Claim OwnershipAdaptation: Book to Movie
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An examination of the historical significance and cultural contexts of film adaptations of books.
19 Episodes
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In this episode of 'Adaptation: The Book to Movie Podcast,' Nate and Chris discuss 'A Clockwork Orange,' originally written by Anthony Burgess, before being adapted for the screen by the one and only Stanley Kubrick, the legendary filmmaker behind 'The Shining,' '2001: A Space Odyssey' and many more. They discuss how Burgess created his own vernacular for the characters of his fictitious world, what the title actually means and the biggest difference between the movie and its source material. UP NEXT: 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' by Manuel Puig, with film adaptations directed by Hector Babenco and Bill Condon. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Letterboxd (@cjanderson878) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
In this episode of Adaptation: The Book to Movie Podcast, Nate and Chris discuss 'Caught Stealing,' written by Charlie Huston, with a film adaptation directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Austin Butler, Zoe Kravitz, Bad Bunny, Regina King and many more. They also discuss the idea of the anti-hero -- someone you're asked to root for no matter how hard it gets -- and why it's so important for the lessons a character learns to be clear and present in the story. UP NEXT: 'A Clockwork Orange' by Anthony Burgess with a film adaptation directed by Stanley Kubrick. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Letterboxd (@cjanderson878) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
In this special episode of Adaptation: The Book to Movie Podcast, Nate and Chris take a look at the literary titan Agatha Christie, known best for writing murder mystery novels and plays like "Murder on the Orient Express," "And Then There Were None" and "Witness for the Prosecution" that have become staples in Hollywood over the last 100 years. They also discuss why readers and cinephiles love mystery, why Agatha's legacy is important despite some problematic language, her own mysterious disappearance and what it really means to create strong female characters. SHOW NOTE: In the episode, Chris mentions a book about sleep. This book is "Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dream" by Matthew Walker. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Letterboxd (@cjanderson878) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
Patrick Bateman’s skincare routine might be flawless, but his moral compass is anything but. In this episode of Adaptation, Nate and Chris dive into Bret Easton Ellis’s 'American Psycho' and Mary Harron’s razor-sharp film adaptation. From Bateman’s obsession with appearances to the satire of Wall Street excess, we discuss how the book’s graphic horror translates to the screen, why Christian Bale’s performance became iconic, and whether Patrick Bateman is the ultimate unreliable narrator—or just a brilliant disguise. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Letterboxd (@cjanderson878) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
This week, Nate and Chris take a critical look at 'Forrest Gump'—both the chaotic novel by Winston Groom and the sentimental, Oscar-sweeping film adaptation. While the movie has long been a fan favorite and cultural touchstone, its politics are murky and its themes baffling. And the book? Let’s just say it didn’t age well. From problematic portrayals to incoherent narrative choices, we ask the question: why did this story become the classic it did? Spoiler alert: nostalgia might be doing a lot of heavy lifting. Also: a very cursed trip to the moon, an orangutan named Sue, and the unfortunate case of Hollywood math. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Letterboxd (@cjanderson878) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
On this episode of Adaptation: The Book to Movie Podcast, Nate and Chris dive into Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel The Remains of the Day and its Oscar-nominated 1993 film adaptation starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. They explore how Ishiguro masterfully turns a seemingly mundane butler's journey into a gut-wrenching meditation on dignity, duty, emotional repression, and the pain of missed chances. Chris shares why this is his most gifted and re-read book, including how a single Tom Waits song changed its ending. Nate breaks down why the film’s tone and structure didn't initially resonate with him and how the adaptation struggles (and sometimes succeeds) to translate Stevens’ interiority to the screen. Expect thoughtful comparisons to Atonement, Pride and Prejudice, and even Murderbot, plus thoughts on Jurassic World: Rebirth and Denis Villeneuve taking on James Bond for Amazon. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Letterboxd (@cjanderson878) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
In this roaring episode of Adaptation: Book to Movie, Nate, Chris, and special guest Jack dig into Michael Crichton's 1990 techno-thriller 'Jurassic Park' and Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster adaptation. From the deadly differences between book and film (spoiler: Hammond's not so cuddly in the novel) to Jeff Goldblum's inexplicable sex appeal and the logistics of dinosaur enclosures, the trio unpacks the science, the spectacle, and the Spielbergification of one of the most influential films ever made. Also discussed: video game flops, traumatizing childhood viewings, and the boys' picks for the ultimate "movie night for the boys." Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Special Guest: Jack Cullivan Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
In this special solo episode of Adaptation: Book to Movie, Nate shares what he and co-host Chris plan to cover for the rest of the year including 'Forrest Gump,' 'American Psycho,' 'Wicked' and 'The Housemaid.' He also shares that they've developed a new format for their conversations to be rolled out in a few weeks featuring more back-and-forth discussions and reviews. A must-listen for fans of books, movies, and adaptation culture! Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
In this episode, Nate and Chris unpack the absurd charm of Oscar Wilde’s timeless comedy 'The Importance of Being Earnest.' They dive into Wilde’s flamboyant life, the satirical brilliance of the play, and its lasting legacy as both literature and cinematic adaptation. From rapid-fire one-liners to cucumber sandwiches and christening chaos, they explore why the text is still laugh-out-loud funny today. Plus, a look at the two major film versions — 1952’s sharply faithful rendition and 2002’s star-studded yet slapstick take — reveals the challenges and triumphs of bringing Wilde’s comedy of manners to the screen. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
In this episode, Nate and Chris dive into Joe Wright’s Oscar-nominated film 'Atonement,' adapted from Ian McEwan’s acclaimed novel. From its sweeping cinematography and unforgettable performances by Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, and Saoirse Ronan, to that jaw-dropping twist ending, the hosts unpack what makes this adaptation a standout in the book-to-film genre. They explore the film’s structure, historical setting, and how Wright and screenwriter Christopher Hampton translate McEwan’s layered narrative to the screen — plus, they discuss that iconic green dress, the film’s haunting score, and whether the adaptation does justice to the novel’s complex themes of memory, guilt, and storytelling. If you’re a fan of literary cinema, period dramas, or simply want to revisit one of the most quietly devastating films of the 2000s, this episode’s for you. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
In this special solo episode of Adaptation: Book to Movie, Nate shares how he and co-host Chris choose which book-to-film adaptations to cover. Get a behind-the-scenes look at their planning process, their commitment to diverse storytelling, and what’s coming up next — including adaptations like 'Jurassic World: Rebirth,' 'Animal Farm,' 'Wicked,' 'Frankenstein' by Guillermo del Toro, and more. Nate also reviews Marvel’s 'Thunderbolts*' and unpacks recent film industry news, including Donald Trump’s proposed international film tariff. A must-listen for fans of books, movies, and adaptation culture! Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
In this episode, Nate and Chris dive into Toni Morrison's 'Beloved,' unpacking its harrowing portrayal of slavery, generational trauma, and ghostly reckoning. They explore Morrison's literary genius, the controversial 1998 film adaptation starring Oprah Winfrey, and draw compelling connections to 'Sinners' — Ryan Coogler's new box-office phenomenon about Black vampires and blues music. With themes of memory, identity, and systemic horror at the core, this discussion considers 'Beloved' not just as a novel or film, but as a foundational text for the entire epic lineage of Black horror. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
Step into the whimsical world of 'Mary Poppins' as we explore the magic, charm, and deeper themes behind this beloved story. In this episode, we discuss the origins of P.L. Travers' iconic character, the impact of Disney’s adaptation, and the timeless lessons that make 'Mary Poppins' a cherished classic. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering the story for the first time, this episode offers fascinating insights into the cultural significance and enduring appeal of everyone's favorite practically perfect nanny. PLUS: Our thoughts on Meryl Streep as Aslan in Greta Gerwig's upcoming 'Chronicles of Narnia' adaptations and more. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day "Adaptation Theme" Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day
In this episode, we explore the lasting impact of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club and its significance in Asian-American representation in literature and film. We discuss how the novel and its 1993 film adaptation shaped cultural conversations, paved the way for greater diversity in storytelling, and influenced modern media portrayals of Asian-American experiences. Our discussion delves into themes of identity, generational conflict, and the challenges of balancing tradition with assimilation. PLUS: Chris offers his thoughts on The Road by Cormac McCarthy and William Dear’s The Dungeon Master, while Nate shares insights on Rachel Zegler’s Snow White and Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) Instagram (@adaptation_pod) Nate's Letterboxd (@professor_n8) Chris's Goodreads Nate's Goodreads Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day
Nate and Chris examine Frank Herbert's science fiction classic 'Dune,' the epic tale of Paul Atreides's quest to unite the Fremen of Arrakis against the powerful Harkonnens. Then, they examine David Lynch's 1984 film adaptation, which starred Kyle McLachlan, Patrick Stewart, Sting, Linda Hunt, and others. PLUS: Nate shares his thoughts on Bong Joon Ho's latest film, 'Mickey 17' and Chris offers a review of 'The Onyx Storm' by Rebeccsa Yarros. Follow us on Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) and Instagram (@adaptation_pod)! Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day
Chris and Nate discuss Alice Walker's historic novel, 'The Color Purple' and its two film adaptations: 1985's directed by Steven Speilberg and starring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, and 2023's musical adaptation starring Fantasia, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks and Colman Domingo. The story follows Celie, a Black woman in the American South facing a lifetime of obstacles and hardship as she learns to love herself. Follow us on Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) and Instagram (@adaptation_pod)! Hosts: Chris Anderson, Nate Day Producer: Nate Day
Chris and Nate, with special guest Dave Anderson, discuss J. R. R. Tolkein's classic fantasy novel, 'The Hobbit' as well as the film adaptations it spawned: 1977's animated television movie 'The Hobbit' and the live action trilogy ('An Unexpected Journey,' 'The Desolation of Smaug' and 'The Battle of the Five Armies') directed by Peter Jackson and starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis. The story follows a humble Hobbit, Frodo Baggins, who is recruited by a wizard named Gandalf to help a crew of Dwarves reclaim their homeland from the dangerous dragon, Smaug. Follow us on Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) and Instagram (@adaptation_pod)! Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day Special guest: Dave Anderson
Chris and Nate take a look at Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel 'Little Women,' as well as four of its most famous film adaptations: 1933 starring Kathryn Hepburn; 1949 starring Elizabeth Taylor and Janet Leigh; 1994 starring Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes and Christian Bale; and 2018 starringSaorise Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Timothee Chalemet, Bob Odenkirk and Laura Dern, as directed by Greta Gerwig. The story follows four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, growing up in 19th century Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) and Instagram (@adaptation_pod)! Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day
Bibliophile Chris and Cinephile Nate discuss the historical significance and cultural context of film adaptations of books, plays, novels and literature in general. Follow us on Twitter/X (@AdaptPod) and Instagram(@adaptation_pod)! Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson Producer: Nate Day
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