The Postman Always Rings Twice

The Postman Always Rings Twice

In episode 27, Alan and Nisha take on their first noir, discussing the 1934 novel The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain. This classic hardboiled tale of passion and crime, just like Cain's other major work Double Indemnity, has held huge influence over crime fiction and film noir. It has been directly adapted numerous times over the years, but for this conversation we focus primarily on 4 films: First, the 1946 noir film of the same name starring John Garfield and Lana Turner. Next, the much steamier 1981 remake/adaptation also sharing the same title, starring Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange. Then, the 1943 Italian film Obsession. This film is often credited as the birth of Italian neorealism. Lastly, the 2008 Christian Petzold film Jerichow, a modern retelling that is more loosely adapted. How does a work that has been iterated on so many times hold up? How do the earlier adaptations capture the carnal passion of the novel while working around censors? Is the book really better than the movie? Listen and find out!

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

In episode 26, Alan & Nisha delve into the counterculture classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. First published in 1962, the novel by Ken Kesey was inspired by his time working at a mental hospital while studying at Stanford. This experience, alongside his prolific use of psychedelic drugs, made Kesey adamantly outspoken against systems of oppression and dehumanization. The book even had a notable impact in helping improve conditions and treatment for mental health. This story further cemented itself when adapted in 1975 into a film directed by Milos Foreman and starring Jack Nicholson. This is one of only 3 movies to ever win all five of the major awards at the Oscars, and has been continually cited on lists of the best films of all time ever since. With both of these works being well regarded on their own merits, how do they compare to one another? Do they manage the same message of anti-establishment even with over a decade of distance between them? Why have they both lived on for so long? Join us as we discuss this and more, and ask the important question: Is the book really better than the movie?

James and the Giant Peach

In Episode 25, Alan and Nisha go back to a millennial childhood favorite and their very first Roald Dahl story... James and the Giant Peach! Originally published in 1961, this story is one of many Dahl classics that have remained beloved by both children and parents. Adapted into a stop-motion Disney animation film in 1996, this story feels like it was particularly present for those growing up in the 90s. Does it still hold the same appeal? Henry Selick and Disney captured magic with their previous film The Nightmare Before Christmas, but how does this film stack up and live on? Even with its many controversies over the years. why does this story mean so much to people? Join us as we find out once and for all... Is the book really better than the movie?

The Martian

In Episode 24, Alan & Nisha blast off to the Red Planet to discuss The Martian. Originally self-published and released by Andy Weir as an online serial, the book was then adapted into a full novel released in 2014. Rights for a film had already been optioned by then, resulting in the 2015 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon alongside a stacked supporting cast. Weir has gone on to have an incredibly successful career, with his second novel Project Hail Mary being recently adapted into a film starring Ryan Gosling, released to critical and commercial success. In this story, Mark Watney uses his knowledge as a botanist and astronaut to face an impossible situation when he is accidentally left for dead on Mars. The writing leans heavily on the science of space travel and the realities of survival on a distant planet. Join us as we discuss everything from Weir's intoxicating mix of humor and tension, to Aquaman and the Pope. Is the book really better than the movie? Join us on In Contrast and find out!

Pinocchio

In episode 23, Alan & Nisha return to the classics with Pinocchio. Originally released as a serial, The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi was published as a novel in 1883. It quickly became a staple of children's literature and Italian culture, and has become one of the best-selling and most translated novels in the world. As such, it has been adapted numerous times over the years in films ranging from animated, to live action, to musicals. For this discussion, Alan & Nisha focus on Disney's 1940 animated version, and the most recent imagining from Guillermo del Toro in 2022. Of course, Alan watched a few more... These include a 1911 silent film that was once thought to be lost, a 1972 Italian TV film directed by Luigi Comencini, the nightmarish 1996 Adventures of Pinocchio, the 2002 version starring and directed by Roberto Benigni, and the CGI-dependent 2019 adaptation directed by Matteo Garrone. Join us as we discuss how this story became so beloved, the imaginative pros and cons of animation versus live action, and whether the book is really better than the movie.