Rewind and Revive
Marta Djordjevic
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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
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