Interview
Kostas Koroneos talks to Yannis Vandarakis and unstage
Kostas Koroneos talks to me about the days he lived at the Thessaloniki Film Festival, his collaboration with Stergios Paschos for the film The Last Taxi Driver and the funny way he learned that he received the Male Performance Award after cooking with his young daughter..
How did you experience the days of the Thessaloniki Festival?
I went up for 2 days in Thessaloniki it was the first time I went up to the Festival and I was very nervous and excited at the same time. It was also the first time I had the leading role and I noticed that there was a care from the Festival people towards us. Everything happened very quickly, as soon as I arrived I met Stergios for a photo shoot and then it was the screening of the film. The whole thing that happened was beautiful because you were meeting friends talking about cinema and I personally enjoyed the whole situation that was going on.
What did the award mean to you?
I actually have no idea. A more obvious answer of course cannot be given than that I feel very happy about the award. Personally, having been away from the filming for about two years, all I cared about and asked Sergio was when the film would be released and played, I didn't care about anything else. Even the nomination when it was announced left me with an awkward smile. I left Thessaloniki and was only interested in how the second screening of the film went. And on Sunday I find out through some messages that I won the award. Obviously it means recognition of the efforts and it was a very nice feeling I experienced. But practically at this moment the award means nothing. Time will tell.
What is special about this particular taxi driver Thomas?
I don't think he has anything special. I say that in the sense that in Thomas I find a lot in common with myself and I suppose to a large extent with a lot of people. What characterizes Thomas is that he didn't get what he wanted. What he thought he would become and doing something that doesn't satisfy him or come close to what he dreamed of. And when he sees a crack as a release then he is blinded by joy.
Are there any unfulfilled dreams in his life?
That's exactly what there are. He himself has understood that there are repressions but he has come to terms with them and lives with them. He has created a family without intense conflict situations. But there is this repression.
What is his relationship with the opposite sex specifically with Helen?
Helen is a person who unexpectedly intrudes into Thomas' life. He feels like he's been emboldened to flirt with her outside of his marriage. He is fascinated by Helen and has the confidence to go ahead with the game of flirting, of impressing, of "selling" himself as something different from what he is more qualified and with a much nicer image.
Tell me about your collaboration with Stergios Paschos.
It was an amazing collaboration. In a very nice atmosphere of silence during all the shoots without any tensions and I think that particular one is important in the times we live in. It was so liberating and at the same time creative. Also, it was very catalytic to have Stergios' guidance and I ask for that from the director because he helps me a lot and liberates me.
Where can we see you theatrically?
In the theatre I am in "The Rise of Arturo Ui" directed by Aris Biniaris. It's in its second year of running, I'm doing the actor and an entrepreneur there and it's a blessed collaboration. I didn't know Aris and that characteristic of kindness is also present in him who could see what he wanted to get from you during rehearsals. With Ares it is a blessing that a performance was very, very successful. An amazing team was created and this was recognized by the people and then you don't want more than that as an actor.