Lit to Lens

The guys discuss the film adaptation of HAMNET, based on the 2020 novel Maggie O’Farrell. … Hamnet is an historical novel that reimagines the life and death of William Shakespeare’s only son, Hamnet. Set in late 16th-century England, the story centers on Agnes, Shakespeare’s wife, a woman known for her independence, herbal knowledge, and deep intuition. The novel traces Agnes and Shakespeare’s courtship, marriage, and family life, while moving fluidly through time to explore how love, illness, and loss shape their world. When the plague reaches their household, their young son Hamnet falls gravely ill and dies, an event that devastates the family and fractures their marriage. Themes of motherhood, memory and grief feature prominently.  … The film adaptation was written and directed by Chloe Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell, and stars Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn. … Topics of discussion include the reimagining of Thomas Pynchon’s novel, the postmodernist literary movement, the challenging aspects of reading Thomas Pynchon, the film’s Academy Awards chances come Oscar season, and whether or not Erik is a member of The Christmas Adventurer’s Club. … (1:10) Intro, fast facts, trivia … (15:55) A reading from the novel … (17:10) Studio pitch & novel breakdown … (44:24) A word from our sponsor … (45:12) Learn you something, differences from the book … (1:22:00) Coming up next, and outro … Coming up next: TRAIN DREAMS by Denis Johnson which was adapted into the new film from Clint Bentley, starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones. So keep an eye out for that! … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER The guys discuss the film adaptation, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, based on the 1990 novel, VINELAND, by Thomas Pynchon. … Vineland is set in 1984, the year of Ronald Reagan’s reelection, but primarily told in flashback. The story follows several characters who provide remembrances of their revolutionary life in the late 60s during a time of “fascistic Nixonian repression” and how that had evolved to the 80s and the war on drugs. The main through-line, however, concerns four primary players: three revolutionaries–Zoyd Wheeler, Frenesi Gates, her daughter Prairie, and the federal agent Brock Vond, and the book’s main narrative concerns Zoyd, Prairie and Brock’s attempts to find Frenesi, who is in witness protection. Themes of American rot, the corruptive power of television and the goodness of weed feature prominently.  … The film adaptation was written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Texans Taylor, Sean Penn, Chase Inifiniti, Benicia del Toro and Regina Hall. … Topics of discussion include the reimagining of Thomas Pynchon’s novel, the postmodernist literary movement, the challenging aspects of reading Thomas Pynchon, the film’s Academy Awards chances come Oscar season, and whether or not Erik is a member of The Christmas Adventurer’s Club. … (0:41) Intro, fast facts, trivia … (15:27) A reading from the novel … (16:28) Studio pitch & novel breakdown … (35:47) A word from our sponsor … (36:16) Learn you something, differences from the book … (1:52:32) Coming up next, and outro … Coming up next: HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell which was adapted into the new film by Chloe Zhao. So keep an eye out for that! … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation, THERE WILL BE BLOOD, based on the 1926 novel by Upton Sinclair. … In Oil! Upton Sinclair fashioned a novel out of the oil scandals of the Harding administration, providing in the process a detailed picture of the development of the oil industry in Southern California. Bribery of public officials, class warfare, and international rivalry over oil production are the context for Sinclair's story of a genial independent oil developer and his son, whose sympathy with the oilfield workers and socialist organizers fuels a running debate with his father. Senators, small investors, oil magnates, a Hollywood film star, and a crusading evangelist people the pages of this lively novel. … The film adaptation was written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano and Ciarán Hinds. The film is considered to be of the best films from PTA as well as the first quarter of the 21st century. … Topics of discussion include the loose nature of the adaptation, the Russian Revolution, the similarities of today’s political climate with the political strife detailed in Sinclair’s novel during 1920’s America, and whether or not the “oil” used in the film was really made from MCDonald’s chocolate milkshakes. … (0:00) Intro, fast facts, trivia … (16:29) A reading from the novel … (17:28) Studio pitch & novel breakdown … (37:47) A word from our sponsor … (38:25) Learn you something, differences from the book … (1:24:50) Coming up next, and outro … Coming up next: VINELAND by Thomas Pynchon which was adapted into the new film by Paul Thomas Anderson, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER. So keep an eye out for that! … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the classic film noir adaptation, IN A LONELY PLACE, based on the 1947 noir fiction novel by Dorothy B. Hughes. … In post World War II Los Angeles, Dix Steele is a former service member who roams the city at night, maybe or maybe not strangling women who cross his path. After reconnecting with his friend from the army, Brub, who is now a police detective, Dix offers to help him solve the case of a serial killer—risking revelations he may want to hide. Eventually, Dix’s neighbor, an actress named Laurel Gray and Brub's wife Sylvia become suspicious of Dix and they aid the forces of justice to close in on the killer without him being aware of it. Themes of gender relations, male loneliness in the wake of World War, and boozy cocktails feature prominently.  … The film adaptation was directed by Nicholas Ray and written by Andrew P. Solt and Edmund H. North. The film stars Humphrey Bogart, Gloria Grahame and Frank Lovejoy. The film is considered to be one of the major influences on the film noir genre, with a major performance from its main star. … Topics of discussion include the feminist approach to noir fiction, the limitations effects of the Hayes Code, California post-WWII and its affect on the characterization of Dix Steele, and whether or not Humphrey Bogart is actually 5’8”. … (0:00) Intro, fast facts, trivia … (13:46) A reading from the novel … (15:42) Studio pitch & novel breakdown … (35:05) A word from our sponsor … (35:44) Learn you something, differences from the book … (1:26:03) Coming up next, and outro … Coming up next: OIL! by Upton Sinclair which was adapted into the Paul Thomas Anderson film, There Will be Blood. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the classic film noir adaptation, KISS ME DEADLY, based on the 1952 pulp detective novel by Mickey Spillane. … One evening, private detective Mike Hammer picks up a strange woman, Berga Torn, who has escaped from a nearby sanitarium and is standing on the side of the road wearing only a trench coat. They’re stopped by mobsters who push Mike’s car off a cliff, killing Berga and inspiring Mike to avenge her death. Although warned not to investigate the death by the police, Mike and his assistant Velda discover a plot involving the mafia, drugs, and a whole lot of femme fatales. Themes of truth, power, control and societal rot feature prominently.  … The film adaptation was directed by Robert Aldrich and written by Albert Isaac “Buzz” Bezzeries and Robert Aldrich (uncredited). The film stars Ralph Meeker, Albert Dekker, Paul Stewart and Juan Hernandez. The film is considered to be one of the major influences on the film noir genre. … Topics of discussion include the differences from the novel, the icon that is Mickey Spillane, the impact the film has had on major contemporary directors, the Cold War themes, the wild ending, and whether or not you should join the mafia. … (0:00) From the book … (1:30) Fast facts, recap, trivia … (18:51) A word from our sponsor … (19:31) Studio pitch & novel breakdown … (36:20) Trailer … (38:33) Learn you something, differences from the book … (1:30:00) Coming up next, and outro … Coming up next: IN A LONELY PLACE by Dorothy B. Hughes … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the classic film noir adaptation, THE BIG SLEEP, based on the 1939 pulp detective novel by Raymond Chandler. … The Big Sleep is the first novel in Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe series. The novel follows private investigator Marlowe as he’s hired by the old but wealthy General Sternwood to stop a blackmailer involved with his daughter, Carmen. Marlowe soon uncovers a web of blackmail, murder, and crime, involving both Sternwood's daughters, Carmen and Vivian. As Marlowe delves deeper into a case that various people don’t seem to want him to solve, he encounters various criminals and faces dangerous situations, ultimately uncovering secrets that he chooses not to reveal to the General to preserve his peace of mind. The corrosion of wealth, the connectedness of family, and the follies of women feature prominently.  … The film adaptation was directed by Howard Hawks and written by Leigh Brackett, Jules Furthman, and William Faulkner. The film stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The film is considered to be one of the big influences on the film noir genre. … Topics of discussion include the complexity of the mystery, the Hayes Code, the Bogie-Bacall phenomenon, the elevation of Vivian’s character, and whether or not it’s a good idea to drink your brandy with a side of champagne. … (0:00) From the book … (1:10) Fast facts, recap, trivia … (15:45) A word from our sponsor … (16:13) Studio pitch & novel breakdown … (38:02) Clip … (39:19) Learn you something, differences from the book … (1:23:00) Coming up next, and outro … Coming up next: KISS ME DEADLY by Mickey Spillane … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation, MICKEY 17, based on the 2022 science fiction novel by Edward Ashton. … Mickey 7 tells the story of Mickey Barnes, an expendable, that is a body that can be reprinted again and again, who is part of an expedition to colonize and terraform the ice planet Niflheim. The planet is inhabited by cockroach, rolly polly, armadillo like creatures called Creepers, who stand in the way of the colony’s efforts to gain a foothold. On one of his missions into the planet, Mickey 7 falls into a cavern and is left for dead, causing the colony to print a Mickey 8. When Mickey 7 doesn’t die and returns to the colony, the two bodies plot how to keep this multiple pairing unknown while also learning more about the creepers and the colony’s intentions. Themes include: the perils of colonization, and identity.  … The film adaptation was written and directed by Bong Joon-ho (Parasite, The Host, Snowpiercer, Memories of Murder, Okja) and stars Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo. The film is Bong Joon-ho’s eighth feature film and long-awaited follow-up to the multi Oscar-winning Parasite which won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature. … Topics of discussion include the plethora of differences from the novel, a Bong Joon-ho retrospective, the the lack of story and plot within the novel, the thing that author really wanted kept in the film, and whether or not movie theaters are dead. … (0:00) From the book … (1:50) Fast facts, recap, trivia … (11:28) A word from our sponsor … (11:59) Studio pitch & novel breakdown … (28:48) Trailer … (31:11) Learn you something, differences from the book … (1:25:00) Coming up next, and outro … Coming up next: MICKEY7 … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation, NICKEL BOYS, based on the 2019 Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Colson Whitehead. … Nickel Boys tells the story of Elwood Curtis, a black teenager growing up outside Tallahassee, Florida in the 1960s. One day, as he attempts to hitchhike his way to a historically black technical school to take courses for college credit, he unknowingly catches a ride with a wanted thief. When they’re pulled over shortly thereafter, Elwood is found to be an accomplice to the crime and sentenced to spend the rest of his teenage years at the Nickel Academy, a reform school for boys based on a real school called the Dozier School (which itself only shut down in 2011). Of course, this school is more than meets the eye. And though he meets a friend, Turner, he faces all forms of abuse, humiliation and racism until it all comes to a head. Themes include: finding hope in the hopeless, reclaiming identity, and affecting change in an unchanging society. … The film adaptation was directed by RaMell Ross (Hale County This Morning, This Evening), written by RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes, and stars Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, David Diggs, Jimmie Fails and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The film has been nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Picture and most importantly (for our purposes) Best Adapted Screenplay (Ross, Barnes). … Topics of discussion include the differences from the novel, the sentient perspective and its potential in future filmmaking efforts, the climax and how it’s handled differently between media, the incredible metaphors (especially in the film), and how to run away from an alligator. … (0:00) From the book … (1:05) Fast facts, recap, trivia … (13:42) A word from our sponsor … (14:09) Studio pitch & novel breakdown … (27:20) Trailer … (28:35) Learn you something, differences from the book … (1:05:34) Coming up next, and outro … Coming up next: MICKEY7 The science fiction novel by Edward Ashton gets a big-screen adaptation from Academy Award winner Bong Joon-ho (Parasite, The Host, Snowpiercer) that tells the story of Mickey, who has signed up to be an “expendable”: a disposable employee on a human expedition to colonize the ice world Niflheim. Whenever there’s a mission that’s too dangerous — even suicidal — the crew turns to Mickey. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of its memories intact. The film will be released on March 7th and stars Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo. Get the book at your local bookstore or library! Stay tuned for that episode! … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation, CONCLAVE, based on the 2016 novel by Richard Harris. … The Pope is dead. Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, one hundred and eighteen cardinals from all over the globe will cast their votes in the world’s most secretive election. They are holy men. But they have ambition. And they have rivals. Over the next seventy-two hours one of them will become the most powerful spiritual figure on earth. … The film adaptation was directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), written by Peter Straughan, and stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Gucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini. The film has been nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director (Berger), Best Actor (Fiennes), Best Supporting Actor (Rossellini), Best Original Score, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and most importantly (for our purposes) Best Adapted Screenplay (Straughan). … Topics of discussion include the minor differences in the film adaptation, Peter Straughan’s career in adaptation, the role of the Pope in the Catholic Church, the controversial ending and its potential mismanagement, and whether or not the term “papacy” sounds sexual. … (0:00) From the book … (1:17) Fast facts, recap, trivia … (15:56) A word from our sponsor … (16:52) Studio pitch & novel breakdown … (33:29) Trailer … (35:53) Learn you something, differences from the book … (1:30:11) Coming up next, and outro … Coming up next: NICKEL BOYS The Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Colson Whitehead gets a big-screen adaptation from RaMell Ross (director of the documentary Hale County This Morning This Evening) that has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. It has been nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay (RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes). Stay tuned for that episode! … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

In an adapted recap of 2024, the guys discuss their favorites from the past year of cinema, literature, and (self-indulgently) themselves. … Top 3 films we saw this past year (that were also released in 2024) Top 3 books we read this past year (can be released before 2024) And our favorite Lit to Lens episode from this past year … Happy New Year! We are looking forward to a big 2025, and we hope you are too! … Our next episode will be on the adaptation of the Richard Harris novel, CONCLAVE, which is the story of when after the pope dies of a heart attack, the College of Cardinals gathers in seclusion for a papal conclave to choose the new pope. It has been adapted for the screen by Edward Berger and stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and Jon Lithgow. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation, SING SING, based on an article published in October 2005 by John H. Richardson. … The Sing Sing Follies (A maximum security comedy) is a magazine piece that tells the story of a group of inmates in Sing Sing prison who, through the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, are working to put on a play, called Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code. The play is about six convicts who each write separate plays and then splice them together and includes pirates, gladiators, cowboys, a spy in a tuxedo and even Prince Hamlet of Denmark. Within the article, we get to know a little bit about a number of inmates, the RTA program and the creative process. … The film adaptation was directed by Greg Kwedar, written by Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, and stars Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San José and Paul Raci. … Topics of discussion include the differences in adapting an 8-page magazine article from a novel, the creation of new characters, Divine Eye’s backstory, where the term “up the river” comes from, some historical background about the Sing Sing correctional facility, and whether or not Will would live in a prison refurbished into apartments. … (0:00) From the book … (2:90) Fast facts, recap, trivia … (13:48) A word from our sponsor … (14:21) Studio pitch & novel breakdown … (36:50) Trailer … (39:11) Learn you something, differences from the book … (1:28:50) Coming up next, and outro … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation of THE OUTSIDERS, which is based on the 1967 novel written by S.E. Hinton. … THE OUTSIDERS tells the coming-of-age story of Ponyboy Curtis, a greaser living in Oklahoma in the 1960s. After his parents die in an automobile accident, Pony and his two brothers work to survive in a town divided on class lines. Gang and class conflict, friendship, cigarette smoking and paperback versions of Gone with the Wind feature prominently. … The film adaptation was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, written by Kathleen Rowell, and stars a future all-star cast in C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Diane Lane, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise, and Leif Garrett. … Topics of discussion include the two film versions of the adaptation, the holes in the story, why the book is so popularly taught in English classes across America, and whether or not Francis Ford Coppola fell off after Apocalypse Now. … (0:00) From the book ... (1:08) Fast facts, recap, trivia ... (17:20) A word from our sponsor ... (17:47) Studio pitch & novel breakdown ... (42:16) Trailer (43:21) Learn you something, differences from the book ... (1:03:00) Coming up next, and outro … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss one of the all-time classic film adaptations, THE GODFATHER, which is based on the 1969 best-selling novel written by Mario Puzo. … THE GODFATHER tells the story of the Corelone family, one of the largest and most powerful crime families operating in the New York City area circa 1946. When Don Vito Corelone refuses an offer to participate in the narcotics trade by a rival family, the decision sets off a mafia war and ultimately a succession crisis for the Corelone family. Themes of legacy, violence, and how to make it in America feature prominently.  … The film adaptation was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, written by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, and stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, James Caan, and Diane Keaton. … Topics of discussion include the popularity of the novel, the importance of omertà, how the adaptation stacks up to the source material, and whether or not the film is actually overrated. … (0:00) From the book… (1:22) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (22:24) A word from our sponsor… (19:58) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (53:48) Trailer (55:43) Learn you something, differences from the book… (1:25:00) Coming up next, and outro…. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the new film from Francis Ford Coppola, APOCALYPSE NOW, which is NOT directly based on any source material such as a novel or play. But, the release of MEGALOPOLIS fits nicely within our season on Francis Ford Coppola, and this may be the last opportunity to witness an opening release for the acclaimed director. … MEGALOPOLIS tells the story of a conflict between Cesar, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero, who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare. … The film was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who has directed THE GODFATHER trilogy, THE CONVERSATION, THE OUTSIDERS, and THE RAINMAKER, among many others. The script was written by Francis Ford Coppola, while the film stars Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Robert Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voigt, Laurence Fishburne, Kathryn Hunter and Dustin Hoffman. … Topics of discussion include the chaotic narrative, the lack of clarity and context around the world and actions of characters, where this leaves Francis Ford Coppola as well as the actors involved, and whether or not roundabouts are a more sustainable solution to traffic lights. … (0:00) Trailer (2:08) MEGALOPOLIS discussion (55:00) Coming up next, and outro…. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss one of the all-time classic film adaptations, APOCALYPSE NOW, which is based on the century-old (also) classic British novella, HEART OF DARKNESS. … HEART OF DARKNESS tells a story within a story, following Charlie Marlow, who recounts his adventure to a group of men onboard an anchored ship. Although his job was to transport ivory downriver, Charlie develops an interest in investing an ivory procurement agent, Kurtz, who is employed by the government. Preceded by his reputation as a brilliant emissary of progress, Kurtz has now established himself as a god among the natives in “one of the darkest places on earth.” Marlow suspects something else of Kurtz: he has gone mad. ... APOCALYPSE NOW tells the story of Captain Benjamin Willard, a troubled soldier sent on a dangerous mission at the height of the Vietnam War, ordered to terminate the mysterious Green Beret Colonel Walter Kurtz. It is suspected that Kurtz has gone deep into the Vietnamese jungle, recruited his own personal army, and taken the war into his own hands. … The film adaptation was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who has directed THE GODFATHER trilogy, THE CONVERSATION, THE OUTSIDERS, THE RAINMAKER, and the upcoming film MEGALOPOLIS (in theaters September 27). The script was written by John Milieus and Francis Ford Coppola, while the film stars Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Larry Fishburne, Dennis Hopper and Harrison Ford. … Topics of discussion include the loose nature of the adaptation and thematic fit for the Vietnam War, a literary criticism of HEART OF DARKNESS by Chinua Achebe (author of THINGS FALL APART), the controversy and lore behind the filmmaking process, how the adaptation stacks up to the source material, and whether or not a water buffalo was actually slaughtered on film. … (0:00) From the book… (1:20) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (22:24) A word from our sponsor… (22:57) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (49:55) Trailer (51:36) Learn you something, differences from the book… (1:58:04) Coming up next, and outro…. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the new MAX series THE SYMPATHIZER, directed by Park Chan-wook based on the Pulitzer Prize winning debut novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen. … THE SYMPATHIZER tells the story of The Captain, a North Vietnamese mole working undercover for the South Vietnamese army. The story traces his escape from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, his acclimation to Los Angeles and working in Hollywood, to his grappling with the competing ideologies of his friends and foes, and the moral lines he must cross to save his life and those of the ones he loves. … The series adaptation was directed by Park Chan-wook, who has directed acclaimed films such as OLDBOY and DECISION TO LEAVE. The series, streaming on MAX (formerly HBO) stars How Xuande, Robert Downey, Jr., Toan Le, Fred Nguyen Khan, Day Nguyen, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Phanxinê, Kieu Chinh, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, with special appearances by John Cho and David Duchovny. … Topics of discussion include how the book felt like homework, the minor changes made to the show, a history lesson on Operation Frequent Wind and why maybe this series didn’t gain more traction with audiences. … (0:00) From the book… (1:56) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (18:03) A word from our sponsor… (18:26) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (40:34) Trailer (42:50) Learn you something, differences from the book… (1:38:53) Music outro … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film THE ZONE OF INTEREST, the Jonathan Glazer adaptation from the Martin Amis novel of the same name. THE ZONE OF INTEREST, the fourteenth novel from British writer Martin Amis, is set among a group of German commanders at an unnamed concentration camp, taken to be Auschwitz. The story traces the fall of the Third Reich from three interweaving perspectives: Angelus Thomsen, an officer at the camp; Paul Doll, his commandant; and Szmul Zacharias, a Jewish death camp prisoner. The stories and characters intersect due to the nature of their work and Thomsen’s attempts to attract Paul’s wife, Hannah. Themes of the power of memory, survivors guilt, navigating right and wrong, and society building feature prominently. The novel was shortlisted for the Walker Scott Prize in 2015. … The film adaptation was written and directed by Jonathan Glazer and stars Christian Friedl and Sandra Hüller. It made its premier on May 19, 2023 at the Cannes Film Festival where it won the Grand Prix and the FIPRESCI Prize. It was released in the US on December 15, 2023 and has been nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best International; Feature Film and Best Sound. … Topics of discussion include the stripping of the book’s characters and narrative structure, the film’s refocusing of the story on banality of evil and its emphasis on sound, what the Cosmic Ice Theory is all about, and whether or not we need anymore movies about the Holocaust. … Listen to the episode to find out how the series stacks up to the book. … (0:00) From the book… (1:00) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (12:09) A word from our sponsor… (12:47) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (34:08) Trailer (35:24) Learn you something, differences from the book… … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film AMERICAN FICTION, the Cord Jefferson adaptation from the Percival Everett novel ERASURE. AMERICAN FICTION, follows Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, a frustrated novelist of general fiction, who decides to write a “Black” book full of tired and offensive tropes to profit off the publishing industry’s possibly misguided demand for those stories. He uses a pen name to write an outlandish Black book of his own, which rockets up the bestseller list and into the madness of the book publishing world. At the same time, there is also a gripping family drama threatening to overwhelm the Ellison household. … The film adaptation stars Jeffrey Wright, Trace Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown, John Ortiz, Adam Brody, and Keith David. The film was released on December 15, 2023 and was written and directed by Cord Jefferson in his debut film. … Topics of discussion include the origin of Monk’s pseudonym Stagg R. Leigh, the experimental structure of the novel with its embedded narratives, the unfortunate news of BARBIE getting moved into the Best Adapted Screenplay category for the Academy Awards, and whether or not Brad Pitt liked Adam Brody’s 2003 film, GRIND. … Listen to the episode to find out how the series stacks up to the book. … (0:00) From the book… (0:55) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (12:45) A word from our sponsor… (13:30) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (32:36) Trailer (35:09) Learn you something, differences from the book… … Our next episode will be on the adaptation of the Matin Amis novel, THE ZONE OF INTEREST, which was directed by Jonathan Glazer and stars Christian Friedl and Sandra Hüller. The film’s wide release is set for January 19, 2024. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

In an adapted recap of 2023, the guys discuss their favorites from the past year of cinema, literature, and (self-indulgently) themselves. … Top 3 films we saw this past year (that were also released in 2023) Top 3 books we read this past year (can be released before 2023) And our favorite Lit to Lens episode from this past year … Happy New Year! We are looking forward to a big 2024, and we hope you are too! … Our next episode will be on the adaptation of the Percival Everett novel, ERASURE, which has been adapted for the screen as AMERICAN FICTION and directed by Cord Jefferson and stars Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown. The film is not in theaters. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation of POOR THINGS, the Yorgos Lanthimos adaptation from the Alasdair Gray novel of the same name. The book follows the account of Archie McCandless, a Scottish public health officer, who falls in love with a strange woman named Bella Baxter, created by his medical friend Godwin Baxter by implanting her unborn child's brain into her lifeless body. Bella is animated by a desire to see and experience the world, and all of the book is related second hand whether through letters to Archie which are printed in his narrative, Bella’s own postscript to whoever is reading this decades later, and the author’s own notes on both narratives. … The film adaptation stars Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ray Youssef, Christopher Abbott, Jerrod Carmichael and Margaret Qualley. The film was released on December 15, 2023 and was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, with the screenplay written by Tony McNamara. … Topics of discussion include the shift away from the book’s story within a story structure, the focusing on Bella Baxter, the Greek Weird Wave, some films that were inspirations for the crew, and whether or not the guys can pull off a Scottish accent. … Listen to the episode to find out how the series stacks up to the book. … (0:00) From the book… (1:31) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (16:36) A word from our sponsor… (17:14) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (36:06) Trailer (36:28) Learn you something, differences from the book… … Our next episode will be on the adaptation of the Perceival Everett novel, ERASURE, which has been adapted for the screen as AMERICAN FICTION and directed by Cord Jefferson and stars Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown. The film’s release date is set for December 15, 2023. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation of KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, the Martin Scorsese adaptation from the bestselling David Grann nonfiction novel of the same name. It tells the story of the investigation of a series of murders that took place in the early 1920s in Osage County, Oklahoma. After big oil deposits were found under their land, the Osage people were awarded headrights to the profits made from the oil deposits, but a complex plot is hatched by a number of white locals to kill the Osage inheritors and receive the headrights themselves. … The film adaptation stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert DeNiro and Lily Gladstone. The film was released on October 20, 2023 and was directed by Martin Scorsese, with the screenplay written by Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese. … Topics of discussion include the shift in story framing, the Tom White backstory that didn’t make it to the screen, the different types of full moons, and whether or not intermissions should be allowed in movie theaters. … Listen to the episode to find out how the series stacks up to the book. … (0:00) From the book… (1:05) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (16:51) A word from our sponsor… (17:28) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (35:41) Trailer (38:04) Learn you something, differences from the book… … Our next episode will be on the adaptation of the Alasdair Gray novel, POOR THINGS, which is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and stars Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe. The film’s release date is set for December 8, 2023. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation of FOE, the story of Junior and Henrietta, a married couple living on a remote farm in the near future. One day, a mysterious man named Terrence arrives. Terrence works for an aerospace corporation called OuterMore and tells Junior he’s been selected to travel to the Installation, a large space station that orbits around earth, to test its livability for human life. What follows is the domestic fallout from this visit, as Henrietta and Junior both come to terms with the opportunity and the replacement Junior the corporation plans to have live with Henrietta while he’s gone. Themes of isolation, identity, and AI feature prominently. … The film adaptation stars Satires Ronan, Paul Mescal and Aaron Pierre. The film was released on October 6, 2023 and was directed by Garth Davis, with the screenplay written by Garth Davis and Iain Reid (also the author of the novel). … Topics of discussion include the importance of a plot twist, the symbology of a horned beetle, the different types of unreliable narrators in literature, and whether or not you could live with another AI version of yourself. … Listen to the episode to find out how the series stacks up to the book. … (0:00) From the book… (1:21) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (12:13) A word from our sponsor… (13:01) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (37:19) Trailer (39:24) Learn you something, differences from the book… … Our next episode will be on the adaptation of the David Grann’s NYT best-selling nonfiction novel, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, which is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Brendan Fraser, and Jesse Plemons. The film’s release date is set for October 20, 2023. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation of THE LONG GOODBYE, a classic hard-boiled detective fiction novel written by Raymond Chandler, that tells the story of Philip Marlowe, a private detective living in Los Angeles, who is pulled into a mystery when both his friend Terry Lennox, and his wife, turn up dead, the latter by murder and the former by suicide. Or were they? While Marlowe investigates the deaths, he’s pulled deeper into the lives of the Lennox’s neighbors, the famous author Roger Wade and his wife, and the police. … The film adaptation stars Elliott Gould, Nina van Pallandt, Sterling Hayden, and a brief appearance from a young Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film was released in 1973 and was directed by Robert Altman, with the screenplay written by Leigh Brackett. … Topics of discussion include the modernizing of the film’s setting, the dynamic performances of Gould and Sterling, the complex plot of the book that is stripped down in the film, and the unlikely talent of striking a match. … Listen to the episode to find out how the series stacks up to the book. … (0:00) From the book… (1:30) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (10:49) A word from our sponsor… (11:14) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (28:47) “Take off your clothes…” (30:54) Learn you something, differences from the book… … Our next episode will be on the adaptation of the Iain Reid novel, FOE, our first episode of this year’s upcoming season on 2023 Oscar Bait. The film is directed by Garth Davis ("Lion") and stars Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal. The film’s release date is set for October 6, 2023. … The episode following FOE will be on the film adaptation of David Grann’s NYT bestselling nonfiction book, THE KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, which is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Brendan Fraser, and Jesse Plemons. The film’s release date is set for October 20, 2023. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the series adaptation of WOOL, a science fiction novel written by Hugh Howey, that tells the story of a dystopian future where generations of survivors live together in a subterranean silo. The society is stratified into blue and white collar workers and governed by strict regulations designed to protect the residents from the perceived horrors of the outside world. But when a small group of residents start to believe that all is not what it seems, they threaten to unravel the stability of the silo. … The Apple TV+ series adaptation stars Rebecca Ferguson, Rashida Jones, David Oyelowo, Common, and Tim Robbins. The series was developed by Graham Yost, consists of ten episodes in Season 1 and debuted May 5, 2023 on Apple TV+. The series was renewed for a second season. … Topics of discussion include the tonal shift in the show, the expanded roles of Sims and Judicial, where the series ends in comparison to the book, and whether or not there would be accents in the silo. … Listen to the episode to find out how the show stacks up to the book. … (0:05) From the book… (1:27) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (16:55) A word from our sponsor… (17:23) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (38:43) Trailer… (40:12) Learn you something, differences from the book… … Our next episode will be on the adaptation of the Alasdair Gray novel, POOR THINGS, our first episode of this year’s upcoming season on 2023 Oscar Bait. The film is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and stars Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael, and Margaret Qualley. The film’s release date is set for September 8, 2023. … The episode following POOR THINGS will be on the film adaptation of David Grann’s NYT bestselling nonfiction book, THE KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, which is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Brendan Fraser, and Jesse Plemons. The film’s release date is set for October 6, 2023. … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the series adaptation of DAISY JONES & THE SIX, a novel written in an oral history format by Taylor Jenkins Reid, that tells the story of a rock n’ roll band in the 1970’s, and details their meteoric rise to the top of the charts and their chaotic fall to oblivion. The series adaptation stars Riley Keough, Sam Claflin, Suki Waterhouse, Camila Morrone, Nabiyah Be and Timothy Olyphant. The series was developed by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, consists of ten episodes and debuted March 3, 2023 on Amazon Prime. Topics of discussion include the experience of reading a novel with an oral history format and if that fits this story well, the seemingly easy decision to adapt a story like this, and the major differences from the book including Simone’s expanded backstory. Listen to the episode to find out how the film stacks up to the novel. (0:22) Excerpt from the novel… (0:55) Fast facts, Recap, Games… (12:44) A word from our sponsor… (13:04) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (34:02) Trailer… (34:57) Learn you something, differences from the book… Our next episode will be on the Apple TV+ series adaptation, SILO, based on the science fiction novel, WOOL, written by Hugh Howey. If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

In this episode, the guys make their picks for the top eight categories for the 95th Academy Awards airing this Sunday night, 3/12. Picking favorites to win as well as who they will be rooting for. The categories are listed below: • Best Picture • Best Director • Best Actor • Best Actress • Best Supporting Actor • Best Supporting Actress • Best Original Screenplay • Best Adapted Screenplay If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation of THE DEATH OF IVAN ILYICH, a novella written by Leo Tolstoy that tells the story of the monotony and purposelessness of one man’s life as he struggles to find meaning before his ultimate demise. The most recent film adaptation, LIVING, stars Billy Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp and Tom Burke. The screenplay was written by Kazuo Ishiguro and directed by Oliver Herman’s. The film received two Academy Awards nominations including Best Actor (Bill Nighy) and Best Adapted Screenplay. Technically, LIVING is adapted from the classic Akira Kurosawa film, IKIRU, which we also watched and will be discussing a trifecta of differences between the source material (Leo Tolstoy’s novella), the Kurosawa class (Ikiru), as well as the most recent rendition (LIVING). Listen to the episode to find out how the film stacks up to the novel. (0:00) Excerpt from the novel… (1:31) Fast facts, Recap, Games… (15:04) A word from our sponsor… (15:47) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (32:43) Trailer… (34:19) Learn you something, film differences… Other topics include the poignancy of the novella’s ending, the added element of legacy to the films from the novella, and whether or not Erik hates love. Our next episode will be our picks for the top eight categories for the 95th Academy Awards airing this Sunday night, 3/12. We will be picking our favorites to win (who we think will win) and who we will be rooting for in the following categories: • Best Picture • Best Director • Best Actor • Best Actress • Best Supporting Actor • Best Supporting Actress • Best Original Screenplay • Best Adapted Screenplay Because why not? If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation of WOMEN TALKING, a novel written by Miriam Toews that tells the story of colony of Mennonite women who are victims of obscene and grotesque crimes, meet in secret to decide their response and ultimately their future. The film adaptation received a limited release in theaters in December 2022 and stars Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Judith Ivey, Ben Whishaw and Frances McDormand. The film was written and directed by Sarah Polley. Listen to the episode to find out how the film stacks up to the novel. (0:00) Excerpt from the novel… (0:49) Fast facts, Recap, Games… (10:53) A word from our sponsor… (11:16) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (42:07) Trailer… (43:48) Learn you something, film differences… Other topics include the author’s choice to have a male narrator taking meeting minutes as the novel’s narrative structure, the important of setting, why audiobooks suck, and why this film may have received more love this award’s season than SHE SAID. Our next episode will be on LIVING, an adaptation of the Russian novella written by Leo Tolstoy titled, The Death of Ivan Ilyich, as well as the 1952 Japanese film Ikiru, directed by Akira Kurosawa. The film is about an English bureaucrat facing a fatal illness in 1950’s London. The film adaptation has received rave reviews and two Academy Award nominations (Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay), and was directed by Oliver Hermanus, screenplay written by Kazuo Ishiguro, and stars Bill Nighy. If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation of WHITE NOISE, a postmodern novel and winner of the 1985 US National book Award. Written by Don DeLillo, it tells the story of Jack Gladney, a Hitler-studies professor at the College-on-the-Hill, and his family who encounter an airborne toxic event, spinning their lives into unforeseen circumstances. The film adaptation was released on Netflix in late December 2022 and stars Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig and Don Cheadle. The film was written and directed by Noah Baumbach. Listen to the episode to find out how the film stacks up to the novel. (0:00) Excerpt from the novel… (0:57) Fast facts, Recap, Games… (9:24) A word from our sponsor… (10:02) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (35:50) Trailer… (36:45) Learn you something, film differences… Other topics include the difficulties of adapting such an interior novel, the interconnection around themes of death, academia and consumerism, and why the “Barn scene” was not included in the film. Our next adaptation will be WOMEN TALKING, the acclaimed novel from Miriam Toews about a colony of women who wake up one morning to a shocking discovery. The film adaptation has received rave reviews and two Academy Award nominations (Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay). The film was directed by Sarah Polley and stars Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Judith Ivey, Ben Whishaw and Frances McDormand. If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

One last conversation before we bid adieu to 2022, a year that had a lot of great adaptations, and great content overall. We get together to discuss our Top 3's of the year. We reveal each of our three favorite movies that were released this year, our three favorite books that we read this year (regardless of the year they were released), as well as our favorite episode we released this year (because who doesn't love a little self-indulgence). Cheers to 2022, and hello to 2023! Happy New Year to all the LTLiens out there! Twitter: @littolens Instagram: @littolens Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com Email: [email protected]

The guys discuss the film adaptation of BONES & ALL, a young adult novel, written by Camille DeAngelis, which tells the story of a girl named Maren, who attempts to navigate her way in society while controlling her urges to devour human flesh. The film adaptation was released in theaters on November 18, 2022 and stars Taylor Russell, Timothée Chalamet, Mark Rylance, Chloë Sevigny and Michael Stuhlbarg. The screenplay was written by David Kajganich, and the film was directed by Luca Guadagnino. Listen to the episode to find out how the film stacks up to the novel. (0:09) Excerpt from the novel… (1:03) Fast facts, Recap, Games… (11:51) A word from our sponsor… (12:25) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (36:47) Trailer… (37:16) Learn you something, film differences… Other topics include the author’s note about being vegan and how that impacts the reading of her story, the maturity of the film’s narrative, and which countries have the highest vegetarian and vegan populations. Our next adaptation will be WHITE NOISE, the acclaimed postmodern novel from Don DeLillo about a family dealing with an “airborne toxic event” that clouds and engulfs their lives as they know it. If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [email protected] Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the film adaptation of SHE SAID, the book about the reporting behind the New York Times article bringing the sexual harassment and assault allegations against prominent Hollywood film producer, Harvey Weinstein, to light. The book was written by the two reporters of the New York Times article, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, but tells the story of how information was obtained, how difficult it was to convince victims to go on the record, and what exactly went into the reporting process for that story and others that helped ignite the #MeToo movement. The adaptation was released in theaters on November 18, 2022 and stars Zoe Kazan, Carey Mulligan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Morton and Ashley Judd. Listen to the episode to find out how the film stack up to the book. Stay tuned for our next episode on BONES & ALL.

The guys discuss the adaptation of THE GREATEST BEER RUN EVER (starring Zac Efron, Russell Crowe & Bill Murray) and how the film compares to the eponymous novel from Joanna Molly and John “Chickie” Donohue about a man who travels to front lines of the Vietnam war to deliver beers to his buddies from his neighborhood back in New York City. ---------------------------------------------------------------- (0:00) Excerpt from the novel ---------------------------------------------------------------- (1:11) Hello, Fast facts, Recap, Two Truths One Lie, Over/Under ---------------------------------------------------------------- (11:27) Ad ---------------------------------------------------------------- (11:51) Pitch me, daddy ---------------------------------------------------------------- (17:20) The book ---------------------------------------------------------------- (27:59) Trailer ---------------------------------------------------------------- (31:08) The Domino Theory ---------------------------------------------------------------- (37:14) Literal, loose, or reimagined ---------------------------------------------------------------- (38:32) Difference 1: Chickie’s motivation for going to Vietnam ---------------------------------------------------------------- (46:12) Difference 2: Chickie’s Vietnamese friend ---------------------------------------------------------------- (52:02) Difference 3: The role of the “tourist” ---------------------------------------------------------------- (1:11:42) Difference 4: The journalist ---------------------------------------------------------------- (1:21:06) Difference 5: The reveal ---------------------------------------------------------------- (1:25:55) Was the adaptation successful ---------------------------------------------------------------- (1:35:59) Hot takes ---------------------------------------------------------------- (1:39:05) Book or movie ---------------------------------------------------------------- (1:40:38) Final thoughts ---------------------------------------------------------------- (1:41:15) Signing off and next episode ---------------------------------------------------------------- (1:42:54) Surprise ad ---------------------------------------------------------------- Our next adaptation will be SHE SAID, the story about how Harvey Weinstein came to justice. ---------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, shoot us e message here: [email protected] ---------------------------------------------------------------- twitter.com/littolens ---------------------------------------------------------------- instagram.com/littolens

The guys discuss the adaptation of BULLET TRAIN (starring Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Michael Shannon, Hiroyuki Sanada, Bad Bunny, Zazie Beetz, Logan Lerman, and Sandra Bullock) and how the film compares to the novel (originally titled “Maria Beetle”) from the author Kōtarō Isaka. The conversation begins with the light-hearted, but ultimately exhausting and confusing narrative of the novel (11:52). Then we breakdown the differences of the film adaptation and whether those differences diminish or enhance the story including the wacky tone, the diminishing role of The Prince, and the outrageously chaotic ending (35:08). Other topics include the inevitable conversation around whitewashing, the emerging Sandra Bullock-Channing Tatum-Brad Pitt trifecta, and whether or not the Hollywood CGI workers need a day off. Our next adaptation is still being considered so let us know if you have an idea for an episode! We hope you enjoy and don’t be shy to let us know what you think at our socials below: Twitter: @littolens Instagram: @littolens

The guys discuss the adaptation of THE GRAY MAN (starring Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans and Ana de Armas) and how the film compares to the eponymous novel from the author Mark Greaney. The conversation begins with the struggles of reading a particularly predictable plot and what draws readers to these kinds of stories (12:52). Then we breakdown the differences of the film adaptation and whether those differences diminish or enhance the story (37:24). Other topics include the potential for a sequel (or a series), Chris Evans’ wardrobe, and whether or not this was just an advertising vehicle for Tag Heuer. Our next adaptation will be BULLET TRAIN (Aug 5th) starring Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Zazie Beetz, Logan Lerman and Bad Bunny based on the eponymous novel by Kotaro Isaka. We hope you enjoy and don’t be shy to let us know what you think at our socials below: Twitter: @littolens Instagram: @littolens

The guys discuss the adaptation of WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, and how the film compares to the worldwide sensation from author Delia Owens. — The conversation begins with the seemingly obvious reasons why this novel was adapted for the big screen, whether the book lived up to the hype or not, and if the storyline is even all that convincing (13:08). — Then we breakdown the differences of the film adaptation and whether those differences enhanced or diminished the story (50:34). — Other topics include the controversy surrounding the author’s connections to the murder of a poacher in Africa in the 1990’s, Daisy Edgar-Jones’ chops as a lead actress, and which state has the most linguistically diverse population in the US. — Our next adaptation will be THE GRAY MAN starring Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas and Billy Bob Thornton based on the eponymous novel by Mark Greaney. — We hope you enjoy and don’t be shy to let us know what you think at our socials below: Twitter: @littolens Instagram: @littolens

The guys discuss the recent Netflix adaptation, SPIDERHEAD, starring Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller and how it compares to the George Saunders short story it was based on, ESCAPE FROM SPIDERHEAD (available for free online from The New Yorker). The conversation begins with the short story and why Hollywood might want to adapt it for the big (or in this case, small) screen (12:55). ------------------------- We are introduced to George Saunders, the short story King, and what makes his style of writing so unique (35:45). ------------------------- Then we get a breakdown of the film adaptation and whether it was able to strike the same tones as its source material (41:15). ------------------------- Other topics include Hollywood’s recent admiration for short stories, Miles Teller’s rebound into the mainstream, and whether or not Erik is a home wrecker. ------------------------- We hope you enjoy and don’t be shy to let us know what you think at our socials below: Twitter: @littolens Instagram: @littolens ------------------------- Co-host/Writer: Erik Payne Co-host/Producer: Will Sloan

In this episode, the guys discuss part three in our trilogy of episodes for ‘Pachinko’ (episodes 6-8), an Apple TV+ series adaptation of the very popular and critically-acclaimed Min Jin Lee novel. The series was created by Soo Hugh and directed by both Kogonada (‘Columbus’, ‘After Yang’) and Justin Chon (‘Blue Bayou’) and stars Soji Arai, Jin Ha, Jun-woo Han, In-ji Jeon, Min-ha Kim, Lee Min-ho and Jimmi Simpson. The conversation ranges from the problems with the narrative structure, the show’s relationship with America, THAT Koh Hansu episode, and whether or not Erik sticks around for the whole episode. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the book or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens 
Instagram: @littolens
 Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com
 Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the guys discuss episodes 2-5 for ‘Pachinko’ (2021), an Apple TV+ series adaptation of the very popular and critically-acclaimed Min Jin Lee novel. The series was created by Soo Hugh and directed by both Kogonada (‘Columbus’, ‘After Yang’) and Justin Chon (‘Blue Bayou’) and stars Soji Arai, Jin Ha, Jun-woo Han, In-ji Jeon, Min-ha Kim, Lee Min-ho and Jimmi Simpson. The conversation ranges from the seemingly slow pace of the TV show, where the story could take us in subsequent seasons, and whether or not Erik even has a subscription to Apple TV+. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the book or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens
 Instagram: @littolens
 Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com
 Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the guys discuss the pilot episode for ‘Pachinko’ (2021), an Apple TV+ series adaptation of the very popular and critically-acclaimed Min Jin Lee 2017 novel. The series was created by Soo Hugh and directed by both Kogonada (‘Columbus’, ‘After Yang’) and Justin Chon (‘Blue Bayou’) and stars Soji Arai, Jin Ha, Jun-woo Han, In-ji Jeon, Min-ha Kim, Lee Min-ho and Jimmi Simpson. The conversation ranges from the differences of the adaptation’s narrative structure, what a Pachinko is, and whether or not Apple TV+ is the new premier streaming platform. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the book or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens 
Instagram: @littolens
 Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com
 Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the guys discuss ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ (2021), an adaptation of the very famous William Shakespeare play ‘Macbeth’ (1623). The film was written and directed by Joel Coen (‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’, ‘No Country for Old Men’) and stars Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Bertie Carvel, Alex Hassell, Corey Hawkins, Harry Melling, Brendan Gleeson, Kathryn Hunter, Stephen Root and Ralph Ineson. The conversation ranges from the film’s (minor?) differences from the source material, why the play is considered to be cursed, and whether or not Ross is an agent of chaos. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the book or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens
 Instagram: @littolens
Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com
 Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the guys discuss ‘After Yang,’ an adaptation of the Alexander Weinstein short story 'Saying Goodbye to Yang' in the collection 'Children of the New World' (2016). The film was written and directed by Kogonada ('Columbus') and stars Colin Farrell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Justin H. Min, Maela Emma Tjandrawidjaja, and Haley Lu Richardson. The conversation ranges from the film's expansion from the source material, a distinct visual style and aesthetic from the director, and whether or not we really need Showtime in our streaming lives. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the book or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens
 Instagram: @littolens 
Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com
 Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the guys discuss ‘Nightmare Alley,’ an adaptation of the William Lindsay Gresham novel (1946). The screenplay was penned by Guillermo del Toro and Kim Morgan and and the film directed by del Toro. It stars Bradley Cooper as the ambitious mentalist, Stanton Carlisle, who rises the ranks of the carney circuit. Also in the film is Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Toni Collette, Willem Defoe, Richard Jenkins, Ron Perlman and David Strathairn, The conversation ranges from the heavy material presented in the book, what Tarot cards are all about, and whether or not geekin' is right for you. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the book or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens
 Instagram: @littolens 
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 Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the guys discuss ‘The Power of the Dog,’ an adaptation of a Thomas Savage novel. The novel was written by Thomas Savage and published in 1967. Annie Proulx (author of 'Brokeback Mountain') is quoted as calling it a "literary artwork" and wrote the Afterword in the 2001 edition (and subsequent) of this novel. The film was written and directed by Jane Campion (The Piano.) The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee. The conversation ranges from the subtle difference in subtlety of the story's subtext between book and movie, how leaving out an important character from the book influences the family dynamics and motivations of one character, and whether or not you should wash your hands after handling a dead animal. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the book or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens
 Instagram: @littolens 
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 Email: [email protected]

One last conversation before we bid adieu to 2021, a year that wasn't much better than the previous. But nonetheless, we discuss our Top 3's of the year. Our favorite movies released this and books we read this year (regardless of when they were released). Cheers to 2021, may 2022 be infinitely better! Happy New Year to all you LTLiens out there! Give it a listen! If you have time, please rate and review! We want to find more listeners like you! Twitter: @littolens Instagram: @littolens Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the guys introduce the tenth (10) season of the podcast: 2022 Oscar Bait. What does that mean? Well, this season we'll be reading and discussing the (likely?) Best Adapted Screenplay nominees for the 2022 Academy Awards. The adaptations include 'Dune', 'Drive My Car', 'The Power of the Dog', 'Nightmare Alley', and 'The Tragedy of Macbeth'. The conversation ranges from why we chose this season, what we are most excited to read and watch, why IMDB has such horrible synopses, and whether or not Erik is a kleptomaniac. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the book or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens Instagram: @littolens Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the guys discuss ‘Drive My Car,’ an adaptation of a Haruki Murakami short story. The short story was written by Haruki Murakami and published in in 2014 (Japan) in 'Men Without Women,' a short story collection by Murakami. The collection was well received and ended up on Barack Obama's best books list of 2019. The film was directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi (Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, Wife of a Spy, Storytellers) and written by Hamaguchi and Takamasa Oe. The film stars Hidetoshi Nishijima, Tōko Miura, Masaki Okada and Reika Kirishima. The conversation ranges from the how the film built upon and expanded from the 40-page short story, whether Murakami adapts easily to the screen, ghosts and a brief word from our new sponsor. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the book or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens
 Instagram: @littolens 
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In Episode 1 of Season 10: Oscar Bait, the guys discuss the adaptation of ‘Dune’. The novel was written by Frank Herbert and published in 1965, winning both the Hugo and Nebula Awards for that year, and becoming a timeless classic of the Science Fiction genre. The novel has had the stigma of being “unadaptable” attached to it for over four decades due to failures of the adaptations during that period of time. Originally, the novel was almost adapted in mid-1970’s by Alejandro Jodorowsky, and was successfully adapted by David Lynch 1984 but failed at the box office and panned by critics, as well as a miniseries in 2000. And now Hollywood takes another shot at adapting the unadaptable in 2021. The film was directed by Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, Sicario, Prisoners, Enemy) and written by Jon Spaihts, Eric Roth and Villeneuve. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa and Javier Bardem. The conversation ranges from the how this adaptation stacks up against the source material, whether the differences from the book help or hinder the story, what to expect in Part Two, and we learn what the hell an epigraph is. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the book or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens
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Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com
 Email: [email protected]

In Episode 3 of Season 9: The Beat Generation, the guys discuss the adaptation of 'Big Sur' and whether or not bringing this story to the screen really makes sense. The book was written by Jack Kerouac, published in 1962, and was adapted for the screen in 2013. The film was written and directed by Michael Polish, and stars Jean-Marc Barr, Josh Lucas, Radha Mitchell, and Kate Bosworth. The conversation ranges from the unique reading experience of a Beat novel, the very literal nature of the adaptation, the dark nature of the ending, and Erik teaches us all Free Verse. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the novel or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens Instagram: @littolens Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com Email: [email protected]

In Episode 2 of Season 9: The Beat Generation, the guys discuss the most famous of all Beat poems: "Howl" The poem was written by Allen Ginsberg, published in 1956, and adapted for the screen in 2010. The film was written and directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, and stars James Franco, David Strathairn, Jon Hamm, Mary-Louise Parker and Jeff Daniels. The conversation in this episode ranges from anaphora in poetry to the framing of the film (which is, frankly, bad). Erik gets heated over the filmmaker's stylistic choices, questions why Ginsberg has been removed from central action, and asks whether or not the lead prosecutor (played by Stratharin) is among the dumbest lawyers in film history. Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the novel or the movie. We want to find more fine listeners like yourself, but we can't do it without your help. All you have to do is listen, rate, & review! Find us elsewhere on the internet for more content --> Twitter: @littolens Instagram: @littolens Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com Email: [email protected]