Claudia Gerini interview

Acclaimed Italian actress Claudia Gerini recently attended the Frightfest world premiere of TULPA, an erotic Giallo directed by her partner, Federico Zampaglione.

In the film, her character Lisa is in every respect the opposite pole to that of Kiran, the mysterious guru and owner of Club Tulpa (see Nuot Arquint interview).
Film-News pinned the very busy Claudia down to answer a few questions about the movie in particular and her career in general.

Film-News:
Claudia, you come from a distinguished theatre- and acting background, having worked with big names such as Lina Wertmüller, Mel Gibson and various acclaimed Italian directors. What was it like to play the lead in the gore-drenched Giallo TULPA?

Claudia Gerini:
It was fantastic! TULPA has been for me an incredible opportunity to act in a complete different way. I had to be prepared for everything - fighting, sex scenes… being totally disoriented and frightened.

FN:
What is your definition of a typical ‘Giallo’ movie?

CG:
Giallo is something different from everything else. It’s not horror neither thriller nor slasher. Giallo is part of our Italian culture and I can say that it’s a mix between scary moments, total craziness, colours, sexy moments, and irony. Those are the ingredients to make a good Giallo. If you miss out some of those you’ll do something different for sure.

FN:
The movie premiered at this year’s FrightFest. Did the film’s reception / the critics response live up to your expectations?

CG:
The film has created a huge amount of buzz. Some people really loved it, other people hated it. A few days ago we received the press report and we are amazed because of how many articles, reviews, videos and interviews are coming in. On top of this, after the FrightFest screening we fixed the dubbing of some characters and Federico cut some lines that were over the top. So it was also very useful as a test screening. Now we are having many invitations from festivals around the world. The next screening will be at Sitges, They loved the film and it will screen in competition.

FN:
TULPA was directed by your fiancé, Federico Zampaglione. What was it like to be directed by someone you are involved with on a private level?

CG:
That was a main factor, otherwise shooting the nudity and sex scenes could have been real tough.

FN:
The role of your character, Lisa, must have been quite demanding – especially psychologically. How much can you relate to your on-screen character, and how did you prepare for the part?

CG:
I love this character and I think Lisa Boeri is the most challenging and unique role of my whole career. She has to stand her ground and deal on her own with a bloody killer. I didn’t make any particular preparations for this role – I simply let the character drive me into the heart of the story.

FN:
Did shooting the more explicit scenes cause you any awkwardness, given that your fiancé directed?

CG:
Federico was very focused on set and at the end of the day having him behind the camera gave me a lot of confidence.

FN:
Next we can see you in director Christopher Smith’s mini-series ‘Labyrinth’, in which you play ‘Marie-Cecile’ – a not particularly nice character… How did you land the part?

CG:
They sent me the screenplay and Federico told me about how talented Chris is. Then we watched his films and I was stunned by them. I think he has an incredible eye for imagery, and working with him with the villainous role of Marie Cecile was a real experience. We have been shooting in Cape Town and had a great time.

FN:
Regarding ‘Labyrinth’ and your role – what can we expect, and what was it like to film with your co-stars?

CG:
You can expect to see me in a totally different light. I have to admit, I loved playing such an evil character. Always being the good one can get a little boring after all. I liked working with all the cast and crew, the atmosphere on set was very inspiring.

FN:
You featured on the front cover of MAX (issue March, 2009) in an alluring pose, with the line ‘Gay power – Claudia Gerini’ underneath. Tell me a bit about this, please.

CG:
I love gay people, they are so passionate and creative and they have a big heart, I always support them when I’m asked.

FN:
Claudia, I am quite intrigued by a film you recently starred in, called ‘La leggenda di Kaspar Hauser’. Were you familiar with Kaspar’s story prior to filming?

CG:
Not before filming, no, but after I got the role, I started reading a lot about Kaspar. And I was very fascinated and captivated by this pure and edgy character. By the way I think you’ll love the film, it’s a surreal and original piece of work.

FN:
What was it like to act alongside Vincent Gallo? He has a reputation for being difficult…

CG:
He’s a wild man and it’s not always easy dealing with him, but I just can say he has a huge talent and a great sense of cinema.

FN:
Any future work collaborations planned with Federico?

CG:
Hopefully yes, I love working with him, he‘s so crazy and unpredictable. I would love to make another Giallo with Federico, I’m sure we would have a lot of fun again!

FN:
Thank you for the interview, Claudia, and best wishes for the future.

TULPA is in official competition at Sitges Film Festival 2012

Labyrinth is broadcast on Channel 4 early 2013

(Photo of Claudia Gerini © by Fabio Lovini)