The Uncut Network - Directors, Actors and Genres

It's that time of the year again, August bank holiday has just gone, so it can only mean one thing - Frightfest. Rob is joined by Kat (Hollywood News), Mike (Autistic Guide to Horror), Mal (Twitter) and Sarah (Twitter) to discuss their highlights of the, now 25 year old, Horror Film Festival. Among others, they discussed the festival's darling, Strange Darling, The Dead Thing, Generation Terror, Shelby Oaks and Much More. We also measure up whether this was a good year for the event, as well as any advice for anyone who has never been to a horror festival before - like, say a certain podcast host who lives in the remote badlands of North Yorkshire. Wonder who that could be? Next time it's back to service as usual as we finish off Series 3 with another look at Kiyoshi Kurosawa, albeit from the non-horror end of his huge back-catalogue. MUSIC CREDITS: [INTRO] Funkgroove / Sofasound [MID-ROLL] Reading Night / Xander [OUTRO] Midnight Coffee / Englewood⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Courtesy of Riot Games

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! www.thegeekshow.co.uk www.patreon.com/thegeekshow

It’s the Uncut Network Christmas Special! Join Rob, Kat, Caitlyn, and Faye for a holiday episode that’s a little different. We’re not talking about Santa or heart-warming family tales. We’re diving into the best stealth Christmas movies — films and specials set during the holidays but that aren't about the holidays. These are the perfect picks for when the main event is over and you want something with a bit more… edge.This eclectic list is packed with wild and wonderful picks perfect for Boxing Day and beyond. Consider this your official warning: some of these inclusions get pretty adult. Don't expect all-ages recommendations here, unless your family has a famously filthy sense of humour! We’re spoiling the movie titles in the timestamps, so dive in blind or skip ahead to see if your favourite made the list.00:00:00 - Intro00:12:07 - First Pick00:18:58 - Second Pick00:24:53 - Third Pick00:30:39 - Fourth Pick00:35:59 - Fifth Pick00:47:16 - Sixth Pick00:54:32 - Seventh Pick01:04:17 - Eighth Pick01:11:01 - Lightning Round01:15:07 - OutroComing Next on Uncut: Stick with us for another festive tradition! We're teaming up with Pop Screen for our annual review, highlighting the best movies of 2025 from January to December. You can't do one of them until the year's actually over, after all.Uncut Network Podcast: Subscribe for more unfiltered movie discussions, deep dives, and specials.

It's that time of the year again, it's time for the new series debut of Uncut and to do this we have one of our annual traditions - the frightfest special. To do this, Rob is joined by Kat, Faye and Sarah to talk the highs, lows and everything in between of the UK's capital horror film festival.Did you go, what did you think? 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Frightfest Special00:04:00 - Redux Redux00:13:55 - Tomb Watcher00:20:23 - Above the Knee00:27:02 - The Descent & Marshmallow00:32:35 - Human00:39:40 - The Toxic Avenger00:46:58 - Portal to Hell00:52:25 - Hellcat00:56:00 - Other Frightfest Happenings00:58:39 - Lowlights of Frightfest01:03:43 - Other Shoutouts01:10:00 - Was it a Good Frightfest?01:19:34 - Find us on Socials

What does it take to become a face—a brand—in cinema? For cult icon Joe Shishido, the answer is one of film's wildest stories: he reportedly had cheek implants to make his face wider, more rugged, and utterly unforgettable. In this episode of Uncut, I'm joined by Ben (Cymreig Samurai) to unpack the myth and the movies behind Japan's most iconic tough guy.We're breaking down the trilogy of films that made him a legend: the jazz-soaked, minimalist hitman masterpiece "A Colt Is My Passport"; the explosively titled and brilliantly chaotic "Detective Bureau 2-3: Go to Hell, B&st&rds!"; and the grim, revenge-fuelled yakuza epic "Massacre Gun." We go beyond the cheeks to explore his essential collaborations with directors like Seijun Suzuki, his unique place in the Nikkatsu studio system, and why his cool, cynical persona continues to influence filmmakers today. This is Uncut—the deep dive into the icons you can't forget.00:00:00 - Intro00:12:07 - Detective Bureau 2.300:42:11 - A Colt is my Passport01:02:05 - Massacre Gun01:23:52 - Chitty ChatFor more from the geek show, check out our website: thegeekshow.co.ukFor the Patreon, visit: patreon.com/thegeekshow

Join the Uncut crew on The Geek Show as we venture into the bizarre and brilliant filmography of Yorgos Lanthimos, the Oscar-winning director hailed as the modern king of cinematic weirdness.In this deep-dive episode, we unpack the themes, styles, and lasting impact of his most iconic films. We start with the shocking and surreal "Dogtooth" (Κυνόδοντας), the Greek film that announced his unique talent to the world. Then, we delve into the chilling, modern Greek tragedy of "The Killing of a Sacred Deer," analysing its haunting performances from Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman. Finally, we break down his critical and commercial smash, "The Favourite," exploring how its acidic wit and visual style won over the Academy.Along the way, we discuss why Lanthimos has become a creative home for actors looking to push boundaries, his exceptional track record of creating complex, award-winning roles for women, and the recurring themes of power, control, and the absurd rules of society that define his work.Some of our talking points... Analysing Yorgos Lanthimos's directorial style and the "Greek Weird Wave." Breaking down the unsettling family dynamics in Dogtooth. The modern morality tale and clinical horror of The Killing of a Sacred Deer. How The Favourite balanced Lanthimos's weirdness with Oscar success. His legacy as a filmmaker and his influence on modern cinema.Films Discussed: Dogtooth, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Favourite, The Lobster, Poor Things.Find more episodes at: www.thegeekshow.co.uk00:00:00 INTRO00:06:38 DOGTOOTH00:29:00 THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER00:52:30 THE FAVOURITE01:18:36 OTHER MOVIES01:28:31 LEGACY01:33:37 OUTRONext episodes: Kurt Russell & Joe Shishido

Uncut is back after a spotty few months, and to mark this return we are looking at a modern favourite in Alex Garland. Joined by Graham (Pop Screen), Kat (Hollywood News/Movies with Mummy) and Simon (London International Fantastic Film Fest), we talk talk about his origins as an author, his detour into writing for video games, and more before heading straight into three of his most discussed movies. Those three films are the fine aged wine of Ex Machina, the most divisive work that he'll ever produce in Men, and the forthcoming documentary of Civil War. Also, stay around till the end of the podcast when we announce what is coming up on the podcast in 2026.Until next time with Yorgos Lanthimos, thanks for watching/listening.

And with this episode on David Lynch, Series 4 of Uncut concludes. Told you it'd be shorter this time around.On this episode, Rob is joined by Lynch-lifer, Graham, to talk about Wild at Heart, The Straight Story and Inland Empire. Along the way, we touch on the connections to Satoshi Kon, the love of Mid-Western American Values, John Waters, alongside many references to Room To Dream. It's been a long time since we've had a two person show, as such it was nice to dive into our love at Lynch - albeit love on two different levels. This is the finale of Series 4, we'll be having a little break, move things around a bit - part of which includes sending our short film off into the world like a proud parent - after which we'll be back. When we do return, Series 5 will be a video podcast - so look forward to that.If you like this show, check out our PATREON, for all sorts of goodies and extras. But until we return, thanks for listening and we'll see you again soon.

It's time for another episode of Uncut, and this time we are talking about Sci-Fi Anime of the 80s and 90s. Rob is joined by Kinell, Sarah and Rabia to talk about all things 1980s and 1990s Sci-Fi Anime. In other words, the golden age of anime and in the genre that made Japanese Animation such a big deal. To do that, we talked about three movies - Angel's Egg, Project A Ko and the one, the only, Akira.I say we talk about those three movies, we talk about an awful lot of other things too such as C*rn's role in the development of Modern Anime, who is keeping an eye on Mamoru Oshii, Just how influential this era of Anime is, and many, many recommendations - too many to mention here. So you better listen in.If you like the show, give it a like, rating, review and even a share. If you're listening on Spotify - leave a comment on the show, and I'll respond to it on the next recording. And if you really like this episode - bless you - and please check out our Patreon for all sort of goodies. A new podcast series which will live on there and out here in the wild is among them. Until next time on the series 4 finale with David Lynch, thanks for listening.

Uncut returns for another of our token left turns, from 80s & 90s Anime - we head to classic Hollywood in the hands of Marlene Dietrich.Rob is joined by Graham, Jimmy and Simon - three signed up Dietrich heads - to talk through the career of one of classic Hollywood's greatest leading ladies, Marlene Dietrich. To do this, we discuss her work through four films - Josef von Sternberg's The Scarlett Empress (1934), George Marshall's Comedy Western, Destry Rides Again (1939), before we finish on 1957's Witness for the Prosecution co-starring Charles Laughton and directed by the GOAT, Billy Wilder.This episode is a complete love in for Dietrich, one which features loads of recommendations, her politics and how she was just the coolest actor - decades ahead of her time too. So, if you enjoyed this episode, please check out our PATREON too for all sorts of other goodies.

Welcome to the latest episode of Uncut, on which we talk about the golden age of 1980s an 90s Horror Anime.Apologies for the delays in getting this episode out, I've been directing my own short film which has taken up a lot of my time. It's called "The Last Sock You'll Ever Need", and I'll inevitably be talking about in on the pod in the coming weeks and months.This week, I am joined by Rabia, Sarah and a debuting Kinell to talk about the golden age of 1980s and 1990s anime, with a specific focus on the Horror movies produced during this phase. The conversation ebbs and flows along this theme touching on everything anime along the way, and the movies we touch are The Laughing Target (1987), Vampire Hunter D (1985) and Perfect Blue (1997).Next time out we talk about Marlene Dietrich. And if you like the podcast, please subscribing. Also, please consider subscribing and supporting us on Patreon for all sorts of exclusive goodies. Add Kinell's Game, Expired Meds, to your Steam Wishlist - HERE. Check out our sister podcasts, Pop Screen and All of us are Lost

Before you can say "Is that a haunted green dress?", Uncut is back to talk about the incredible Adèle Haenel — one of the most fearless, captivating actors working today.Rob, Mike, Graham and a debuting India dive into Haenel's extraordinary career, spotlighting her performances in Deerskin (the strangest jacket you'll ever meet), The Unknown Girl (the Dardenne brothers doing what they do best), and of course, the modern classic Portrait of a Lady on Fire. And to all the Dardenne Brothers fans who listen to this episode, I really am sorry for my hilarious hijinx. We talk about Haenel’s quiet intensity, her radical off-screen choices, and the sheer power of her work. It’s a journey through French cinema, awkward jackets, mysterious doorbells, and some of the most heartbreakingly human performances you’ll ever see.If you like the show, leave a comment to join the discussion, subscribe and rate us, or head over to our PATREON for bonus articles, series, and all sorts of other good stuff waiting for you there.MUSIC CREDITS:[INTRO] Song title: Funkgroove /Artist: Sofasound[OUTRO] Song title: Midnight Coffee / Artist: Englewood⁠⁠⁠⁠Courtesy of Riot Games⁠⁠

Before you can say "Nun's! Reverse", Uncut is back to talk about exploitation movies centred around nuns - better known as Nunsploitation. Well, maybe not better, but that's what people call it.Rob is joined by Robyn to talk about the sub-genre and some of its more interesting titles. A list that is made up of the Mexican, Satanico Pandemonium (which has also been referred to as The Sexorcist), The Trangressor (with its much superior alternate title, the School of the Holy Beast), and the infamous, banned British classic from 1971, Ken Russell's The Devils.We talk exploitation, religion, and the wild and probably deeply offensive directions that these movies head in. It starts from random naked men in the woods dispensing apples and it just goes weirder from there. If you like this show, leave a comment below to join the discussion. Or subscribe and give the show a rating. Or, even better, join us on PATREON for all manner of new articles and podcasts. Plenty to enjoy over there, including our very recently completed series of episode-by-episode review of British sci-fi comedy classic, Red Dwarf.

This week on Uncut, we’re stepping away from the chaos of Korean revenge thrillers to celebrate the life, work, and enduring legacy of Pier Paolo Pasolini—one of cinema’s most provocative and overlooked visionaries. Join host Rob and special guests Graham, Clotilde and Aidan as we explore Pasolini’s groundbreaking films, including The Gospel According to Matthew, Theorem, and The Canterbury Tales.We dive into the shock of his tragic murder (which Rob had no idea about until recently), why we deliberately avoided Salò, and how Pasolini is way more than just the “Salò guy” that history has reduced him to for many. Pasolini was so much more: a poet, a polemicist, and a filmmaker who dared to challenge the status quo.💥 Support us on Patreon! Get exclusive articles, podcasts, and more—including Rob’s upcoming deep dives into Asian Cinema.🎧 Check out our other podcasts:Pop Screen: https://open.spotify.com/show/3anLjmE81KodvWgZ5j0zLtAll Of Us Are Lost: https://open.spotify.com/show/38tY9NnngQExasZ8m4ucCQ

It’s time for another episode of Uncut, and this time, we’re diving into a world of awful people doing awful things to one another. That’s right—we’re talking about Korean revenge thrillers.A huge deal in their day, this marks the third time we’ve covered this brutal subgenre, following our previous Na Hong-jin and Park Chan-wook episodes. Returning for another deep dive into Korean cinema, Rob is joined by Ygraine (Gore Things / What a Scream) - a consistent of those previous episodes - to explore three increasingly intense films:🔪 The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil🔪 Bedevilled🔪 I Saw the DevilThis episode is especially stabby, and we discuss some very dark and mature themes, so consider this a warning if you’re sensitive to such topics. Then again, if you are, you’re probably not listening to this podcast.💥 Support us on Patreon! Get exclusive articles, podcasts, and more—including Rob’s upcoming Fantastic Asia pieces for March.🎧 Check out our sibling podcasts:Pop Screen: https://open.spotify.com/show/3anLjmE81KodvWgZ5j0zLtAll Of Us Are Lost: https://open.spotify.com/show/38tY9NnngQExasZ8m4ucCQ

Uncut is BACK! January was brutal (enough said!), but we're back with a big one: a deep dive into the work of Mike Flanagan.Rob and guests (Sarah, Mike, James, and Andy) tackle three of Flanagan's films: Hush, Gerald's Game, and Doctor Sleep. We'll be discussing everything from Stephen King adaptations and jump scares to that infamous degloving scene. And, because it's Flanagan, we couldn't skip his TV work – so this one's a little longer, but hey, we're making up for lost time, right?MUSIC:Sofasound - FunkgrooveXander - Reading NightEnjoying Uncut? Support us on Patreon for exclusive goodies, including the return of Fantastic Asia articles!And don't forget our sibling podcasts:Pop Screen: https://open.spotify.com/show/3anLjmE81KodvWgZ5j0zLtAll of Us Are Lost: https://open.spotify.com/show/38tY9NnngQExasZ8m4ucCQ

Oh man, it's that time of the year again. You may think it is late to do the annual review podcast, but like to think you can't review something while it is still happening. So open up your Letterboxd watchlist, get your comfiest slippers on, sit back and relax, as pop screen and uncut form into one monolithic podcast to give you the run down on all the cool movies that happened between January and June 2024. To undertake the first part of this epic feast, join hosts Graham and Rob, as they are joined by Andy, Kat, Faye, Simon, Robyn, Aidan, Ygraine (her picks anyway) and Mike. If you liked this, support the show, and check out the patreon for all manner of goodies. We'll be back to normal serivce, in due course, with a Mike Flanagan double.

A bonus from our Patreon is one the feed. This month Last Night is taking something of a different form. Join rob and contributions from voices both familiar and new as they talk about some of our favourite alternative Christmas movies. A big thank you to Kat Hughes, Mal Jutley, Producer Rob, Andy Connor, Graham Williamson, Gav Smith, Mo Moshaty, Ygraine Hackett-Cantebrana and Vincent Gaine. And what about you? What's your favourite alternative Christmas movie or TV special? Until next time, when Rob will be taking the reigns again for January, thank you for your support, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here's to everything 2025 has in store.

This week on Uncut is a totally unchristmassy christmas special, well, it's the one nearest the big day anyway. Rob is joined by hosts of sister podcast, Kat and Andy, All of Us Are Lost, for out second look at the work of Guillermo Del Toro. The first movie we discuss is his much maligned, even by the guy himself, English language, Mimic. Then we jump into one of the earliest Marvel success stories, years before the MCU, with Blade II. Then we wrap things up with all the things young Guillermo loved in a new shiny box, Pacific Rim. We also talk about questionable adoptions, Wesley Snipes diva tendencies, Andy over analysing things, like how does that three armed robot work, and also, just what is the deal with Charlie Hunnam? If you enjoy all that, please, give us a rating and review wherever you find us and check out our patreon for all sorts of new content - we have plans for 2025. And it's then when we'll meet again for our epic 2025 review show with out other sister podcast, Pop Screen.

Life finds a way to get in the way, meaning that we had to take a little forced break, but we are back with a big name. This time on Uncut, we loop around to directors and it's a big one, Guillermo Del Toro. Rob is joined by James (Reviewing Rodders), Vincent and Ygraine (What a Scream) to look at three of his gothic delights. We have The Devil's Backbone, his most recent movie Pinocchio and we finish on GDT's most famous movie, Pan's Labyrinth. Join us as we discuss the use of fascism, monsters, guilty pleasures and GDT's ambiguity that leads each of these movies into becoming super bleak. Brilliant, but yeah, very bleak. If you like the podcast, check out our PATREON for even more written stuff and podcasts. Some stuff will be making a return in the new year, unfortunately 2024 has been a year alright. Also check out the geek show for an embarrasing of riches, including or sibling podcasts - Pop Screen, and All of Lost Are Lost. We'll be back next time with more GDT and his blocbuster phase. Until then, thanks for listening.