CBS.com

When you were at Graceland, did you feel any kind of Elvis vibes? When I was at the Las Vegas Hilton to see where Elvis performed for the last eight years of his life, there were definitely vibes there. I guess you have to experience it to understand it.

I always thought that the people who made a pilgrimage to Graceland every year were a little loopy. But now that I've been there and seen it for myself, I get it. There is palpable feeling, a profound and unmistakable energy, that confirms a great man lived and loved there.

What for you were the easiest and the hardest parts of playing Miss Gladys?

The easiest part of playing Gladys was loving Elvis. I studied everything about him, his humble beginnings, his remarkable drive and his astonishing talent. But the truth is I don't really know who I fell in love with. Elvis the legend or Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who embodied him and brought him back to life.

What was it like working with Robert Patrick?

Divine. I suspect people might think Robert Patrick is a tough guy. He seems to play them so well in movies. But he's really a great big softy: a great Dad, a great husband, a great actor and a great friend.

What resources did you use to prepare for the role of Elvis' Mother?

I read so many books about Elvis. But the book that gave me the most information about his mother was Elvis and Gladys by Elaine Dundy. Her research was so extensive that it made Gladys' history come to life for me.

What is your best memory about shooting ELVIS?

Every memory I have about ELVIS is fantastic. It was the most incredible experience for me. I suppose if I had to pick one moment, it would be when we shot the scene where Elvis shows us Graceland for the first time, or maybe when the whole cast walked down Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, or maybe when we would all sing Elvis tunes in the make-up trailer. Yeah, I can't pick just one memory; they are all equally grand.