Lit To Lens

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: 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)

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 ep

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 T

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

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 WHIT

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 ---------------------------------------

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 so

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: @littol

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 -

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: littolens@gmail.com

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: littolens@gmail.com

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 Too 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: littolens@gmail.com

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: littolens@gmail.com

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: littolens@gmail.com

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

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! Fin

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: littolens@gmail.com