collection, B.zero1 18k gold earrings and B.zero1 18k gold bracelet with pavé diamonds
in the spiral, all from Bulgari. Photo: Giampaolo Sgura
Haven’t you done any tests?
No, and it was terrible, seriously. Because I spent the day thinking, “He’s going to regret this, he didn’t see if I was capable of it or not.” She had more faith in me than I had in myself. Then you see her work and you see, that she has everything very clear and knows exactly what she is doing. But of course I was very scared because I also had to put myself in the shoes of someone who was going to see the film.
What did Priscilla herself say to you when she saw her?
I didn’t want to see her until I was in Venice, I was very nervous to know her opinion and I wanted to see her with her. When he finished, he turned around and said, “What a great accomplishment. I saw my life through you.” I cried. It was amazing.
Miu Miu All Over Chiffon Polka Dot Blouse and Chiffon Top
B.zero1 rock chain pendant necklace inlaid in 18k white gold with pavé diamonds from Bulgari Photo: Giampaolo Sgura
And what was the most difficult thing during filming?
We shot in just 30 days and not in chronological order. Imagine that. In the morning she was pregnant and in the afternoon she was a 14 year old girl. I was obsessed with appearing authentic at every stage. The hair and makeup team helped me a lot. Suddenly I looked in the mirror and was a teenager and a 27-year-old woman again. Mentally, the hardest thing to process was that I was playing a real person who was alive. I just wanted it to look good for Priscilla, to see herself as both fragile and strong, because she also ended up having to play the role of the king’s wife for a few years. Ugh, that was all very difficult.
You may be tired of hearing this question, but do you feel prepared for what lies ahead?
I don’t know, to be honest, over the years I have met many people who suddenly had unexpected success and didn’t know how to deal with it, while many people around them told them what to do and what not to do should. On the one hand, I think that I’ve been at it for a long time, getting no’s, doing very different things and that it was a kind of training, I’m very proud of my professional development. On the other hand, I try not to read too much what is written about me, even if it is very good, so as not to pollute my brain. I constantly say thank you, but I don’t go deeper so as not to stagnate.
How did you feel in Venice when all eyes were on you?
There was something a little strange. I usually feel comfortable stepping into the shoes of characters, but when I have to go out there and be myself, I find that a little intimidating. You constantly ask yourself: Who am I? What do I want to represent? That’s why I try to wear a classic, timeless style. I don’t know, I try to live in the moment, I could even faint from nervousness in the moments before, but then I take a deep breath, I get there and it goes away. I try to enjoy it because they are rare, unique situations and life is short.
And have you already thought about what you want to do now?
Well, I’m trying to do something completely different… Working with Sofía was my dream and I achieved it, so now it’s time to think about what I want beyond fulfilling dreams. I want to try theater, hopefully a musical. And I want to work with directors who are clear about what they want. I’m just one piece of a puzzle and honestly, I like being that.