The Uncut Network - Directors, Actors and Genres
By The Geek Show
The Uncut Network - Directors, Actors and Genres Sep 02, 2022
Park Chan Wook (Thirst & The Handmaiden) PART TWO
We are back for more on podcast favourite, Park Chan Wook, as part of the Directors Uncut Cycle. Join Rob, Andrew, James and Ben for more chat about the korean director made famous by the Vengeance Trilogy and part of a trio of men who launched Korean Movies onto the world at large.
We looked at one of his outliers and sole straight-horror feature, 2009's Thirst. Then, we hop skip and jump over to his most acclaimed movie, his most recent classic, The Handmaiden from 2016. We also chat about his career at large, vampire movies from asia and his incorporation of comedy into very, very, very dark movies.
If you enjoy this episode, you can get more of the same over on PATREON. We have our spin off podcast, Uncut from the Video Aisle, which has two more episodes on Hong Kong favourite, Mr Vampire, before we launch into our next mini-series. And there's also our monthly check in podcast, Last Night and a bonus episode of our sister pod, Pop Screen.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Funkgroove / Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Reading Night / Xander
[OUTRO] Midnight Coffee / Englewood
Park Chan Wook (OldBoy & Lady Vengeance) PART ONE
We return to the Directors cycle on the Uncut Network with the first two part episode in a while, but he more than deserves such a treatment.
Rob is joined by Rabia (RPISH) and Ygraine (What A Scream) to talk about one of Korea's greatest ever cinematic exports, Park Chan Wook. This first episode is focusing primarily on the Vengeance trilogy, specifically the landmark success that was OldBoy and perenially slept on Lady Vengeance. Along the way we also talk about Park Chan Wook's sense of style, his evasion of easy answers and how the OldBoy remake was so bad it became openly racist... Oof.
There are some technical gremlins in this edit, I tried multiple versions and they where all infected. But worry not they won't affect the listening experience of this episode too badly. And if you do enjoy this episode, which should be pretty easy as its great, you can get more of the same over on PATREON. We have our spin off podcast, Uncut from the Video Aisle, which is in the middle of a mini-series about Hong Kong favourite, Mr Vampire. And there's also our monthly check in podcast, Last Night.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Funkgroove / Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Reading Night / Xander
[OUTRO] Midnight Coffee / Englewood
1970s Revisionist Westerns (High Plains Drifter, Blazing Saddles & More)
For the second of this month's Genres Uncut episodes, never say that we don't cover movies that aren't my speed.
While I may not be a fan of Westerns, I have been joined by people a lot more enthusiastic to talk about this Historic American Genre. We welcome back Mark, Graham & Vincent to discuss Revisionist Westerns (of the 70s). With Peter Fonda's 1971 movie, The Hired Hand, Clint Eastwood's 1973 movie, High Plains Drifter and the Wild Card 1974's Blazing Saddles by Mel Brooks, the order of the day.
Along the way, we talk about the visuals of the old West, what it means to be revisionist, the misogyny, and how the goalposts for a film to be racist or language to be racist have changed over the years. Or, to put it another way, Quentin Tarantino has done worse.
If you enjoy the show, subscribe and rate the podcast - or share it with your friends. Or if you want a little more, check out our Patreon for more of our sister podcast, Pop Screen, as well as our two spin-off podcasts, Last Night and Uncut from the Video Aisle - the latter of which is currently doing a blow-by-blow account of Hong Kong Action Horror classic, Mr Vampire.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Funkgroove / Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Reading Night / Xander
[OUTRO] Midnight Coffee / Englewood
1970s Folk Horror (Blood on Satan's Claw, Penda's Fen & More)
We are back to the cycle of Genre's Uncut and this time we are making camp in the 1970s.
Rob is joined by Graham and Robyn again for organised chaos, but in a more precise way we have come together to talk about English Folk Horror from the 1970s. Specifially, member of the unholy trinity - Blood on Satan's Claw. Whatever you'd call Psychomania. And we finish on something altogether classier in sub-genre defining Penda's Fen by Alan Clarke.
Along the way we talk about short films that everyone seems to have made, doctor who alumni, how countryside pigeon's are units and more, before we close out with a whole boat load of recommendations. Best have your letterboxd open for that part of the episode.
If you enjoy the show you can support us over on PATREON where you can get even more stuff. As well as a whole battalion of written articles, our sister podcast - pop screen - has a bonus episode over there, there's a monthly of what we've been watching and coming next week: the return of our spin-off, Uncut from the Video Aisle with Hong Kong Action Horror legend, Mr Vampire and more - it's a whole archive of stuff.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Funkgroove / Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Reading Night / Xander
[OUTRO] Midnight Coffee / Englewood
Robert Mitchum (Night of the Hunter, Out of the Past & More)
And we are back after a New Year break to finish off our month of Actors Uncut with the legendary Robert Mitchum!
Rob is joined by Aidan, Graham and a debuting Mark to talk about the classic film noir Out of the Past, the legendary one and done of Night of the Hunter and, erm, Thunder Road. No, not that one. Also, along the way we talk about bad child acting, New Hollywood, Father Ted, as well as the man of the hour's pure magnetism. It's a fun return from our month off.
Join us next time as we sashay into a month of genres, specifically weird stuff from the 1970s.
If you enjoyed the show, you can also support us on PATREON where you can get all manner of bonus podcasts for the paltry sum of £3 a month. There's Uncut from the Video Aisle which returning very soon with Mr Vampire, there's Last Night and there's also Pop Screen Plus - a bonus episode of our sister podcast. Loads of written stuff too, like, it's ridiculous how much we are giving you over there.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Funkgroove / Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Reading Night / Xander
[OUTRO] Midnight Coffee / Englewood
Uncut Review of 2023 (Jan to June) Part One
Mamma Mia, here we go again.
2023 is done and dusted and it's that time of the year for all podcasts to come together and review the past 12 months. Instead of a bog standard top 10 run down we are trying something different. Once again though, collaborating with our sister podcast, Pop Screen - fronted by Graham.
Join me and Graham is a long list of people, so long, in fact, that they won't be another podcast from me until 2nd Feb. That list of people is with Rob - Kat, Naomi, (also their choices present but because of a need to re-record they are not), Andy, Liz and Kim. And with Graham - Simon, James, Oliver, Vincent, and Mike. Almost as many people as movies, well, not quite, but it's best to get a pen and paper for this one - or open up your Letterboxd watchlists.
If you enjoy our shows and fancy more, check out our Patreon. On which, we have bonus episodes of Pop Screen and a monthly catch up podcast, Last Night, which took a break from tradition in December to talk Alternative Christmas Movies. There's also our spin-off podcast, Uncut from the Video Aisle - which we've just finished a series of on V/H/S and are taking a little January break before we get back to it with Mr Vampire.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Funkgroove / Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Reading Night / Xander
[OUTRO] Midnight Coffee / Englewood
Michael Caine (Muppets Christmas Carol, The Prestige & Get Carter)
It's only a Christmas Special.
Join Rob and his guest co-hosts, Vincent and Graham, as we talk about royalty of the British screen, Michael Caine. We look at three vastly different eras of his career. We have Get Carter, then his collaborations with Christopher Nolan with the Prestige and then we have the wildcard and the reason why this is the christmas special. We wrap up by having a good old chinwag about the ultimate Christmas movie, The Muppets Christmas Carol.
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If you like the podcast, support us on PATREON for loads more good stuff. We have a spin-off podcast, Uncut from the Video Aisle that is just about to finish its mini-series on V/H/S. There's the monthly Last Night and Pop Screen + podcasts too. Plus loads of articles about Dr Who, X-Files and Red Dwarf to dig into too.
Next time we will be going full cross over with our sister podcast, Pop Screen, for a mammoth review of 2023. But, this will be different than the usual review podcasts we've done in the past.
MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Funkgroove / Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Reading Night / Xander
[OUTRO] Midnight Coffee / Englewood
Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive & The Neon Demon)
No Christmas Special yet, that is next time out, but we do have an almighty fan favourite - or he was for a few years anyway.
Join Rob, Vincent and a debuting Simon as we talk about the Danish agent provocateur Nicolas Winding Refn. Specifically, we talk about his 2011 megahit Drive and the last movie he made before he danced off into the waters of limited series on Netflix and Amazon and his own streaming platform, The Neon Demon.
We talk about reputations in every way possible, from one of our featured titles being favoured by film bros around the land to the possible ways the other film could be miscontrued. We also touch on the iconic score of Drive, whether it is in fact of Neon Western and much, much more.
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If you like the podcast, support us on PATREON for loads more "content". We have a spin-off podcast, Uncut from the Video Aisle that is in the middle of a V/H/S series. There's the monthly Last Night and Pop Screen + podcasts too. Plus loads of articles about Dr Who, X-Files and Red Dwarf to dig into too.
MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Funkgroove / Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Reading Night / Xander
[OUTRO] Midnight Coffee / Englewood
The Soska Sisters (American Mary & Rabid) S03E08
We return to the lands of directors uncut for our first ever episode talking about a duo, the lucky pair are canadian fan favorites - the Soska Sisters.
Joined by Kat and Kim (for the first time), we are simutaenously compelled and repelled by the body modification community in their breakout hit American Mary. Seriously though, my real world button came home to roost with this one. Surgery. Then we head over to the dangerous grounds of the horror remake with 2019's spookily nostalgic Rabid. Should this Cronenberg classic have been left alone or is it the latest to add to the list of horror remakes that are worth your attention? You'll have to listen to find out.
If you enjoy the show, check us out on Patreon for our spin off shows, Uncut from the Video Aisle, Pop Screen plus written articles on Dr Who, Red Dwarf and the X-Files. Loads to enjoy and for just a few £ every month.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Song title: Funkgroove /Artist: Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Song title: Reading Night / Artist: Xander
[OUTRO] Song title: Midnight Coffee / Artist: Englewood
Post-Scream Slashers (I Know What You Did Last Summer and More) - S03E06
We roll into town with the first ever episode of Genres Uncut of this new look version of the podcast, and to kick things off we start on yours truly's formative decade - the 1990s.
There was so many directions to go with in 1990s, as, in my opinion its a classic cinema decade. However, we started on that wave of Slasher Horror movies that were birthed by the studio system after the runaway success of Wes Craven's Scream. We have already featured that 1996 hit movie on our Wes Craven dedicated episodes. So along with Kat (Hollywood News) and Andy (Road to Knowhere), we talk about I Know What You Did Last Summer, as well as Urban Legend and the underappreciated wildcard, Idle Hands. Things get... nostalgic.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our patreon channel. Where you can get bonus horror focused episodes, a monthly review pod, bonus episodes of our sister podcast and much more. It's all good, and there's loads of value for money.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Song title: Funkgroove /Artist: Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Song title: Reading Night / Artist: Xander
[OUTRO] Song title: Midnight Coffee / Artist: Englewood
90s Teen Movies (Feat. Clueless and More) - S03E07
We continue our first ever genres uncut month with another dip into the pool that was the 1990s. This time, teen movies, which is basically just all of the 90s, right?
Rob is joined by Graham (Pop Screen) and Robyn (The Geek Show/Ghouls Magazine) to talk about the weirdest but also most thematically fitting triple bill to date. We open with Peter Jackson's 1994 true crime period movie, Heavenly Creatures. We then follow that up with the alpha of 90s teen cinema, Clueless. Then we end on a pivotal title from my childhood, Robert Rodriguez's 1998 classic, The Faculty.
A word to the warning, this podcast was recording in the midst of massive exhaustion - so I'm a bit off in this episode. The good news is, I only kept the funny bits in. So that's good news. But if you like the cut of our jib, check out our patreon for all sorts of extra goodies. From the monthyl chatty chat podcast, Last Night, to our Uncut from the Video Aisle series on V/H/S and Graham's Pop Screen covering somethign about Taylor Swift. Yeah, me neither.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Song title: Funkgroove /Artist: Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Song title: Reading Night / Artist: Xander
[OUTRO] Song title: Midnight Coffee / Artist: Englewood
S03E05: The Anya Taylor-Joy Episode (the Witch)
Actors Uncut on the Uncut Network continues with another young fan favourite - Anya Taylor Joy.
Joined by Kat (Hollywood News), Cliff (Devil Times Five) and a debuting Clotilde (Loud and Clear Reviews), we chat about a whole load of things from ATJ's filmography and TV work. Finishing with The Witch, we also stop off by the Menu, Thoroughbreds, Split, Emma, Last Night in Soho, The Queen's Gambit and some shocking diversions into the animated form. We end by chatting about the road ahead for her, and long may it be too - I think we can comfortably say that we are fans.
Following last episode's Samara Weaving, we conclude our first ever Actors Month. Next we march onto Genres - and we start that with a month dedicated to the 1990s.
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If you like the podcast, support us on Patreon. For a few pounds a month you can get a monthly review podcast called Last Night, a horror spin-off called Uncut from the Video Aisle. And a bonus episode of our sister show, Pop Screen. That's just the podcasts - we have loads more ready for you to discover.
MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Song title: Funkgroove /Artist: Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Song title: Reading Night / Artist: Xander
[OUTRO] Song title: Midnight Coffee / Artist: Englewood
S03E04: The Samara Weaving Episode (Ready or Not)
And with this we launch the first sub-brand of the Uncut Network, Join Rob and Liz (Ghouls Magazine) for the first ever episode of Actors Uncut.
In this first episode, we decided to look at an actor that is somewhat overlooked and use that episode to celebrate them and their work. So, for that, we picked Samara Weaving who is much more than who she is related to and the ongoing insistance from the internet that she looks like Margot Robbie.
For this episode we looked at McG's Netflix comedy horror, The Babysitter, then the Shudder original from Joe Lynch, Mayhem, before finishing on a movie that gets lost in the mix for what is one of the strongest evfer eras of Horror - 2019's Ready or Not.
Until next time with Anya-Taylor Joy, this has been Actors Uncut in the Uncut Network. If you enjoy the show, check out our Patreon for episodes on REC, bonus episodes from our sister podcast (Pop Screen) and loads of articles about geek TV cornerstones as well as a soon to be relaunched series from yours truly - Fantastic Asia (F.K.A. Unseen Asia)
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Song title: Funkgroove /Artist: Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Song title: Reading Night / Artist: Xander
[OUTRO] Song title: Midnight Coffee / Artist: Englewood
S03E03: The Virgin Suicides & Marie Antoinette
We return to our regularly scheduled programming after the annual tradition of our frightfest special, this time we talk about Sofia Coppola.
Rob is joined by Kat (Movies with Mummy), Graham (Pop Screen) and Petros (Caged in) to talk two of her most beloved movies both of which star Kirsten Dunst. We look at 1999's deeply sad and important late 1990s movie, the virgin suicides. Then we simuatenously jump both back and forward in time to 2006's Marie Antoniette.
Along the way, we also talk about Nepo-Babies, anachronistic music and themes that have defined the 2nd Generation Coppola throughout her career.
If you liked the episode, give it a rating and/or review wherever you listened. If you want more consider supporting our PATREON. Where you can get bonus episodes of our sister podcast, and our horror spin off podcast, Uncut from the Video Aisle, which is bang in the middle of its [REC] series. There's also written articles about Dr Who, X-Files, Red Dwarf and for something a little less sci-fi, the return of Unseen Asia.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Song title: Funkgroove /Artist: Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Song title: Reading Night / Artist: Xander
[OUTRO] Song title: Midnight Coffee / Artist: Englewood
Frightfest 2023 Feat. Raging Grace, Suitable Flesh and River - S03E02
A little bit late but no less great, it's time for 2023's Frightfest special.
Rob is joined by Kat, Amber, Bel & Becci to talk about the UK's premiere horror film festival. Together they talk about Horny Horror, Fluting on the rooftops, Yorkshire being spooky, Hot blooded action and so much more. It's an action packed and very funny episode this time on the Uncut Network. One that it's probably best listening to with a pen and paper, that, or Letterboxd open in another tab.
River, Raging Grace and Suitable Flesh are highlights, but we look at the festival, day by day, looking at the highlights.
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MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Song title: Funkgroove /Artist: Sofasound
[OUTRO] Song title: Midnight Coffee / Artist: Englewood
S03E01: The Old Dark House & Bride of Frankenstein
We are back, and with a new name to boot!
In this inaugral episode of series 3, the newly dubbed Uncut Network heads into the world of classic Horror royalty and the Universal Monsters cycle with James Whale.
Joined by Graham (Pop Screen) & Robyn (Twitter), the trio discuss the archetypal Old Dark House (1932) and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Beyond that the episode also touches on the rampant LGBT subtexts, the Hays Code, and just how iconic James Whale's vision of the eponymous monster and his beau have become. All that as well as this whole episode being a bit of an Ernest Thesiger appreciation hour, too. And rightly so.
If you enjoyed this show, consider giving it a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts from. We also have a patreon, if you really liked it. Where you can get episodes of our pureblood horror spin-off Uncut from the Video Aisle, which is about to start a series on Spanish found footage series [REC], there's also our monthly anything goes pod, Last Night, and bonus episodes of our sister podcast, Pop Screen. Beyond that, we have copious articles on Dr Who, X-Files, Red Dwarf and Asian Movies unseen and underappreciated on these shores. But if all of that isn't your thing, we will see you next time with Sofia Coppola.
MUSIC CREDITS:
[INTRO] Song title: Funkgroove /Artist: Sofasound
[MID-ROLL] Song title: Reading Night / Artist: Xander
[OUTRO] Song title: Midnight Coffee / Artist: Englewood
Courtesy of Riot Games
BONUS: Season 3 Announcement & From the Video Aisle - Cube
Series 2 may be over, even so changes are afoot for Directors Uncut.
As you've probably noticed in your podcast feed, the name of the podcast has changed from Directors Uncut to the Uncut Network. Rob explains the why's, who's and what for's in this bonus episode. Exciting times ahead. The only thing I will say in this episode description is that after today, we are having a 6 week break before series 3 kicks off around the 11th of August.
It won't be total radio silence between now and then, as if I could. Check out our PATREON where you can listen to our monthly rambly episode about stuff we've been watching that has taken our eye, and Uncut from the Video Aisle - the first episode of which you get for free here on the main feed. In the first outing of Uncut from the Video Aisle, I am joined by Kat, Andy and Mike to talk about Vincezo Natali's 1997 breakout Cube and the series that came from it. Future episodes are rough, watch along with us.
Until we return proper on the 11th August, welcome to the Uncut Network!
Ben Wheatley (Kill List & In the Earth) - Series 2 Finale
And with this, Series 2 is done and dusted. To close out this sophomore series, we looked at British fan favourite, Ben Wheatley, with the debuting Caitlyn and Faye, as well as the returning Kat and Mike.
For this episode we get deep into the weeds of 2011's evergreen Hitman/Gangster/Cult/Folk Horror, Kill List. And by deep I mean deep, this is the single most exhaustive episode we have done in a long time and it was an absolute delight to be be part of. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did hosting and editing it. Then in the second half, we look at the much more divisive pandemic-era folk horror in the woods techno horror with In the Earth. Yeah, Mr Wheatley's movies evade easy characterisation. Not to front load the episode too much, we dig deep into this 2021 movie too, finding a movie that is so diverse that it means something different to all of us.
If you enjoyed this episode, give the podcast a rating or review wherever you found us - or share us with your friends. Either way, we'd be so appreciative. Beyond that, check out our PATREON for Articles on Dr Who, Asian Movie unreleased in the UK, Bonus episodes of our sister podcast - Pop Screen, Monthly rundown Podcast, Last Night. And, the soon to be launched series of Mini-Series's: Uncut from the Video Aisle. Series 3 will be undergoing a very different change of face, so keep an eye on this feed in the coming days for news on that as well as a sneak-peak of the first episode of Uncut from the Video Aisle. Until then, stay tasty.
Opening Series 3 is James Whale, check out this article written by friend of the pod, Ygraine, about the icon himself - horrifiedmagazine.co.uk/film/james-whale-god-of-monsters/
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Theme Song: A1 Rogue by Poddington Bear
Shinya Tsukamoto PART TWO (A Snake of June & Kotoko)
C/W: Self Harm, Suicidal Thoughts, Invasion Thoughts, Depressive States.
Yeah, the fact that I had to put one of those warnings before the episode synopsis but surely tell you that the content forthcoming hits on some very hard and heavy topics, Shinya Tsukamoto certainly goes to some exceptionally emotional places, its not all cyberwangs and night beatings. This week I am joined by a debuting Amber (HornBloodFire), as well as the returning Ben (The Geek Show) and Graham (Pop Screen) to talk about the iconic feminist think-piece/horny body horror of 2004's A Snake of June. Then in the back half, which all those warning are in reference to, we talk about a true day ruiner - his 2011 masterpiece co-wrote with alternative J-Pop Star, Cocco - Kotoko.
We talk about all sorts of dark and heavy topics in this episode, but we also know when to laugh to - after all, as much as we all love Tsukamoto at our varying levels of experience, his films are not known for being subtle. Oh no, he is delightfully on the nose and the example I use to explain that people who make the nastiest films are, in actuality, the nicest folks.
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If you enjoyed the show, please give the show a rating or review wherever you listen to your podcasts, and if they have no rating function - share us with your friends. To support the show further, our parent entity has a PATREON, where you can find scores of Dr Who Articles, Reviews of Asian movies unseen on UK shores, a Bonus Pop Screen Podcast, A Monthly Last Night Podcast, and a new series of mini-series called Uncut from the Video Aisle - the first mini-series launches next week with Cube. Until next time with the series 2 finale with Ben Wheatley, we have been Directors Uncut. Thank you.
Shinya Tsukamoto PART ONE (Tetsuo: Iron Man & Vital)
This time out on Directors Uncut, we have part one of a man I've previously described as a body horror sweetheart - what's more, this was the single most cursed recording we've ever had. Now if that's not emblematic of the production of one of today's featured movies I don't know what is. That director is the inimitable Shinya Tsukamoto.
Joined by Rabia (Ride my Omnibus & Cultured Curators), we look at one of the most infamous movies of its generation - and frankly, if we didn't do it, we'd be failing as a podcast - 1989's Tetsuo: The Iron Man. We touch on how many subtexts are buried within this dirty little film, the amazing music from Chu Ishikawa and that "drill bit" scene. Then in a tonal 180, we looked at a film from much later in his career, 2004's desperately sad Vital. We touch on Tsukamoto's history of working with people outside of movies as well as Tadanobu Asano's killer run. Of which we have to mention Survive Style 5.
If you liked this episode, in the next outing we have part two on Shinya Tsukamoto coming next time. Please give the show a rating or review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, consider supporting us on Patreon where we have all manner of exclusive content. From bonus episodes of our sister podcast, Pop Screen, to Doctor Who articles, Unseen Asia Articles, the Last Night Podcast and a new run of limited series on horror franchises (which we are starting to record very soon)
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John Landis PART TWO (An American Werewolf in London & Trading Places)
Thank you for joining us on Directors Uncut as we dip into the work of John Landis for the second time. Not many Max Landis jabs this time. Joined by a returning Gav (My Favourite Film) & Andy (Road to Knowhere), we talk about one of the most beloved of all werewolf movies, 1981's An American Werewolf in London and 1983s Eddie Murphy's star-making Trading Places. Along the way, we also talk about Werewolf's status as a comedy horror, that iconic transformation scene, and how badly some aspects of 1980s comedy have dated. Which, in case you've forgotten, is really bad.
If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe to keep up to date and consider giving the podcast a rating and review wherever you listen (Spotify & Apple). If you really enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting our parent company, the geek show, on PATREON. There you will get articles about Dr Who, X-Files and Unseen Asian movies - there are also bonus podcasts from the people behind this podcast and our sister show, Pop Screen. More to come soon, too. But until next time with Shinya Tsukamoto, we have been Directors Uncut!
John Landis PART ONE (The Blues Brothers & Into the Night)
We had a cross-over episode with Pop Screen for our 2022 review episode, and now we are back with another unofficial cross-over episode with our sister podcast for the first of two John Landis episodes. In case you don't know, Pop Screen features musicians in movies and we have an embarrassment of riches on that front this week.
Rob is joined by Graham (Pop Screen) & Gav (My Favourite Film), the first film we talk about is The Blues Brothers (1980) with the likes of Aretha Franklyn and James Brown in its cast and one of the most impressively chaotic car chases in cinema history. And we follow that up with a lesser-known outlier from Landis Sr's illustrious career, Into the Night (1985) starring David Bowie and the frankly illegally attractive leading pair of Michelle Pfieffer and Jeff Goldblum. Along the way we also discuss the landmark Michael Jackson music video, Thriller, the throughline of Landis's career - see you next Wednesday, and much, much more.
If you liked this episode, please check out our sibling show Pop Screen. You can support both shows on PATREON. Where you will get articles on Dr Who, the X-Files, and Unseen Asia - beyond that there are archival podcasts and brand new podcasts in the shape of Pop Screen's Bonus Episode as well as Last Night and a soon-to-be-launched series of mini-series watching along with Horror franchises that you don't get the attention they deserve. Until next time, when we talk about An American Werewolf in London & Trading Places, this has been Directors Uncut! See you next time.
James Wan PART TWO (Dead Silence & Malignant)
This week, Rob is joined by Ygraine (What a Scream) & Bel (Fishnets & Philosophy) for a follow-up to the previous episodes' chat about Saw and Insidious as we return to modern horror master, James Wan!
We looked at 2007's misunderstood Dead Silence - complete with Baby Ryan Kwanten, creepy puppets, and the biggest tongue in cinema history. I don't know whether that last bit is true, but if it was ever beaten it's likely to be in some p*rn abomination and I'm not sure that counts. Then we looked at 2021's Malignant, a movie that takes a real-world ailment and exaggerates it to the Nth degree and adds much more stabby violence and campiness. A little like Last of Us, only this has more black leather.
Along the way, we discuss James Wan's status as the primo master of modern horror, COVID-era horror, Round the Twist, and much more about the Australian horror maestro and beyond. If you like the show, please SUBSCRIBE and SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS. You can also support the show and its sibling pod on PATREON, where you can find extra episodes of POP SCREEN, Directors Uncut's spin-off pod, LAST NIGHT, as well as UNSEEN ASIA and classic DR WHO articles. Plus, more coming soon. But until next time with John Landis, this has been Directors Uncut.
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James Wan Part ONE (Saw & Insidious)
The first pure horror podcast in a while for Directors Uncut. Join Kat, Liz, and Cliff as we talk about one of the most successful horror directors of all time, especially if you are looking at box offices.
The first movie we covered was Wan's breakout and ground zero for a long-running franchise about to have its 10th entry later in the year, SAW. A movie which has an unjustifiable harsh reception, mainly from people who haven't seen it. The first entry is the focus but we also dip a toe into the series as a whole. After that, we looked at 2010's haunted house, home invasion, and possession movie - Insidious. It's a lot of things.
We also talk about horror elitism, influential moments as young horror fans, escape rooms, and much, much more. It's a packed show. If you enjoyed this episode, check out our Patreon. We have Doctor Who reviews, Pop Screen bonus episodes, and unseen Asia reviews - this month is dedicated to Japanese films that haven't seen release in the UK. We also have our second edition of (what did you watch) Last Night, director uncut's sister podcast. If you enjoyed this podcast, give it a rating and review it on apple podcasts or Spotify. Go on, it'd mean the world to us. If you can't afford Patreon, which (in this economy) is fair - a rating wherever you're listening to this is the next best way to support Directors Uncut. We'll see you next time with Dead Silence & Malignant.
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Juraj Herz (The Cremator & Ferat Vampire)
And so we stumble on our second unofficial Second Run episode, following Karel Zeman.
Rob is joined by Graham (Pop Screen) & Aidan (Letterboxd) for a reunion of the Cinema Eclectica podcast. This time we discuss one of the big daddies of the Czech New Wave, Juraj Herz, the sort of films that are the bread and butter of podcast favourites, Second Run.
We kicked off the show by discussing a true day ruiner, The Cremator - a Czech masterpiece and character study so dark it makes most horror movies feel like comedies. Yeah, a real day ruiner, and adjacent to horror and extreme cinema and we give it the full director uncut love-in. Then, we talk about a lesser-seen movie about a vampiric sports car. Yeah, you read that right, a vampire sports car - and that movie is Ferat Vampire. A movie that is subversive, comedic and horrific and all wrapped into one anarchic ball. Fun.
Digging deeper into Juraj Herz, we also talk about his tragic history, how many actors are also Czech or Slovak directors, and just how hard a sell Czech cinema is. On our Patreon, we have Doctor Who reviews, Pop Screen bonus episodes, and unseen Asia reviews. We also had our second edition of (what did you watch) Last Night, director uncut's sister podcast. If you enjoyed this podcast, give it a rating and review it on apple podcasts or Spotify. Go on, it'd mean the world to us.
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Anders Thomas Jensen (The Green Butchers & Riders of Justice)
We've had our mid-season mini-break and we return with one for all your Mads Mikkelsen superfans.
On this episode, I was joined by Ariel (Ride the Omnibus) & Graham (Pop Screen) to discuss the Scandinavian absurdist, Anders Thomas Jensen. Now if that name isn't immediately familiar, worry not, all you need to know is that he is a director who is a home away from home for the aforementioned Danish Superstar. The films we looked at were Green Butchers (2003), a dark comedy that taps into a dark tradition of cannibal butchers. Then Riders of Justice (2020), an action comedy about grief, tech guys and biker gangs.
As well as those two films we also talk about things such as depictions of disability, bad marketing, how to shoot an action movie without confusing your audience and other stuff that isn't over my head - nope, not me, you must be thinking of another Rob. Yeah, that's it. Another Rob.
On our Patreon, we have Doctor Who reviews, Pop Screen bonus episodes, Unseen Asia reviews which kicked off with Hard Boiled - it makes sense I promise, and Gakuryu Ishii's Angel Dust. We also launched Last Night, where we talked about Land Shark and some other stuff, but mostly Land Shark. A new Episode of that is coming soon. If you enjoyed this podcast, please give it a rating and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify; it'd mean the world to us.
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Ridley Scott (Alien + Thelma & Louise) Part Two
After that distraction that was the 2022 review and the launch of a spin-off podcast, we are back to our normally scheduled episodes.
Last time we looked at Gladiator & Blade Runner, two very masculine classics from Ridley Scott's vast and important filmography. This time, we look at two films from the opposite end of his spectrum that you could call feminist icons whether on purpose or unintentionally. To look at one of the greatest horror films of all time, Alien, and one of the finest examples of 1990s crime cinema in Thelma & Louise I am joined by Kat (the Hollywood news) and Andy (Road to Knowhere).
Along the way we ask questions about taking a cat on a potentially dangerous trip into the deepest darkest space and whether having the ending to a 90s classic ruined for you by the Simpsons damages the film in any meaningful way. You know, important questions.
Check out our sister show, Pop Screen, in which Graham looks at movies featuring pop stars. On our Patreon, we have classic doctor who reviews, pop screen bonus episodes - this month its glass onion which co-starred Janelle Monae. Also starting up, we have the return of my unseen Asia reviews after a brief sabbatical and the start of our spin-off podcast, Last Night, aka, the bit that used to be on the end of these podcasts last year - only given a bit more breathing room. Now, if you enjoy this podcast show, give it a rating and review on apple podcasts or Spotify, it'd mean the world to us.
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Directors Uncut Best of 2022 (Part Two)
2022 is done and dusted, and with that comes the inevitable best-of-the-year show. But this time, things have taken a turn of the behemothic. This is part two, you can find part one featuring the 10-6 picks on our sister podcast, Pop Screen.
Listen to Pop Screen here.
On this huge lad of 2022 coverage, I am joined by Pop Screen's Graham, as well as returning voices in the shape of Kat, James, Vincent, Oliver, Cliff & Andy. On top of all those lovely people, we are also joined by the debuting Naomi. All these voices count down the 5-1 of their favourite films of 2022. Note, that's favourite, not best. Platforms and outlets that admit to doing "best of" lists are just openly admitting that they are boring, I named the episode that for SEO reasons. Yes, it's cheap and I'll openly admit it.
But that's not all as far as 2022 coverage goes, we have also launched a new series over on our PATREON. And its debut episode includes the very same people discussing their disappointment of the year, as well as the best home video releases and discoveries. Also on our Patreon, pop screen has an upcoming spoiler-filled episode on Glass Onion, Graham has his series of Doctor Who reviews, I'll be resuming my Unseen Asia articles, and much more.
Next time we resume normal service with Ridley Scott Part 2, until then, thank you for supporting Directors Uncut throughout 2022 - here's to 2023 and beyond!
Ridley Scott (Blade Runner & Gladiator) Part One
Merry Christmas Friends! And just to show how well I planned in advance, here's what is totally a Christmas special. Yeah, absolutely a Christmas episode.
Yeah, it's clearly not. It is part one of a discussion of Ridley Scott, the second will drop in the new year. For now, though, I am joined by Vincent (Invasion of the Pody People) and Gav (My Favourite Film) to discuss 1982's dystopian sci-fi classic Blade Runner and 2000's academy award-winning Gladiator. One we are largely all in agreement about, the other is a product of a bygone time. We'll do a Christmas special next year and I already have a theme in mind, inherited from the remnants of my former podcast, Cinema Eclectica.
We wrap the show up by talking about some of the other stuff we have been watching, as well as hyping up the next double episode - an epic review of 2022. Other than that, we talk about The Handmaiden's Tale, Bones and All and much more.
If you enjoyed the show, give it a rating and review on apple podcasts or Spotify, it'd mean the world to us.
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Na Hong-Jin (The Chaser & The Wailing)
We have escaped from the seemingly never-ending run of two partners and where should we find ourselves but Korea?
Rob is joined by Ygraine (What a Scream) and Graham (Pop Screen) to discuss the work of Na Hong-Jin, who may not have a big body of work but he does have a big talent. First, we discussed 2008's the Chaser, which has nothing to do with Bradley Walsh and was allegedly supposed to have an American remake but that thankfully never happened. Then we move on to the modern horror masterpiece, The Wailing. A film which is supernatural, realistic, religious, folk and oh, what's that, zombies? Save some genres for the rest of the class.
It's always a pleasure to talk about Korean Cinema. Following that delicious main course, we concluded the episode by talking about 1899, Hungarian Animation, The Menu, the Devil's Hour and much, much more. Only one more episode before our huge 2022 review episode, so listen to find out who is next on the pod. A clue, we are back to two partners, again.
If you enjoyed the show, give it a rating and review on apple podcasts or Spotify, it'd mean the world to us.
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Stanley Kubrick Part Two (2001: A Space Odyssey & The Shining)
Join us for the concluding part of our look at Stanley Kubrick, and this time out we hit two of his biggest and most influential films.
Rob is joined by Gav (My Favourite Film) & Vincent (Invasion of the Pody People), and first, we look at the godfather of the modern sci-fi film, 1968's 2001: A Space Odyssey. There's a confusing sentence. A film whose influence spreads across most of pop culture, from the Simpsons to Steven Spielberg and beyond. And then, we jump into horror for Stephen King's "favourite movie", The Shining. A film credited as one of the best horror movies of all time, as well as one of the scariest. A stacked double bill if ever there was one.
Then in the final section of the show, we talk about Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities, Henry Selick's Wendell & Wild as well as other things that weren't produced by Netflix. Some stuff is on Prime too. Exotic, right?
SYMPATHISING WITH WENDY: THE OVERLOOKED HEROINE OF THE SHINING By Rebecca McCallum
Until next time with Na Hong-Jin, this is Directors Uncut. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and give the podcast a rating wherever podcasts find you. Intro & Outro Theme - A1 Rogue: Poddington Bear // Follow the show on Twitter, Instagram & Mastodon.
Stanley Kubrick Part One (A Clockwork Orange & Barry Lyndon)
We are stuck in a loop here on Directors Uncut, double episode after double episode. This time though, we are in the territory of all-time greats - Stanley Kubrick.
Joined by Cliff (Devil Times Five) Andrew (Whitlock and Pope) and Oliver (Left Lion Screen), we look at two wildly different movies from his acclaimed filmography, A Clockwork Orange (1972) - the notorious adaptation of Anthony Burgess's novel starring Malcolm McDowell - and Barry Lyndon (1975) - the so-called ugly duckling of his filmography. Despite feeling like polar extremes, we learn that these two films aren't so different after all. Not to sound like the blurb on the back of a book or anything.
Then in the final section, we talk about Barbarian, Bill & Ted, Satan's Slaves, Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities, and the wonderfully titled, Project Wolf Hunting. Next time on Directors Uncut, part two of Stanley Kubrick, in which we look at his mega-heavyweight hitters.
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Alfonso Cuaron Part II (Y Tu Mama Tambien & Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)
What an episode we have this week.
Rob is joined by Ariel & Rabia (Ride the Omnibus) to conclude our two-parter on Alfonso Cuaron, and what we have is probably our biggest left turn in the podcast's run. To kick things off we talk about Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal's sexy road trip with Maribel Verdu in Y Tu Mama Tambien. Then we head to the Potterverse with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, you know? From the Harry Potter? Wild.
After discussing all things Potter, Mexican road Trips and Cuaron we head to the back end of the show in which we discuss all manner of horror films that have since had their streaming or cinema debuts, from Inu-Oh to Speak no Evil. That and a big old, and very interesting, chat about Korean Cinema and TV.
Until next time, thanks for listening.
For more about Ariel Baska - For more about Rabia
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Support the podcast by giving it a rating or review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It helps more people see the podcast and is a great deed for an upcoming podcast.
Alfonso Cuaron Part I (Children of Men & ROMA)
Rob is joined by Graham (POP SCREEN), Mike (AUTISTIC GUIDE THROUGH HORROR) and Andy (ROAD TO KNOWHERE) to talk about one of Mexico's finest-ever filmmakers. First up we talked about his ode to his home nation and the litany of difficulties its people suffer through, Roma. Also, it's the first Mexican film to win Best Foreign Film at the Oscars. And we follow that up with one of the finest Sci-fi movies in modern film history, Children of Men. A film, that, hopefully, needs little in the means of introduction.
Takeshi Kitano Part II (Violent Cop & Zatoichi)
In the last episode, we looked at Hana-Bi and Kikujiro, besides being features from our most recently selected director, are two of the best Japanese films of the past 30 years. Picking up the baton, in this second part of Directors Uncut, Rob, along with Clinton (Twitter), dipped into the filmography of the better-known Beat with 1989’s Violent Cop and 2003’s Zatoichi – complete with peroxide blonde hair.
The episode is rounded out with a discussion on Netflix’s Korean Monster series, Sweet Home, Scandanavian Childhood terror, the Innocents, the recent Shudder exclusive, Saloum, and much, more. As ever, we are all over the cinematic and literal map.
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Takeshi Kitano: Part I (Hana-Bi & Kikujiro)
After visiting the more obscure side of Japanese cinema in the last episode, this time we kick off a two-parter with one of the most well-regarded names that the country produced in the modern era – Takeshi Kitano. Or Beat Takeshi as he was known when he broke through.
Joined by Graham (POP SCREEN) & Ben (Cymreig Samurai), we talk about his international breakthrough, Hana- Bi (A.K.A. fireworks) and 1999’s light-hearted yet tragic comedy Kikujiro.
After touching upon Kitano’s eventful past and two incredibly touching movies, we chat about some other movies we have been watching. This includes more from Alejandro Jodorowsky, the newest entry into the Predator saga, Prey, and Nunsploitation. It’s a weird podcast, Directors Uncut.
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Frightfest 2022 SPECIAL!
In a break from the regularly scheduled programming, don’t worry, that’ll return next time, we present a mega special of last weekend’s Frightfest.
Rob is joined by Kat (THR), Andrew (WHITLOCK & POPE), Vincent (Invasion of the Pody People) and Mike (Autistic Guide through Horror) to cover near enough everything that the UK’s favourite genre festival has to offer.
Honestly, there are too many touchstones to reference in this episode description. From Neil Marshall to a Wounded Fawn to Lola to Night’s Sky to Something in the Dirt to Barbarian (no spoilers) to Wolfkin to Daughter. All I will say for this episode is it’s best to have a notepad or note-taking app open while listening as you will surely have loads of new films to put on your watchlist, I know I did.
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Satoshi Miki (Turtles are Surprisingly Fast Swimmers & Adrift in Tokyo)
Just when you think Directors Uncut is becoming fairly predictable it throws the biggest surprise of its run, to date – a director I had no clue about, Satoshi Miki.
Rob is joined by Ben (Cymreig Samurai) to talk about this obscure director of Japanese comedies. Word to the warning, this is completely and utter, 100%, a Third Window Films love-in. The first title we look at is a movie whose name speaks for itself, Turtles are Surprisingly Fast Swimmers. I mean, I guess, I’ve never thought about it. Then, we follow it up with what is regarded by many as his masterpiece – Adrift in Tokyo. I can neither confirm nor deny that one, you’ll have to listen to find out.
Another word to the warning, there are issues with the audio on this one. I’ve done everything I can to fix this (the show itself is a 2nd stab at recording), but there’s only so much an editor can do.
As ever, we close the show out by talking about some other movies and things we’ve been watching. One of the two new movies we talked about was Icelandic coming of age, body horror – Hatching. The other has already got enough air time. Beyond that, we talked about some older films, like Repo Man, Battle Royale, and the Korean political thriller, Inside Man. A fun show all in all, and I think Ben was excellent, especially for a first-time podcaster.
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Michael Moore (Canadian Bacon & Bowling for Columbine)
We’ve had our summer holiday, and now we are back for season 2 and back to episodes coming out every two weeks. None of that weekly nonsense again, and all the episodes are brand new – no more second-hand, hand-me-downs.
Joined by Graham (POP SCREEN) & Andy (ROAD TO KNOWHERE). For this first episode, it needed to be a big-name director – I just didn’t expect it would be Michael Moore: such is the nature of the randomizer. So, for the first time I have to make this statement – this week’s episode CONTAINS POLITICS. The first movie we look at is 1995’s Canadian Bacon, Moore’s sole fiction, scripted production, and the last film John Candy was involved with. The second movie is Bowling for Columbine – a documentary that needs very little in the way of introduction.
Then, we talk about some of the movies we’ve been watching, which include the unbearable weight of Talent, Titane, Chungking Express, and Sophie Haagen. Wait, she ain’t no movie…
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Alexander Mackendrick (The Man with a White Suit & Sweet Smell of Success) - Series 1 Finale
Season Finale Baby!
This week, I am joined by Graham (POP SCREEN) and Aidan (LB) to talk about Ealing man turned award-winning educator, Alexander MacKendrick. A man whose teachings have been turned into one of the definitive filmmaking books, “on Filmmaking” it’s called, funnily enough. As for his films, we look at one of his Ealing Classics, 1951’s The Man with a White Suit and 1957’s furious New York satire, the Sweet Smell of Success.
Then at the back of the show, I am rejoined by Aidan, as well as Oliver (TWITTER) and Bel (FISHNETS AND PHILOSOPHY) to talk about Coffin Joe, Soho pride, Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future.
Bel’s Soho Horror Pride Film Festival LB List / Theme – A1 Rogue by Podington Bear. PATREON for One Shot and Done, OOP & Lost Articles and Listomania Early Access.
Until August with Season 2, this is Directors Uncut!
Jackie Chan (Police Story & Who Am I?)
The penultimate episode of Season One, ladies and gentlemen.
This time it’s Jackie Chan’s turn, the martial arts cinema legend held together by sellotape and good luck has helmed a few films behind the camera too. And on this episode, we talk about one of his finest achievements in Police Story & Who Am I?
Rob is joined by Ariel (GHOULS) and James (REVIEWING RODDERS) to ponder all the big questions, like which stunt is the best? and just how is he still alive? Then, in the back half, YGRAINE (WHAT A SCREAM), Graham (POP SCREEN), and Kat (THE HOLLYWOOD NEWS) drop by and talk about new movies like Mad God, The Black Phone, as well as art documentaries and Mexican possession movies.
Until next time, with the season finale – this has been Directors Uncut.
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Lee Chang-Dong (Green Fish & Secret Sunshine)
Onto the finishing strait of season one and its many Patreon cross-migrations, this week Rob is joined by Aidan to discuss the work of Lee Chang-Dong.
Lee Chang-Dong had a brief stint with the South Korean government in their culture department, but he is better known for Burning. Such an anarchist, he is. The films we cover are his 1997 debut, Green Fish and his big international breakthrough, 2007’s Secret Sunshine. Both bleak and interesting in their own unique way.
Then, Rob is joined by Bel (FISHNETS_AND_PHILOSOPHY) and Cliff (DEVIL TIMES FIVE) to discuss sundance standout Brian & Charles, as well as Gateway Horror and the Purge Franchise. A fun week all told.
Three more episodes till the end of the season break, till then, this has been Directors Uncut. Why not check out our sister podcast POP SCREEN – which I recently appeared on to talk about the man who fell to Earth. Also, the YOUTUBE where LISTOMANIA will be making its return.
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Larry Cohen (God Told Me To & Bone)
Down to the final month of Patreon Migrations here on Directors Uncut. This week, it is the turn of Gutterpunk legend, Larry Cohen.
Joined by Graham (POP SCREEN) and CLIFF (DEVIL TIMES FIVE), the first movie we cover is his oddball 1970s sci-fi-religious-cop-horror, God Told Me To – a movie which features a wild Andy Kauffman cameo. Then, we follow that up with his feature debut, Bone. A dark as they come comedy about rape and marriage in the Hollywood hills.
Then in the final third, I am joined by Kat (THE HOLLYWOOD NEWS) as well as both Larry and Andy (ROAD TO KNOWHERE) to talk about a wild variety of things, from Dashcam and Stranger Things to True Romance.
Till next time with Lee Chang-Dong, this is Directors Uncut.
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Mark Duplass (Puffy Chair & Creep)
This week on the podcast we dip back into the Patreon archive with Mark Duplass, however, given the nature of the body of his work – we decided to have one film from this directorial canon and one from his body of work as a writer-producer.
In the first half, we have Puffy Chair in what is probably the most brutal takedown of any movie you are ever likely to hear on this podcast. Then, in the back half, we discuss the acclaimed found footage movie from Patrick Brice, Creep.
For the final section, I have to flag it ahead of your listening, there are considerable audio problems. I have minimised them as much as possible, but it is still necessary to bring them up. In this section, I was joined again by Graham (POP SCREEN), Melissa (GHOULS MAGAZINE) and MIKE (AUTISTIC GUIDE TO HORROR) to talk about Men, Dinner in America and the Blair witch Project.
Till next time, this has been Directors Uncut.
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Karel Zeman (Invention for Destruction & Krabat, the Sorcerer's Apprentice)
Here’s the last brand-new episode of season one. The rest will be Patreon migrations with extended new bits at the end, and we couldn’t have picked a better director for this – Karel Zeman.
Now, I appreciate this director may not be immediately recognisable. Still, you can bet he has influenced some of your favourites in Terry Gilliam, Wes Anderson and Tim Burton plus Walerian Borowczyk if you are so inclined. This is our first delve into the catalogue of cult UK label, Second Run, and our first dip into Eastern European Cinema.
Joined by Film Researcher, Jonathan & Graham (POP SCREEN) – the first film we look at is Invention for Destruction, a loose adaptation of the work of Jules Verne. The Second film is Krabat, the Sorcerer Apprentice – an obscure adaptation of Slovakian Folklore.
Then in the final section, we discuss some newer films that we’ve been watching including Death of a Vlogger (2019), 1900 (1976) & The Maidens of Fetish Street (1966) and more.
Till next week with Mark Duplass, this is Directors Uncut!
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Nicholas Meyer (Time after Time & the Day After)
It would’ve been very easy to use the Wrath of Khan as the episode image, but that would’ve built up false expectations from Star Trek fans and this podcast won’t be doing any of that. Star Wars neither. Instead, the image is from a 1973 film he wrote, Invasion of the Bee Girls. Classic, I know.
For films, we did do. First is the movie which influenced Ronald Reagan while in office. The American equivalent of Threads, the Day After. A lovely bit of nuclear apocalypse cinema for you there. Then we discuss his directorial debut, 1979’s Time After Time. A lovely whimsical time-travelling romantic comedy cum slasher featuring H.G. Wells and Jack the Ripper. Malcolm McDowell does not play who you think.
Then, in the last act, Rob is joined by Kat (The Hollywood News), Vincent (Invasion of the Pody People) and James (Reviewing Rodders) to talk about some newer films. Films that include Everything Everywhere All At Once, Monstrous and Spontaneous. Lovely.
Till next week with a director who you’ll have to listen to find out about, this is Directors Uncut
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Don Siegel (Invasion of the Body Snatchers & Escape from Alcatraz)
Onwards and upwards with the great Patreon Migration, this week it’s the turn of one of Clint Eastwood’s biggest directorial inspirations, Don Siegel.
Rob is joined by Graham and Aidan to talk about 1956’s iconic and landmark sci-fi classic, Invasion of the Body Snatchers which isn’t quite as cut and dry as it appears looking at it out of time. Before that though, the trio look at one of his final films, New Hollywood Icon, Escape from Alcatraz – a hard movie to explain, right there.
Then in the final furlong,m Rob is joined by Kat, Vincent and a debuting Will to talk about all manner of new releases. This covers the already controversial Taiwanese horror, the Sadness, as well as The Innocents, The Cellar and the Velvet Queen and much, much more.
Till next week with Nicholas Meyer, we are Directors Uncut!
Robert Wise (The Day the Earth Stood Still & Odds Against Tomorrow)
Motorboating our way through the Patreon archive, slowly but surely. This week, I am joined by Andrew (BEHOLD) and Graham (POP SCREEN) to talk about a true master of cinema who spanned all genres and styles – Robert Wise.
With a filmography that covers everything from the Sound of Music to the Haunting, we cover the seminal 50s sci-fi classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and early neo-noir, Odds Against Tomorrow. As for which has the bleakest ending, it’s not the one you’d think.
To close the show out, we take a freebie from our final ever Patreon episode where Graham and Aidan (LB) talk about movies and TV as diverse as the Northman, Peter Jackson’s Braindead & Channel 4’s Taskmaster. There’s a fun evening, right there.
Till next week with Don Seigel, we are Directors Uncut!
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Makoto Shinkai (Your Name & Journey to Agartha)
The Patreon migration continues, this time we have our first ever anime episode with Makoto Shinkai. A man whose career started with his bold and ambitious debut, 5 Centimeters per Second and continues to this day with his latest film, Weathering with You.
Rob is joined by Graham and pRob to talk about his international breakthrough Your Name and one of his most misunderstood films, Journey to Agartha. A.K.A Children Who Chase Lost Voices, A.K.A. Children Who Chase Stars, A.K.A. Having so many alternative names is probably why it is so misunderstood, to be honest, but we liked it.
Then in the back half, we talk about some of the current movies we've been watching where we talk about Benedetta as well as topics like Fritz Lang, Under-the-Radar Folk Horror and French Cinema. Par for the course, really.
Enjoy!
Theme A1 Rogue by Podington Bear.
Rene Laloux (Fantastic Planet & Time Masters)
A perfect follow up to Alejandro Jodorowsky, we dip back into the Patreon archive and head to the badlands of European animation with Rene Laloux.
Rob is joined by Aidan and Graham to talk about Rene Laloux, best known for "one of the greatest animated films of all time", Fantastic Planet. We get confused by that and also by the wonderfully campy 80s fantasy, Time Masters. Explaining the plot of these bad boys is just half the challenge.
Then, Rob is joined by Vincent (Invasion of the Pody People) and Kat (the Hollywood News) to talk about all the new movies we've been watching. We touch upon The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, The Norseman and 2020 cult indie horror sci-fi, Come True.
An excellent episode, all told. Next week, another from the Patreon archive - Makoto Shinkai.
Theme A1 Rogue by Podington Bear.