The Next Reel Film Podcast

How does this absurdist tale explore Soviet society during the days of glasnost and the move toward the breakdown of the USSR? Do the Lynchian elements help the film? And what’s up with that cake? For answers to these questions and more, tune in to this week’s show!

Show Notes

Looking at films that explore Soviet society and culture in the 70s through 80s allows for interesting glimpses into reactions to and critiques of changes happening through communism, perestroika and glasnost. The third film in our current series was made in 1988 and explores reactions to glasnost and changes leading up to the breakdown of the USSR. It’s not really science fiction, but is an absurdist, fantastical mystery that feels very Lynchian. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we finish our Soviet Science Fiction series with Karen Shakhnazarov’s 1988 film City Zero.
We look at the absurdity in this film and how it took some research for us to really grasp what the filmmakers were trying to say about society. We chat about a few specific scenes like the cake scene, the secretary scene, the museum scene, and the tree scene, and explore what Shakhnazarov and co-writer Aleksandr Borodyansky may have been wanting to say. We look at other absurdist elements that don’t really seem to be saying anything but allow for that dreamlike Lynchian vibe to spread. We discuss Leonid Filatov as our lead character and why he works so well. And we talk about the stillness of the shots and how the direction and cinematography play into the vibe of this story.
We had a lot of fun with this one, even though we determine it’s not really science fiction. Check it out – it’s available on YouTube – then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.