In episode three of the "2021 Oscar Bait" season, the guys discuss "One Night in Miami...".

The play, written by Kemp Powers (screenwriter of "Soul"), was first performed in 2013, was adapted for the screen in 2020 by the playwright himself. 

The film was directed by Regina King in her feature film directorial debut, and stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X, Eli Goree as Cassius Clay, Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown, and Leslie Odom, Jr. as Sam Cooke.

The conversation ranges from the play's concise storytelling, the adaptation's expansion, Regina King's chops as a director, and whether or not stories like these should just be documentaries.

Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the play 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!

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Twitter: @littolens
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Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com
Email: littolens@gmail.com

39. One Night In Miami...

In episode five of the "2021 Oscar Bait" season, the guys discuss "The Father".

The play, written by Florian Zeller and first performed in 2012, was adapted for the screen in 2020.

The film was directed by the playwright himself, Florian Zeller, and written for the screen by Zeller and Christopher Hampton (who also translated the play into English). It stars Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman.

The conversation ranges from the play's unique structure, the adaptation's few differences from the play, the incredible performances, and whether or not Anthony Hopkins is the greatest of all time.

Listen to the episode for yourself and let us know which you enjoyed more, the play 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!

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Twitter: @littolens
Instagram: @littolens
Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com
Email: littolens@gmail.com

41. The Father

In this episode, the guys introduce the newest season of the podcast: The Beat Generation. What does that mean? Well, this season we'll be reading and discussing the books the shaped the Beat Generation from 1950's America.

The adaptations include 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac, 'Howl' by Allen Ginsberg, 'Big Sur' by Jack Kerouac, and 'Naked Lunch' by William S. Burroughs.

The conversation ranges from why we decided to take on this season, what the significance of the Beat Generation writers, and whether or not they are the original hipsters.

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!

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Twitter: @littolens
Instagram: @littolens
Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com
Email: littolens@gmail.com

43. Season 9: Beat Generation

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!

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Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com
Email: littolens@gmail.com

46. Howl

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!

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Twitter: @littolens 
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 Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com 
Email: littolens@gmail.com

49. Drive My Car

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!

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Twitter: @littolens 
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 Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com 
Email: littolens@gmail.com

54. After Yang

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!

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 Instagram: @littolens 
Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com 
Email: littolens@gmail.com

56. Pachinko (Ep. 1)

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!

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Blog: www.littolensblog.wordpress.com 
Email: littolens@gmail.com

57. Pachinko (Ep. 2-5)

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

61. The Gray Man

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: littolens@gmail.com

Or reach out on social media:
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65. BONES & ALL

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: littolens@gmail.com

66. 2022: An Adapted Year In Review

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: littolens@gmail.com

Or reach out on social media:
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67. WHITE NOISE

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: littolens@gmail.com

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68. WOMEN TALKING

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: littolens@gmail.com

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69. LIVING

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: littolens@gmail.com

Or reach out on social media:
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70. 95th Oscar Picks

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: littolens@gmail.com

Or reach out on social media:
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71. DAISY JONES & THE SIX

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: littolens@gmail.com
…

Or reach out on social media:
twitter.com/littolens
instagram.com/littolens

72. SILO

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: littolens@gmail.com
…

Or reach out on social media:
twitter.com/littolens
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73. THE LONG GOODBYE

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: littolens@gmail.com
…

Or reach out on social media:
twitter.com/littolens
instagram.com/littolens

74. FOE

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: littolens@gmail.com
…

Or reach out on social media:
twitter.com/littolens
instagram.com/littolens

75. KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

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: littolens@gmail.com
…

Or reach out on social media:
twitter.com/littolens
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76. POOR THINGS

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: littolens@gmail.com
…

Or reach out on social media:
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instagram.com/littolens

77. 2023: An Adapted Year In Review

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.
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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.
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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. 
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Listen to the episode to find out how the series stacks up to the book.
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(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…
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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.
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If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: littolens@gmail.com
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Or reach out on social media:
twitter.com/littolens
instagram.com/littolens

78. AMERICAN FICTION

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.
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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. 
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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. 
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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: littolens@gmail.com
…

Or reach out on social media:
twitter.com/littolens
instagram.com/littolens

79. THE ZONE OF INTEREST

In our second episode, Erik and Will discuss the film "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" after reading it's eponymous source material. They talk being a freshmen in high school, sexuality, and abuse. Plus, Will wants to know if Erik has  ever eaten pot brownies. Listen to find out.

Season 1 - Young Adult

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Erik and Will discuss the film ‘V for Vendetta’ and it’s eponymous graphic novel source material. They talk about the differences between the film and the graphic novel, the morality of V, and the story’s themes of fascism, anarchy, chaos, and rebuilding. Will quizzes Erik on director James McTeigue’s other work. Listen and enjoy.

Will Sloan's Album

15. V for Vendetta

Will and Erik drop into Fantom Comics in Washington, D.C. to talk to Jake, an avid comic book reader and cinephile. Erik and Will ask Jake about how he got into reading comics, what some of his favorites are, and how comic book film adaptations can often fall short.

16. Fantom Comics Interview

Erik and Will discuss the film ‘It' and its eponymous source material by Stephen King. Erik embarrassingly stumps Will in this week's quiz question. Will gets something off his chest, and Erik delves deep into the crazy world of Stephen King's novel and compares it against the relatively well-received film adaptation. Listen and enjoy.

18. It

In this episode the guys chat with Trevor Quachri, editor of "Analog" the perennial classic science fiction (and fact) magazine which has published stories from the likes of Frank Herbert, Joe Haldeman, Orson Scott Card, among many others. The conversation ranges from the magazine's beginnings as "Astounding," science fiction's expanded role today, the genre's diversity issues, and some of Trevor's favorite adaptations. 

If you have time, please rate and review! We want to find more listeners like you!

Twitter: twitter.com/littolens
Instagram: instagram.com/littolens
Blog: littolensblog.wordpress.com
Email: littolens@gmail.com

23. Trevor Quachri Interview (Editor, Analog Science Fiction & Fact Magazine)

In this episode the guys chat with Neil Clarke, publisher and editor-in-chief of "Clarkesworld". The popular (and three-time Hugo-award winning) monthly science fiction and fantasy magazine has hosted stories from the likes of N.K. Jemisin, Ken Liu, and Jeff VanderMeer, among many other great writers. It's also become a showcase for some great artists, as well. The conversation ranges from the seeds that sprouted Clarkesworld, the struggles with gaining a foothold in the literary community, and the efforts being taken to include science fiction stories from all over the world. Of course, we ask Neil to give us his favorite (and least favorite) sci-fi film adaptations. 

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: littolensblog.wordpress.com
Email: littolens@gmail.com

24. Neil Clarke Interview (Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Clarkesworld Magazine)

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A podcast about books and their film adaptations. It's a safe place for those who really did like the movie better than the book.

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