A brand-new 4K restoration of this surreal sci-fi fantasy epic.
An anonymous tip-off sends Inspector Peter Glebsky to an isolated alpine residence known as the “Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel”, but it is not until the isolated inn is cut off from the outside world by an avalanche that there is actually a murder – of one of the notable, but eccentric guests. As he investigates the tricky case, the inspector reaches the limits of what might be considered rational detective work.
Based on a book and screenplay by the Russian brothers Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, the film is a classic of fantasy cinema that blurs the lines between genres. Underlaid with the psychedelic synthesiser sounds of Estonian composer Sven Grünberg, what starts as a traditional whodunnit soon segues into a surrealistic farce, before moving from film noir into science fiction.
Culture Shock
Culture Shock is back for another weekend-long celebration of weird, wild world cinema.
Director Grigori Kromanov
Year 1979
Duration
1h 24m