Stay curious. Ask questions. These are the lessons that Frank Herbert imparts when you read about how he was able to write such a dense, scientific Sci-Fi classic. In episode 202, join Luke & James as they discuss the terrors of being buried alive, the Highlander-esque process of reading and learning from an author’s work, how to throw an aromatic DUNE party, and so much more as they discuss book two: Moad’Dib. Join them next week for book three: The Prophet! Become a Patron for hours of exc...
Oct 14, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Frank Herbert’s legendary novel DUNE’s publication history is a notable one, beginning in serialized form in Analog magazine before receiving numerous rejections as a novel that would go on to launch one of the bestselling Science Fiction franchises of all time. In episode 201, Luke & James discuss the first “book” of three contained in the novel, its legacy and expansive influence, the intersection of religion and ecology, and the excellent character work that keeps it all grounded. Join th...
Oct 07, 2021•1 hr 13 min
Can you name these books after hearing just the opening line? What about from a single quote pulled from the adaptation? In episode 200, Luke & James celebrate a long road behind them by putting their memories to the test not only by playing a couple tough games, but by challenging themselves to choose favorite episodes that stood out along the journey. They finish out by getting more personal, recalling all the ways their lives have changed since the show’s inception. Things like James gett...
Sep 30, 2021•1 hr 34 min
With the entire first season finished, the slightly different direction the adaptation is taking is beginning to become clear. But is that necessarily a bad thing? In episode 199, Luke & James discuss cultish religious organizations before breaking down each of the last five episodes of the first season of the show where Elizabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, and Ann Dowd continue to amaze. They finish things out by casting their vote for which was the superior version: the book or the show? Bec...
Sep 23, 2021•1 hr 32 min
Bruce Miller’s adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s famous novel has pulled in numerous accolades, but what is it that makes the show so noteworthy? In episode 198, Luke & James react to the first five episodes of season 1, explore the directorial decisions, what lighting can mean for a scene, the purpose of extreme closeups, and theorize why the show seems to push the envelope farther than the book even did. They make sure to discuss the fantastic performances from Elizabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahov...
Sep 16, 2021•1 hr 28 min
Margaret Atwood’s dystopian feminist novel drew praise and outrage alike when it was first released for its controversial subject matter, but the modern classic has only grown in relevance over time, with perhaps no moment in American history since its publication more apropos than the one we’re in now. In episode 197, Luke & James wade into the politics of the day, discuss the similarities between Gilead and Q-Anon, and the way religion can be used as a tool of suppression. Join them next w...
Sep 09, 2021•1 hr 25 min
Nia DaCosta’s spiritual follow-up to the 90s cult classic synthesizes the 30-year history of the legendary Candyman mythos and its real-world reach with the social problems of today, creating something truly special. In episode 196, Luke & James revel in their return to theaters, revisit the powerful on-screen presence of Yahya Abdul Mateen II, link Teyonah Parris and "The Marvels," spot a Clive Barker Easter egg, experience a shift in perspective, and shudder over some particularly affectin...
Sep 02, 2021•1 hr 22 min
Clive Barker invented the Candyman character in his short story “The Forbidden,” but it wouldn’t be until Bernard Rose’s adaptation hit theaters that the iconic Black antagonist would go mainstream and become a part of horror history. But which is the superior version? In episode 195, Luke & James discuss a strange choice in titles, Barker's signature style, Tony Todd’s unforgettable presence, charging by the bee sting, Virginia Madsen’s physicality, and the way that we all contribute to kee...
Aug 26, 2021•1 hr 31 min
Joe Wright created a commercially successful adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel that appealed to modern audiences, but does it lose anything in the process? In episode 194, special guest author Jennifer Hudak joins Luke & James to talk loaded looks, secret hand-flexes, hidden references, and some spectacular performances all over this star-studded cast (Kiera Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike, Judi Dench and more). Then they each cast their vote on which w...
Aug 19, 2021•1 hr 29 min
Jane Austen is widely considered among the greatest authors of all time, but she never knew it, dying well before her work would rise to fame. In episode 193, Luke & James discuss the tragic story of Austen as an anonymous novelist who lived a life remarkably similar to the characters she wrote about. Join them next week when they discuss Joe Wright’s adaptation starring Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, and Rosamund Pike! Become a Patron for hours of exclusive content & more: www.patr...
Aug 12, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Wolfgang Peterson traumatized scores of children with his harrowing depiction of Atreyu losing his horse Artax in the Swamp of Sadness, but is there any truth to the urban legend about the real-life horse dying in the scene? No, but there is a lot you might not know about what went into that iconic moment, which included a dangerous close call to actor Noah Hathaway. In episode 192, Luke & James relive their childhood with this important 80s fantasy gem and try to recapture the magic. Finall...
Aug 05, 2021•1 hr 21 min
Michael Ende’s famous novel explores the nature of storytelling and the value of reading books all while wrapped up in a meta-exploration of a surrealist fantasy adventure written for children. This book goes way beyond where Wolfgang Peterson’s iconic adaptation, exploring what it means to literally lose yourself in a story. In episode 191, Luke & James open the book and fall into the world of Fantastica to relieve some of the adventures of their childhood, discuss Michael Ende’s life, and ...
Jul 29, 2021•1 hr 22 min
Is George Roy Hill’s adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s most famous novel a lesser-known gem released before its time? Or does it struggle to truly rise above? In episode 190, Luke & James discuss which viewers the movie might appeal to most, the wizardry of film-editing before CGI, the extremely high level of difficulty in adapting such strange material, and what may be lost in the process. Then they end by casting their votes on which was ultimately the better version, the book or the movie! Be...
Jul 22, 2021•1 hr 3 min
Kurt Vonnegut’s enduring anti-war novel rocketed him into fame by coming to American readers when attitudes were ripe for the sort of novel he wanted to write, one that fictionalizes his experiences as a POW in World War II and the trauma of surviving the bombing of Dresden. In episode 189, Luke & James revel in the unique style of a master, try to look at death from a Tralfamadorian perspective, ponder an indecipherable question, and seek the meaning of life. And join them next week when th...
Jul 16, 2021•1 hr 18 min
In this former Patreon-exclusive episode, Luke & James discuss all of season 1 of HBO's WATCHMEN television series. Topics include Regina King's remarkable performance, Damon Lindelof's oeuvre & affinity for mystery boxes, and finally the possible meanings intended by the show's ending. Become a Patron for hours of more exclusive content like this: www.patreon.com/inktofilm Buy any of the source novels at Ink to Film's bookshop: www.bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter , Fac...
Jul 08, 2021•48 min
From the horrific tragedy that marred production to the up and down quality of each segment in this anthology-style 80s film, this former Patreon-exclusive episode gave Luke & James plenty to discuss! The film features four different directors: John Landis, Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante, and George Miller. Become a Patron for hours of more exclusive content like this: www.patreon.com/inktofilm Buy any of the source novels at Ink to Film's bookshop: www.bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Ink to Film's...
Jul 01, 2021•37 min
Now that the guys have seen Mike Flanagan’s entire vision, does it change their view of the show as an adaptation? In a word, yes, but also not completely. In episode 188, Luke & James geek out about "oners," get floored by a particular jump scare, and have their minds blown in the Red Room. They finish out the project with a final vote on which was better, Shirley Jackson’s novel or the Netflix series based on it! Become a Patron for hours of exclusive content & more: www.patreon.com/in...
Jun 24, 2021•1 hr 20 min
Mike Flanagan has made a name for himself as an adapter of famous works of horror, including several Stephen King projects, but it is his 2018 Netflix series adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s famous novel that may be his most notable outing yet. In episode 187, Luke & James don't always agree as they discuss how the vibe of the show differs from the book, why significant changes may have been made to suit the format, what the show is absolutely nailing, and where it may be a little too direct....
Jun 17, 2021•1 hr 20 min
Shirley Jackson is one of the most beloved horror writers of all time, and for good reason. In episode 186, Luke & James discuss what makes "The Haunting of Hill House" into one of, if not THE, greatest haunted house story of all time. Shirley Jackson’s masterful prose, her tragic death, and her monumental legacy are all on the table. And join them next week when they discuss the first five episodes of the Netflix series adaptation by Mike Flanagan! Become a Patron for hours of exclusive con...
Jun 10, 2021•1 hr 11 min
Take a ride into cinema history with Sidney Lumet’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s famous train murder-mystery. In episode 185, Luke & James discuss a star-studded cast (Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Sean Connery, John Gielgud, Anthony Perkins, and many more), an iconic filmmaker in his prime, and a story about Albert Finney’s makeup regimen that is so wild it has to be true. Become a Patron for hours of exclusive content & more: www.patreon.com/inktofilm Buy Murder on the Orient Expre...
Jun 03, 2021•1 hr 7 min
Agatha Christie is the single most best selling fiction author of all time, with 2.3 BILLION copies of her work sold. What makes her work such a sensation with a legion of devoted readers and more still discovering her today? In episode 184, Luke & James discuss the life of the Queen of Mystery herself, delve into her real-life disappearance, and weigh-in on whether or not they played the “game” of this novel in trying to predict who the killer was by the end, before legendary detective Herc...
May 27, 2021•1 hr 4 min
Joel and Ethan Coen won 4 Oscars for their acclaimed adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel of the same name starring Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, and Tommy Lee Jones. In episode 183, Luke & James discuss all the ways the material aligned with the Coen Brothers’ artistic vision, the indelible scenes filled with sights and sounds that haunt you well after the credits roll, and the bold choice to include powerful silences. They end by each casting their vote on which was the bet...
May 20, 2021•1 hr 26 min
Cormac McCarthy is widely considered one of the greatest living writers, famous for his sparse yet vivid prose stripped of almost all punctuation. In episode 182, Luke & James discuss the life of the reclusive author, the power of the language, the bleakness of its themes, and grapple with what message to ultimately take away from this post-western classic. Join them next week when they tackle the Coen Brothers' adaptation starring Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson, and Javier Ba...
May 13, 2021•1 hr 23 min
The hosts of the “Positively Pop Culture” podcast (authors K. W. Taylor & Carrie Gessner) join to discuss the second half of Netflix’s hit new show, "Shadow and Bone." In episode 181, Luke, James, K. W., and Carrie enter the Grishaverse together to explore the series as its first season comes to a close. They finish by casting their votes on which is ultimately the better version: Eric Heisserer’s adaptation or the original source material by Leigh Bardugo! Buy novels by Carrie Gessner and K...
May 06, 2021•1 hr 38 min
Eric Heisserer’s adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse series gets off to a memorable start, making some smart changes and bringing in characters from later books to round out the world. In episode 180, Luke & James calm down, hug the goat, and discuss the first four episodes of Netflix’s latest hit series starring Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, and Archie Renaux. Join them next week when they finish out the season with episodes 5-8! Become a Patron for exclusive ...
Apr 29, 2021•1 hr 10 min
Leigh Bardugo’s debut marked her first entry in the bestselling Grisha Trilogy that launched a franchise about to soar to unknown heights with the release of the upcoming Netflix series adaptation of the same name. In episode 179, join Luke & James as they learn about the Small Science, the Sun Summoner, the Darkling, all the while delving into the YA category and the expectations surrounding debut novelists. SPOILERS BEGIN: 24:38 Join them next week when they discuss the first four episodes...
Apr 22, 2021•1 hr 15 min
Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a foundational piece of American Literature whose influence is still being felt well over two centuries later as it continues to inspire adaptations. One standout came in 1999, when Tim Burton’s Johnny Depp-led film took the tale in a new direction, changing major elements of the story. In episode 178, Luke & James get unseasonably spooky with this stylish 90s horror classic, but is it better than the original story? CW: Child Death, Child...
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 25 min
Douglas Adams’s iconic novel was posthumously adapted to the screen by Garth Jennings and features a star-studded cast (Martin Freeman, Mos Def, Zooey Deschanel, Sam Rockwell, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, etc.), but does it do the novel justice? In episode 177, Luke & James are joined by Tyler Clawson of the Between Lewis & Lovecraft podcast to talk about the Americanization of British humor, Trillian’s romantic options, and even make some suggestions for changes to the screenplay. They en...
Apr 08, 2021•1 hr 21 min
Douglas Adams is a legend in Science Fiction for good reason, and his radio comedy turned novel is where it all took off. In episode 176, Luke & James discuss the absurdity linking cosmic horror to cosmic humor, the ineffable meaning of life, and the unforgettable genius of Adams’s dry British wit. Join them next week for the film adaptation by Garth Jennings starring Martin Freeman, Sam Rockwell, Mos Def, Zooey Deschenal, Bill Nighy, Stephen Fry and more! Become a Patron to view our new Tie...
Apr 01, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Is the biopic about Tolkien’s life worth seeing or does it fail to do the fantasy-icon justice? Luke & James discuss where it shined and where it stumbled in this former Patreon-exclusive episode. Become a Patron to access more content like this: www.patreon.com/inktofilm Shop in the NEW Ink to Film Bookstore! Ink to Film's Twitter , Facebook , Instagram (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com...
Mar 25, 2021•34 min
