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
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 Abreau
Rewind & 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!
