Rewind and Revive

Marta Djordjevic

Rewind & Revive is Marta McFly's film paradise — a celebration of cinematic gems, forgotten classics, and the creative minds behind them.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel by Grigori Kromanov (1979) | Episode 05

    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 cinema Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, who also wrote the screenplay Sven Grünberg’s incredible electronic score and the story behind its creation Tõnu Virve’s futuristic production design and the film’s “hyperrealist” hotel Soviet Estonia, cultural identity, and the film’s relationship to authority Inspector Glebsky, rationalism, bureaucracy, and the limits of categorizing the unknown The Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel video game adaptation Plus: 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 Revive 01:57 How Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel found us 04:36 Why this movie is so fascinating 08:46 Plot setup in one sentence 09:16 First reactions and genre vibes 14:52 Meet the hotel’s strange guests 19:05 The hotel as a character 23:09 Lighting, color, and visual design 30:37 The eerie electronic score 36:33 Why the film feels political 39:34 Kromanov and the Estonian context 57:31 The Strugatsky brothers and the novel 70:03 Glebsky as the key figure 81:39 Mystery film or morality tale? 85:21 Mirrors, doubles, and identity 90:30 Simonet and the outsiders 97:02 The ending and Glebsky’s choice 103:48 Restoration, supplements, and legacy 104:52 The game adaptation and influence 109:43 Final thoughts and recommendation

  2. Jan 23

    Malpertuis by Harry Kümel (1971) | Episode 04

    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 rediscovered Plus: 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcasting Journeys 01:08 Introducing Malpertuis and Its Themes 05:41 The Film's Atmosphere and Initial Reactions 10:48 The Restoration and Physical Media Importance 14:51 Harry Kumel: The Filmmaker Behind Malpertuis 21:58 Adapting the Novel: Differences and Similarities 26:44 Kumel's Style: Genre or Surrealism? 29:07 Camouflage in Genre Filmmaking 30:45 Artistic Influences and Comparisons 35:45 Production Challenges and Orson Welles 36:47 Thematic Elements: Corridors and Repetition 49:00 Illusions and Identity in Malpertuis 54:17 Orson Welles: The Competitive Genius 55:52 The Power Dynamics of Malpertuis 01:01:09 The Mythic Trap Revealed 01:07:20 Ideological Implications and Historical Parallels 01:14:22 From Curiosity to Control: The Film's Evolution 01:21:54 Character Dynamics and Desires 01:22:28 The Carnival Scene: A Haunting Experience 01:24:16 The Descent into Chaos 01:26:12 Dreams and Reality: The Gaslighting of Jan 01:27:40 The Fractured Narrative of Malpertuis 01:30:14 Editing and Reception: The Film's Journey 01:35:03 Restoration and Rediscovery of Malpertuis 01:38:43 Final Thoughts on Malpertuis and Its Legacy

  3. 2025-07-17

    On the Silver Globe by Andrzej Żuławski (1988) | Episode 03

    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 style Żuławski’s clash with Polish authorities and the devastating censorship that halted the project Why On the Silver Globe remains such a singular entry in the science fiction canon — and why it still matters Plus: 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 Abreu 00:00 Introduction and Anticipation 08:41 Exploring Andrzej Żuławski's Background 12:38 The Artistic Style of Żuławski 19:06 Exploring the Context of Censorship 27:02 The Impact of Personal Loss on Creativity 29:44 Return to Poland: A Troubled Homecoming 31:33 Adapting Literary Works: The Lunar Trilogy 38:59 Plot Overview, Character Dynamics, & Themes 53:15 The Grotesque and Unsettling Elements of the Sherns 01:03:33 Production Challenges and the Toll on Crew 01:12:27 The Shut Down of the Film 01:18:29 The Journey to Completion 01:25:06 The Legacy of On the Silver Globe

  4. 2025-04-28

    Danger: Diabolik by Mario Bava (1968) | Episode 02

    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-up Love, Death & Movies: beacons.ai/lovedeathmovies Ash'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 Abreu Rewind & Revive branding by Kelsi Leaming

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Rewind & Revive is Marta McFly's film paradise — a celebration of cinematic gems, forgotten classics, and the creative minds behind them.