Film Swap

In the first of a two part special edition of Film Swap, we dive into the fascinating world of film restoration!

We are joined by distinguished digital restoration specialist Julia Wallmüller from the Deutsche Kinemathek in Berlin. Join us as we explore the art and science behind preserving cinematic history.

In this session, we focus on the challenges of restoring treasures from the silent era with a focus on Paul Leni’s legendary German expressionist masterpiece “Waxworks”. Discover the intricate process of bringing classic films back to life, the challenges faced, and the importance of maintaining the integrity of cinematic history. Whether you're a film enthusiast, home media collector or a tech aficionado, this conversation promises insights that will captivate and enlighten you.

Topics Covered:

Digital Restoration Techniques

Challenges in Film Preservation

Piecing Together the Puzzle of Alternative Versions

The Intersection of Technology and Art

Impact on Cinematic Heritage

Censorship and Ethics in Film Preservation and Restoration

About Our Guest:

Julia Wallmüller is a renowned expert in the field of digital film restoration, boasting an impressive portfolio of projects that have breathed new life into iconic movies in the digital age. She studied Conservation and Restoration of Audiovisual and Photographic Cultural Heritage in Berlin. Since 2006 she has been working in practical, theoretical and educational digital restoration projects. In 2010 she joined the Project Digitization of National Film Heritage team at Deutsche Kinemathek. Her passion for preserving the magic of cinema through cutting-edge technology makes this episode a must-listen for film lovers and restoration enthusiasts alike.

Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion! Tune in and join us on a journey through time and technology as we unravel the secrets of film restoration.

The second part of our conversation focusing on experimental and early sound films will be available soon! Follow or subscribe to Film Swap so you don’t miss it!

Links:

Kawaii artist extraordinaire Teniola Soyegu joins us as we make a return visit to explore more of the mesmerising world of Japanese Anime. We delve deep into Satoshi Kon's classic psychological thriller "Perfect Blue" and Masaaki Yuasa's visually stunning animated historical musical "Inu-Oh."

Join us as we analyse the intricate storytelling, unique animation styles, and the cultural impact of these two iconic films. From the mind-bending narrative of "Perfect Blue" to the historical and musical elements of "Inu-Oh," this episode is a must-listen for anime enthusiasts and film lovers alike. Tune in for an insightful discussion that uncovers the brilliance behind these cinematic masterpieces.

Throw a change of socks and a couple of sandwiches into your rucksack and come with us on a cinematic journey of "Riveting Road Movies" on the Film Swap podcast! 🎬 In this episode, we explore the timeless charm of Peter Bogdanovich's classic depression era comedy 'Paper Moon' and the raw, immersive experience of Andrea Arnold's 'American Honey.' Join us as we unravel the winding narratives, captivating characters, and the open road as a metaphor for self-discovery. Buckle up for a cinematic road trip like no other! 🚗✨

In this episode, film podcasting veteran and host of the Criterion Reflections and Inside the Box podcasts David Blakeslee joins us for a captivating discussion as we delve into the influential world of the gangster genre.

We uncover the innovative brilliance of two groundbreaking films that defied conventions and faced censorship challenges. We focus on Howard Hawks' original 'Scarface' from 1932, produced by the legendary Howard Hughes, and Seijun Suzuki's inventive Japanese Yakuza classic 'Branded to Kill.'

We'll take you back in time and across continents to explore the visionary storytelling, trailblazing cinematography, and unforgettable characters that left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.

Discover how these films pushed boundaries and sparked controversy, with both directors—Howard Hawks and Seijun Suzuki—being pioneers in their own right. We also look at the charismatic and iconic performances of their legendary stars Paul Muni and Joe Shishido.

Join us as we unravel the compelling histories of 'Scarface' and 'Branded to Kill,' shedding light on their impact, innovation, and the censorship hurdles and challenges they overcame to claim their place in cinema history.

LINKS:

David and Jonathan welcome extra special guest Amelia Eichler AKA The Mistress of the Reel, Assistant Theatre Manager at USC Projection Services in Los Angeles, California as they delve into the captivating world of the cinematic experience, focusing on its community aspect, the significance of preservation, and the challenges posed by the growing dominance of digital streaming platforms. Our in-depth discussion centers around two remarkable films: Basil Dearden's "The Smallest Show on Earth," a delightful classic that highlights the charm of small theaters, and Zhang Yimou's masterpiece, "One Second." Discover the magic of movie theaters and the shared experience of watching films together, while gaining insights into the importance of safeguarding physical media. Tune in to celebrate the beauty of cinema and explore its evolution in the digital age!

David and Jonathan shine a spotlight on two underrated masterpieces, Michael Cimino’s Heaven's Gate and David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis, that have often been misunderstood and received a harsh critical reception. We analyse the artistic merits, unique storytelling, and thought-provoking themes that make these films worth revisiting. Get ready for a deep dive into the realm of under appreciated cinema that will challenge your preconceptions and leave you with a newfound appreciation for these hidden gems! Join us on this film podcast episode as we delve into the intriguing world of cinematic treasures with bad reputations!

Heaven's Gate:

In this episode, David and Jonathan take a deep dive into the enchanting world of Japanese anime films! Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of storytelling, breathtaking animation, and iconic characters that have made Japanese anime a global phenomenon.  We discuss the must-watch films that have captured the hearts and imaginations of millions worldwide!

First, we take a quick tour through the history of anime imported to Britain and America and then discuss two amazing Japanese cinema classics: The mesmerising, senses shattering psychedelic masterpiece Belladonna of Sadness, directed by Eiichi Yamamoto and Isao Takahata’s timeless, much loved World War 2 drama Grave of the Fireflies. 

BELLADONNA OF SADNESS LINKS:

David and Jonathan welcome Solicitor and Author Clare Clark as the first ever guest on the show! They take a look at the representation of woman in films and swap and talk about two great films: Lena Dunham's recent adaptation of the classic Karen Cushman novel Catherine Called Birdy and Carl Theodore Dreyer's silent masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc.

After you listen to the podcast, be sure to check out our ongoing series of Film Swap Factoids on our Youtube channel at @filmswap_podcast. Be sure to subscribe to the channel so you are first with the facts! Film Swap is also available via most major podcast vendors. Visit the podcast homepage (link below) for more details!

Episode Links:

David and Jonathan go on a mind-bending, brain blowing journey through two alternate animation classics: Will Vinton’s Claymation epic The Adventures of Mark Twain and Rene Laloux’s psychedelic cult classic Fantastic Planet.

After you listen to the podcast, be sure to check out our ongoing series of Film Swap Factoids on our Youtube channel at @filmswap_podcast. Be sure to subscribe to the channel to ensure you don’t miss out!

David and Jonathan swap films that were early career breakthroughs for major film stars. Both Bob Hoskins and Pierce Brosnan featured in John Mackenzie’s The Long Good Friday and a pre-fame Scarlett Johansson featured in Terry Zwigoff’s cult classic Ghost World.

After you listen to the podcast, be sure to check out our ongoing series of Film Swap Factoids on our Youtube channel at @filmswap_podcast. Be sure to subscribe to the channel to ensure you don’t miss out!