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Your new movie Larry Armstrong: Amateur
Astronaut - in a few words, what's it about?
It’s about a painfully ordinary guy who is absolutely convinced he’s
destined for space travel — despite having no money, no qualifications,
and no approval from anyone who matters. Think delusion fueled by
optimism, duct tape, and just enough confidence to be dangerous.
What were your sources of inspiration when writing
Larry Armstrong:
Amateur Astronaut? A mix of classic underdog comedies, mockumentary absurdism and the kind
of people you meet who mistake stubbornness for destiny. Films like Best
in Show, Take the Money and Run and early Woody Allen were
big influences, along with a mix of The Right Stuff. Do talk about
Larry Armstrong:
Amateur Astronaut's brand of humour for a bit!
It’s character-driven, awkward, and unapologetically dry. The comedy comes
from sincerity colliding with reality. Nobody’s winking at the camera
saying, “Isn’t this funny?” — it’s funny because Larry genuinely believes
every bad idea is the right one.
What can you tell us about your overall directorial approach to
your story at hand? I wanted it to feel grounded, almost documentary-real, so the absurdity
could sneak up on you. The straighter the presentation, the harder the
jokes land. The goal was to let the characters hang themselves —
cinematically speaking — without overdirecting the comedy.
You also appear in front of the camera in Larry Armstrong:
Amateur Astronaut - so do talk about your character, what did you
draw upon to bring him to life, and have you written him with yourself in
mind from the get-go? I play Alexi, Larry’s angry straight man. I provide an overbearing
dose of reality to Larry but want to help him succeed. I just draw
on my own practical nature for the character and my desire to get things
done even when you don’t have the resources (or talent).
You of course also have to
talk about your co-star and overall partner-in-crime on
Larry Armstrong:
Amateur Astronaut, Ed Campodonico, and what was working with him
like? Ed is perfect as Larry. He has a natural comedic restraint that keeps
things believable, which is crucial in this kind of film. Ed’s improv
skills are unmatched. He’s sharp, collaborative, and knows when not to
push a joke — which is a rare and valuable skill. Do talk about the rest of
Larry Armstrong:
Amateur Astronaut's cast for a bit, and why exactly these people?
Charles Rose rounded out the cast as Jim Krantz. He was the perfect
bureaucrat and reality check for Larry’s ridiculous aspirations.
The $64-question of course, where can
Larry Armstrong:
Amateur Astronaut be seen?
The film is currently making the festival rounds and may be seen on my
YouTube channel with my other films -
https://youtube.com/@jamespiscitelli1739?si=5cPzPSvmp84hQ2G_
Anything you can tell us about audience and critical reception of
Larry Armstrong:
Amateur Astronaut? The feedback has been especially strong from viewers who appreciate absurd
character-based humor over punchlines — and people really love the low
tech vibe of the whole production. Any future projects
you'd like to share? We are working on another feature mockumentary, Open Concept –
building on some of the characters we met in Larry Armstrong:
Amateur Astronaut..
What made you enter the filmworld in the
first place, and did you receive any formal education on the subject?
Both Ed and I went to film school and have made micro budget shorts and
features over the past 35 years. What can you tell us about your filmwork prior to
Larry Armstrong:
Amateur Astronaut? I have made a feature film, The Ninth Circle, and I’ve worked on a
variety of short films and micro-budget projects, mostly comedies, where I
learned how to stretch limited resources and lean into creativity.
Another of my short films, Jerry Tarpini: Fitness Expert, is making
the festival rounds now! How would you describe
yourself as a director, and how as an actor? As a director, I’m collaborative and performance-focused. As an actor, I’m
drawn to characters who take themselves seriously — even when the world
doesn’t. Filmmakers, writers,
actors, whoever else who nspire you? Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen, Christopher Guest, Albert Brooks, Steven
Soderbergh, Jim Jarmusch and Akria Kurosowa. Your fabourite
movies? Citizen Kane, Badlands, Zelig,
Taxi Driver,
Fanny and Alexander, The Limey, Paths of Glory,
Stranger than Paradise and
The French Connection. ... and of course, films you really deplore?
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Not many, I have too much respect for what it takes to make a film, so
when they miss the mark I don’t judge too harshly. Your/your movie's website, social media,
whatever else?
https://youtube.com/@jamespiscitelli1739?si=5cPzPSvmp84hQ2G_
Instagram: @Jfpiscitelli Anything else you're dying to
mention and I have merely forgotten to ask? Only that Larry Armstrong:
Amateur Astronaut was made with a lot
of heart, very little money, and just enough delusion to get it finished —
which feels thematically appropriate. Thanks for the interview! |
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