Hi! Checking back in after watching the film and listening to the episode.
Big fan of the movie. Lots of reflected surfaces, doubling, and chiaroscuro lighting. Noir tropes. Claustrophobic interiors contrasted with sun-streaked wintry landscapes. Weirdly, the film reminded me a bit of Aleksei German's Hard To Be A God--not in terms of aesthetics, really--but in the sci-fi alien observers element. I looked it up and discovered that the Strugatskys’ wrote the original 1964 novel!
Anyhow, really enjoyed the in-depth discussion and all the background info. Placing films in context is always interesting to me and you did your research, as always! Glad there are outlets like this where people are discussing more obscure older films. :)
Thank you, as always, for listening, Jericho. I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the film -- I had a feeling you would. Did you originally suggest I check out Hard to Be a God? I see it's still on my watchlist, but no idea how it got there!
Yes, the Strugatskys wrote both the novel and the screenplay! If you have the time, definitely check out the novel. Philip asked me which I prefer, and I've been thinking about that question ever since. Now, I've decided it's the novel (and I'm already such a fan of the film!). Hoping I don't let as much time pass until the next episode :-)
I don't think I recommended Hard to be a God, but it's a doozy. I've only seen it once and it lingers! I'll look into the novel of Dead Mountaineers Hotel, for sure. It makes sense that these episodes take so long to plan and bring to fruition. A lot of people just "jump on the mic" to chat about films (which is fine), but the research and prep you put into it is first-rate, so understandably it takes longer. Keep up the stellar work!
I'm on a trip right now, but hoping to watch this film before I head back home on my drive. I'll probably listen to this episode on the road. I'll report back! :)
Hi! Checking back in after watching the film and listening to the episode.
Big fan of the movie. Lots of reflected surfaces, doubling, and chiaroscuro lighting. Noir tropes. Claustrophobic interiors contrasted with sun-streaked wintry landscapes. Weirdly, the film reminded me a bit of Aleksei German's Hard To Be A God--not in terms of aesthetics, really--but in the sci-fi alien observers element. I looked it up and discovered that the Strugatskys’ wrote the original 1964 novel!
Anyhow, really enjoyed the in-depth discussion and all the background info. Placing films in context is always interesting to me and you did your research, as always! Glad there are outlets like this where people are discussing more obscure older films. :)
Thank you, as always, for listening, Jericho. I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the film -- I had a feeling you would. Did you originally suggest I check out Hard to Be a God? I see it's still on my watchlist, but no idea how it got there!
Yes, the Strugatskys wrote both the novel and the screenplay! If you have the time, definitely check out the novel. Philip asked me which I prefer, and I've been thinking about that question ever since. Now, I've decided it's the novel (and I'm already such a fan of the film!). Hoping I don't let as much time pass until the next episode :-)
I don't think I recommended Hard to be a God, but it's a doozy. I've only seen it once and it lingers! I'll look into the novel of Dead Mountaineers Hotel, for sure. It makes sense that these episodes take so long to plan and bring to fruition. A lot of people just "jump on the mic" to chat about films (which is fine), but the research and prep you put into it is first-rate, so understandably it takes longer. Keep up the stellar work!
This is so thoughtful - I immensely appreciate the understanding!!
I'm on a trip right now, but hoping to watch this film before I head back home on my drive. I'll probably listen to this episode on the road. I'll report back! :)
Ah I'm so excited that you're gonna check out the film (and listen to the pod!). I hope you enjoy both :) Safe travels back home!
we live for these deep dives
I hope you enjoy this episode! It may be my favorite thus far :)