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HOME - THE INTERVIEW - Christian Cordella “That’s how I designed Star Trek Beyond”

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THE INTERVIEW

Christian Cordella
“That’s how I designed Star Trek Beyond” by Giovanni De Benedictis

Star Trek Beyond. Costume illustrator, Christian Cordella

Blockbuster after blockbuster, his work is becoming more and more admired. Salentinian, born into a family for eight generations in the fashion industry, with a degree in cinematography from Milan’s Brera Academy and after attending art school in London, Christian Cordella is another top Italian working abroad. A Hollywood fixture as costume illustrator, he has an impressive CV. His creations have also been on show at the cineports in Bari and Lecce. Bridge Puglia USA decided to interview him on the release of Star Trek Beyond, the latest chapter for the cinema of the famous sci-fi saga.

What’s the role of a costume illustrator? How does the costume designer relate to the actor he has to dress?

We could define the costume illustrator as the person who makes an idea and a fantasy visible in reality. I deal with giving a shape and an outline to suggestions and impulses that come – generally speaking – from the director and the costume designer. My job is based on the collaboration between the costume designer, the director and the actor. It involves great team work. Getting the actor’s OK is one of the most important steps.

Star Trek is a series with half a century of history behind it. What was it like to find your way round that world, knowing that for thousands of fans it is something ‘sacred’?

Being from the ‘Star Trek generation’ it wasn’t all that hard to rework everything in a 2016 key. For sure, I retained some traditional elements of the previous films, but integrated them in a more contemporary vision of today’s sci-fi.

You have worked on a great many adventure/sci-fi films, such as Jurassic World, Oblivion and Total Recall. Is it difficult to conceive of something that might exist in alternative future worlds?

Each film is a fresh challenge, because every director has his own personal vision of adventure and science fiction. My task is to make an abstract concept clear. I get called for some movies just because they know my eye for the future. It’s sort of like my signature. I’ve always had this special penchant for what could happen in the future. I’ve always been mad about everything that is adventure, space, the future. Reading a lot also helps to stimulate this visual capacity.

Capitan America, Thor, Iron Man: how did you manage to be innovative in these productions, and at the same time stay faithful to the iconography of the characters?

I’ve always thought that innovation has its roots in tradition. Reworking characters that are traditionally innovative came almost naturally. I worked a lot on textile technologies to get some more obvious effects, I chose and used alternative fabrics that emphasize some of the features of the super heroes.

You’ve also designed costumes for shows by Madonna and Jennifer Lopez. What’s the main difference between working for the movies and working for live shows?

There’s not much difference. You have to be just as precise and meticulous in both cases. However, you certainly do interface directly with the artists and listen to their stylistic and choreographic requirements.

Which of your creations do you love the most? And are there any movies of the past that you are attached to?

Personally, the best movies I’ve worked on have always been the ones where there was an atmosphere of friendship and trust in the team. For me the bond built up between the various members of the production team is very important. At the end, you are left with a great sense of satisfaction independently of the value of the film. Star Trek Beyond is certainly one of my favorites.

Do the people you work with often ask you about Puglia? Do you miss the place?

Our area has become the new Tuscany for Americans. I see Puglia as an Island of happiness and joy and I’m very proud of it. A lot of friends and colleagues have come to Lecce on holiday with me and they have all returned at least once. I obviously miss Puglia and Lecce very much, they are my home, and whenever I can I come back even just for a couple of days. I recharge my batteries and then take off for Los Angeles again.