Coralina Cataldi-Tasonni
Coralina Cataldi –Tassoni is a multi talented stage actress, film star, cult icon, poet, singer, songwriter, and UFO enthusiast.
I met her at a Chicago party almost a year ago and found that we had a common interests in cinema and punk rock. She came off as dark, enigmatic, and mysterious, which befits a horror starlet. She agreed to answer some questions for me on-line.
Coralina was born in Manhattan but early on she went to Italy to study opera. She he recently divided her time between New York and Chicago. She studied at Second City and has worked in television as well.
But she is best known for her film work. She worked with Pupi Avati on “The Childhood Friend (1994)” and she also made several films with the Italian horror auteur, Dario Argento. She worked with him on Opera (1987) and Terror at the Opera ( 1998) which was picked up by Troma, the makers of “The Toxic Avenger.”
Her other notable horror film appearances include Lamberto Bava’s stylish “Demons 2 (1986)” which also featured an appearance by her friend, Asia Argento and the Cronenbergesque “The Evil Clutch (1988).”
She also has impressive theater credentials. She’s played everything from The Bride in “Ed Wood’s Bride and the Beast,” Laura in “The Glass Menagerie” and even Rizzo in “Grease.”
Her website is at www.coralina.net and songs from her CD, “Limbo Balloon” can be sampled at www.coralina.net as well.
She did the on-line interview on spring of 2003
1. Can you describe your childhood?
Fortifying
2. Have you always wanted to be an actress?
I had no other choice but to be a performer of some kind. My parents were involved in the Opera world and so were all their friends. I thought everyone performed as a little girl and all the other realms and professions “out there” were just there in the background, to maintain and surround our life style. I guess I have not changed much.
3. Do you prefer working in theater film or TV? How are they different?
Minus Live T.V shows,that terrify me…all is beautiful and undescribable.
4.You were in The Glass Menagarie how does Tennessee Williams works speak to you?
He has such an intimacy with words and a sensitivity to human deepthness. There is no frilly stuff. I hate frills.
5.What was it like to work with Second City?
I did their training center-and out of all the classes I attended. I truly remember specifically one. The day that the most important advice was given to us by a teacher…”When you are up there on stage just remember one thing…Fuck it!”
6. How did you get involved in horror films?
I guess if you take an actress with a spooky enough childhood,a big passion for Profondo Rosso(Deep Red) and many other thriller movies, tied up with a pivotal encounter with her favorite director such as Dario Argento…
7. What are some of your favorite horror films?
“Profondo Rosso(Deep Red)”, “Carrie” ,”The Bad Seed”
8. What was it like working with Dario Argento? Pupi Avati?
I guess if one could literally walk through a movie screen and “be” in the world of that movie…all the feelings that emerge around you might reflect what it might be like working with either director. But I can tell you for sure one would want to keep going back to revisit it any time, for they are both wonderful artists to work with. I have been very fortunate.
9. How does his (Dario’s) directing style compare to that of other directors?
Uncomparable.
10. How did you become friends with Asia Argento?
We worked on Demons 2 together.
11. Asia has begun to direct her own films. Do you have any ambitions in that area?
No. I spend enough time trying to direct my own life.
12. Are you a fan of Goblin or any contemporary Italian pop/rock bands?
I write all my interviews with the Deep Red soundtrack on my stereo. Even right now.
13. Are there any American actors or directors you’d like to work with?
Director Darren Aronofsky.
14. How did you get started in music?
Straight at birth. I came out screaming and spent the rest of my life refining my tone and ears.
15. What are some of your musical influences?
Opera and punk rock.
16. When we first met you said that you admired some of the ’70s new wave and punk people. Did you ever get a chance to meet any of the original punk people?
Many. They’re mostly unknown or barely alive.
17. How did you first get interested in UFOs?
I could not accept at a very early age, certain people’s arrogance, in being so firmly convinced we are the only living form existing.
18. Are you a fan of the X-Files, the Art Bell radio show or other UFO shows?
No.
19. What projects will you be working on in the future?
I am working on a book of poems and random thoughts…it will include some of my artwork as well. I have no idea when it will be ready.
And as always writing more music.
