Interview with Luis Llosa Urquidi
The Genesis
Luis Llosa Urquidi’s passion for cinema blossomed at a young age. Inspired by screenings at the Ministry of Labor’s film club, he honed his skills, eventually collaborating on documentaries and working on projects with renowned filmmakers like Christian Ferry.
Encounter with the Small Screen
Llosa’s television debut came with “The Tower of Babel,” followed by the action-packed “Gamboa,” which became a sensation in Peru. This success paved the way for his Hollywood aspirations.
Cinema in Peru
A chance encounter with legendary producer Roger Corman led to Llosa directing and producing his first film in Peru, “Mission in the Andes,” which became a box office success. This accomplishment caught the attention of the prestigious CCA agency.
Sandra Bullock’s Debut
Llosa collaborated with Corman again on “Fire in the Amazon,” marking Sandra Bullock‘s film debut. The film’s erotic scene caused controversy, with Bullock later requesting its removal.
Camera, Action
After numerous meetings, Llosa landed his first major Hollywood project, directing “Sniper.” He went on to helm “The Specialist,” working with stars like Sylvester Stallone and Sharon Stone.
Between Egos
Llosa’s experiences working with Stallone and Stone were less than pleasant. The former refused to allow Stone to be dominant in a shower scene, leading to tension on set.
Overall
Luis Llosa Urquidi’s journey is a testament to his talent and determination. From humble beginnings to directing Hollywood films with A-list stars, his story is filled with anecdotes, challenges, and triumphs.
Luis Llosa: A Hollywood Tale
Director Luis Llosa reflects on his experiences in Hollywood, revealing both the triumphs and tribulations of his journey.
A Hollywood Experience
Llosa’s initial success in Hollywood came with films like “The Specialist” and “Anaconda,” but he soon realized the industry wasn’t his ultimate goal. He longed for more creative freedom and decided to pursue independent cinema.
Burning Stages
Llosa’s decision to step away from Hollywood was a conscious one. He felt pigeonholed and desired to tell his own stories on his own terms. He found success with films like “The Feast of the Goat” and “Tattoos in Memory.”
Artistic Inheritance
Llosa is married to singer Roxana Valdivieso and is a father of three. His children have all followed their own artistic paths, with Sebastián pursuing a music career, Mateo directing commercials, and Micaela involved in various creative projects.
The Story of a Punch
Llosa reveals a personal moment of conflict in 1976 when he punched Gabriel García Márquez, marking the end of their friendship.
Conclusion
Llosa’s journey is one of artistic growth and personal fulfillment. He has carved his own path in the film industry, defying expectations and pursuing his artistic vision.
“I had the privilege of being a witness to the friendship between Mario, my sister Patricia Llosa, Gabriel, and his wife. They lived in the same block in Barcelona, and we used to go to the movies together one or two times a week. It was a formative and very special time for me. What Bayly’s book ’Geniuses’ describes is pure fiction. People shouldn’t take it literally, as he has the freedom to say whatever he wants as a novelist without necessarily being true. My version of the events is narrated in my book, although it has not been corroborated by anyone, I believe it to be the closest to reality. I will not go into details to avoid spoilers,” he emphasizes.