Ep 28. Backlot: Starcrash: Luigi Cozzi Interview

Backlot is a show that takes a deep dive into the world of film and television, with a particular focus on the creators, directors and actors who bring these stories to life. In season 1 episode 28, titled Backlot: Starcrash: Luigi Cozzi Interview, the show turns its attention to the cult classic Italian sci-fi film, Starcrash, and the man who directed it, Luigi Cozzi.

Starcrash was released in 1978 and features a cast of international actors including Caroline Munro, Marjoe Gortner and David Hasselhoff. The film was heavily influenced by the success of Star Wars, with Cozzi aiming to create an Italian version of the beloved space opera. However, Starcrash has gained a reputation as an unintentionally hilarious film, with its quirky characters, strange plot twists and low-budget special effects.

In this episode, the Backlot team sits down with Luigi Cozzi to discuss the making of Starcrash and his career in the film industry. Cozzi shares anecdotes from the film's production, including stories about working with the cast and crew and the challenges he faced while shooting on a limited budget.

The interview also touches on Cozzi's other films, including the horror classic Contamination and the science-fiction film The Black Cat, both of which were released in the early 80s. Cozzi talks about his artistic influences, including Italian filmmakers Dario Argento and Federico Fellini, and discusses his approach to storytelling and visual effects.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to clips from Starcrash and other films in Cozzi's filmography. The interview is conducted in a relaxed, conversational style, allowing Cozzi to share his insights and experiences in an engaging and entertaining way.

For fans of Starcrash and Italian cinema, this episode of Backlot offers a fascinating insight into the making of a cult classic film and the mind of the director behind it. Luigi Cozzi's infectious enthusiasm and passion for filmmaking shines through in this interview, making it a must-watch for anyone with an interest in the art of cinema.