The Next Reel Film Podcast

“I don’t want to live among the fishes anymore. I’ll die of loneliness.”
A Soviet Sci-Fi Fairy Tale of Love and Science
In the 1960s, during the Khrushchev Thaw, Soviet filmmakers were given more creative freedom to explore stories beyond the typical Stalinist propaganda. This period saw a surge in sci-fi films, including the 1961 classic Amphibian Man, directed by Vladimir Chebotaryov and Gennadiy Kazanskiy. Based on the novel by Alexander Beliaev, the film tells the story of a man with surgically implanted shark gills who falls in love with a young woman, despite the disapproval of her capitalist suitor. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off a short return to our Soviet Sci-Fi series with a conversation about the 1961 film Amphibian Man.
Diving Deep into the Story's Themes and Motifs
In our discussion, we explore how Amphibian Man weaves together elements of science fiction, romance, and social commentary. The film's protagonist, Ichtyandr, embodies the Soviet ideal of scientific progress, while his love interest, Gutiere, represents the allure of a world beyond his underwater utopia. We also examine the film's villain, Don Pedro, as a classic capitalist exploiter, showcasing the Soviet critique of Western values.
Throughout our conversation, we delve into the fairy tale aspects of the story, the believability of the romance, and the tragic ending that subverts expectations. We also discuss the technical achievements of the underwater cinematography and the film's influence on modern directors like Guillermo del Toro.
Other Topics Covered in the Episode
  • The film's original title, "Tarzan of the Sea," and its copyright issues
  • The dream sequence and its role in the narrative
  • The ambiguity surrounding Ichtyandr's abilities and the dolphin scene
  • Accusations of plagiarism against Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water
  • The changing perceptions of ocean exploitation in Soviet cinema
A Timeless Tale of Love and Progress
Amphibian Man may not be a perfect film, but it remains a fascinating example of Soviet sci-fi cinema during a period of creative liberation. Its blend of science, romance, and social commentary creates a timeless fairy tale that continues to captivate audiences decades later. Despite some plot inconsistencies and missed opportunities, the film's core themes and visual splendor make it a worthwhile entry in the genre. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
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Creators & 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.