Rewind and Revive

In this episode of the Rewind & Revive podcast, I’m joined by returning guest Philip Marinello of The Substance podcast to explore Grigori Kromanov’s Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel (1979), a striking Estonian science-fiction mystery adapted from the novel by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.We dive into the film’s production history, its slippery collision of science fiction and detective storytelling, and the way Kromanov uses architecture, mirrors, electronic music, and genre to create a world where logic increasingly begins to fail.We also discuss:Grigori Kromanov and the film’s place within Estonian cinemaArkady and Boris Strugatsky, who also wrote the screenplaySven Grünberg’s incredible electronic score and the story behind its creationTõnu Virve’s futuristic production design and the film’s “hyperrealist” hotelSoviet Estonia, cultural identity, and the film’s relationship to authorityInspector Glebsky, rationalism, bureaucracy, and the limits of categorizing the unknownThe Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel video game adaptationPlus: thoughts on Deaf Crocodile’s 4K restoration and the wealth of interviews, essays, commentary, and other archival material that helped us tumble even further down the Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel rabbit hole.Music by Andre Abreu.Follow Philip on Instagram, Letterboxd, and check out The Substance on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Chapters:00:00 Welcome back to Rewind and Revive01:57 How Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel found us04:36 Why this movie is so fascinating08:46 Plot setup in one sentence09:16 First reactions and genre vibes14:52 Meet the hotel’s strange guests19:05 The hotel as a character23:09 Lighting, color, and visual design30:37 The eerie electronic score36:33 Why the film feels political39:34 Kromanov and the Estonian context57:31 The Strugatsky brothers and the novel70:03 Glebsky as the key figure81:39 Mystery film or morality tale?85:21 Mirrors, doubles, and identity90:30 Simonet and the outsiders97:02 The ending and Glebsky’s choice103:48 Restoration, supplements, and legacy104:52 The game adaptation and influence109:43 Final thoughts and recommendation

In this episode of the Rewind & Revive podcast, I’m joined by Philip Marinello of The Substance Podcast to explore Malpertuis (1971), Harry Kümel’s baroque, labyrinthine cult classic — a film that blends horror, fantasy, and myth into something uniquely disorienting.We dig into the film’s tangled production history, its adaptation of Jean Ray’s novel, and the way Malpertuis uses repetition, corridors, and theatricality to create a world where identity fractures and reality feels perpetually unstable.We also discuss: – Susan Hampshire’s astonishing multi-role performance – Orson Welles’ unforgettable presence as Cassavius – The film’s themes of illusion, power, and belief – Why Malpertuis remains so elusive — and why it’s finally being rediscoveredPlus: thoughts on the film’s recent restoration by Radiance Films, and what it means to see Malpertuis properly contextualized and accessible today.Follow Philip on Instagram, Letterboxd, and check out The Substance on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Music by Andre Abreu.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcasting Journeys01:08 Introducing Malpertuis and Its Themes05:41 The Film's Atmosphere and Initial Reactions10:48 The Restoration and Physical Media Importance14:51 Harry Kumel: The Filmmaker Behind Malpertuis21:58 Adapting the Novel: Differences and Similarities26:44 Kumel's Style: Genre or Surrealism?29:07 Camouflage in Genre Filmmaking30:45 Artistic Influences and Comparisons35:45 Production Challenges and Orson Welles36:47 Thematic Elements: Corridors and Repetition49:00 Illusions and Identity in Malpertuis54:17 Orson Welles: The Competitive Genius55:52 The Power Dynamics of Malpertuis01:01:09 The Mythic Trap Revealed01:07:20 Ideological Implications and Historical Parallels01:14:22 From Curiosity to Control: The Film's Evolution01:21:54 Character Dynamics and Desires01:22:28 The Carnival Scene: A Haunting Experience01:24:16 The Descent into Chaos01:26:12 Dreams and Reality: The Gaslighting of Jan01:27:40 The Fractured Narrative of Malpertuis01:30:14 Editing and Reception: The Film's Journey01:35:03 Restoration and Rediscovery of Malpertuis01:38:43 Final Thoughts on Malpertuis and Its Legacy

In this episode of the Rewind & Revive podcast, I’m joined by Van Padilla of @VanWatchesMovies to take on Andrzej Żuławski’s unfinished sci-fi epic, On the Silver Globe. We dig into the film’s chaotic production history, its haunting themes of power, despair, and failed utopias, and how Żuławski’s personal and political turmoil shaped every frame.We also unpack:The film’s dense, poetic structure and jagged editing styleŻuławski’s clash with Polish authorities and the devastating censorship that halted the projectWhy On the Silver Globe remains such a singular entry in the science fiction canon — and why it still mattersPlus: thoughts on the legacy of this wild, unfinished masterpiece, and whether a remake would even be possible (or desirable).…And if you want to keep following what Van is up to, check him out on Linktree.Music by Andre Abreu00:00 Introduction and Anticipation08:41 Exploring Andrzej Żuławski's Background12:38 The Artistic Style of Żuławski19:06 Exploring the Context of Censorship27:02 The Impact of Personal Loss on Creativity29:44 Return to Poland: A Troubled Homecoming31:33 Adapting Literary Works: The Lunar Trilogy38:59 Plot Overview, Character Dynamics, & Themes53:15 The Grotesque and Unsettling Elements of the Sherns01:03:33 Production Challenges and the Toll on Crew01:12:27 The Shut Down of the Film01:18:29 The Journey to Completion01:25:06 The Legacy of On the Silver Globe

This week on Rewind & Revive, host Marta McFly is joined by Ash Laskey and Harry Argyle of the Love, Death & Movies podcast to discuss Mario Bava's 1968 film, Danger: Diabolik. The conversation delves into the film's distinctive blend of genres, its visual style, and the dynamic between the anti-hero Diabolik and his partner, Eva. The trio delves into Bava's filmmaking techniques, the production challenges faced during the making of the film, and the cultural influences that shaped its narrative.Chapters:(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Film(06:02) Initial Impressions and Reactions to the Film(11:05) Mario Bava: The Master of Visual Storytelling(14:48) Character Dynamics: Diabolik and Eva(18:11) Influences and Inspirations Behind the Film(20:00) The Production Journey of Danger: Diabolik(37:37) Key Players Behind the Camera(39:26) The Budget and Production Challenges(42:15) The Creative Use of Miniatures and Optical Illusions(51:56) The Complexity of Love and Anti-Heroes(57:55) Wrap-upLove, Death & Movies: beacons.ai/lovedeathmoviesAsh's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashvsmovies/Harry's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hargyle/Rewind & Revive Substack: https://www.rewindandrevive.com/Marta's website: https://www.martadjo.com/Marta's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marta.mcfly/Marta's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/martamcfly/Intro/Outro music by Andre AbreuRewind & Revive branding by Kelsi Leaming

Surprise: Rewind & Revive's first podcast episode is now out!For this very first episode, I’m using it as a (re)introduction to myself, sure, but more importantly, I’m kicking things off with a topic that speaks directly to the ethos of this whole project: to rewind, revive, and shine a light on titles I don’t think get talked about as often as they should.While many of my future episodes will feature guests — whether they’re fellow podcasters, industry pros, or pals of mine — these occasional solo efforts will be shorter and serve as something to tide you over while I’m crafting my longer-form essays.The collaborative episodes, on the other hand, will dive deep into a specific movie, movement, filmmaker’s career, or center around thematic round-up lists of the stuff we love most. Whatever the topic, I can promise it’ll always be delivered with passion and a whole lot of heart.So, for today, get cozy and join me for the start of something very dear to my heart. Let’s rewind and revive, shall we?A huge thank you to Andre Abreu for the wonderful intro/outro music!