- 1 hour 17 minutesThe Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2005 Novel) | The Tragedy Behind the Bestseller
Stieg Larsson's debut novel was a smash hit, but he never lived to see it. In episode 392, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they learn the horrific event that led to the eventual creation of Lisbeth Salander, compare the author's career in journalism to Mikael Blomkvist's similar career, speak about of the unspeakable, and unpack the Russian-nesting doll of mysteries contained in this first entry of "The Millenium Trilogy." Join them next week when they watch and compare David Fincher's adaptation!
- Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
- Pickup The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or all of the Millenium Trilogy at the Ink to Film Book Store https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
- Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
- Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
- Home Base: inktofilm.com
- Intro/outro music: "" by Dylan Owen, Black Fingerprint
Luke Elliott
- Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
- Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
- Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
James Bailey
28 August 2026, 2:48 pm - 1 hour 19 minutesO Brother Where Art Thou? (2000 Film) | An Odyssey of Another Sort
The Coen Brothers' American take on "The Odyssey" left an indelible mark on film and music alike, but how does it hold up as an adaptation? In episode 391, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as the geek out about Roger Deakins, debate what makes for an effective politician, unpack the role of race in this Depression-era epic, and finally cast their votes for which they preferred, the book, the movie, or Christopher Nolan's version!
-
Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
-
Pickup The Odyssey or any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
-
Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
-
Home Base: inktofilm.com
-
Intro/outro music: "Rapture" by Ross Bugden https://youtu.be/vja87ZXejyk?si=PJlByfDXNemtqJMo
Luke Elliott
-
Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
-
Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
-
Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
James Bailey
14 August 2026, 10:11 pm -
- 40 minutes 21 secondsFrom the Vault: Alice in Wonderland (2010 Film)
When Tim Burton adapted Lewis Carroll's famous novel he turned it into an action-adventure film featuring a star-studded cast, but was it effective? Join Luke & James in this former Patreon-exclusive episode as they fall down a very different rabbit hole, explore a world of wonder and cgi, try to parse Johnny Depp's accent, and face the Jabberwocky in a final confrontation that puts a climactic battle as the climax of a story that usually takes a very different form. Now unlocked for all!
- Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
- Pickup any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
- Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
- Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
- Home Base: inktofilm.com
Luke Elliott
- Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
- Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
- Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
James Bailey
6 August 2026, 9:53 pm - 1 hour 56 minutesThe Odyssey (2026 Film) | An Epic For Our Time
Christopher Nolan's sword and sandals epic is dominating the box office and generating an immense amount of buzz, hot takes, backlash, and praise. In episode 390, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they compare the film to Homer's epic poem, debate the value of 70mm IMAX, consider a career-defining performance, and unpack the film's overall themes that Nolan uses to make this story one for modern audiences. They finish with an impossible task, deciding which one was better: the book or the movie!
- Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
- Pickup The Odyssey or any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
- Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
- Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
- Home Base: inktofilm.com
- Intro/outro music: "Rapture" by Ross Bugden https://youtu.be/vja87ZXejyk?si=PJlByfDXNemtqJMo
References
Luke Elliott
- Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
- Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
- Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
James Bailey
30 July 2026, 8:45 pm - 1 hour 6 minutesThe Odyssey (8th Century BCE Epic Poem) | It Isn't What You Think
Perhaps Literature's most enduring narrative has captured audiences for three thousand years, but after Emily Wilson's translation inspired Christopher Nolan's latest, it is poised to command public discourse around the world in a way it never has before. In episode 389, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they find surprises in an ancient narrative, describe their unexpected experience with a controversial translation, and predict what may have drawn Nolan to adapt Homer's epic. Join them again next week when they react to the new film and compare it to the original!
- Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
- Pickup The Odyssey or any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
- Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
- Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
- Home Base: inktofilm.com
- Intro/outro music: "Rapture" by Ross Bugden https://youtu.be/vja87ZXejyk?si=PJlByfDXNemtqJMo
Luke Elliott
- Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
- Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
- Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
James Bailey
24 July 2026, 10:46 pm - 1 hour 16 minutesThe Green Mile (1999 Film) | Evil Has Many Faces
Frank Darabont's second adaptation of Stephen King's work returns to the prison yard, but this time things get supernatural. In episode 388, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they consider the different kinds of villains the story presents and how they interact with one another, look at the role of the "present day" framework, react to the all-star cast including the performances of Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan, and finally each cast their vote on which one was better: the book or the movie?
- Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
- Pickup The Green Mile or any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
- Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
- Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
- Home Base: inktofilm.com
- Intro/outro music: Something Wicked by Ross Bugden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zuw_O5MU5CE&list=RDZuw_O5MU5CE&start_radio=1
References:
- Nnedi Okarafor's essay Stephen King's Super-Duper Magical Negroes
- Scott Wood's lecture on the same topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7djRGSqwUyg
Luke Elliott
- Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
- Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
- Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.co...
James Bailey
7 July 2026, 3:44 am - 1 hour 15 minutesThe Green Mile (1996 Novel) | A Risky Experiment
Stephen King released one of his most famous novels in an unusual manner and it shaped the narrative in fascinating ways. In episode 387, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they discuss benevolent prejudice, react to yet another fantastic King villain, learn to love a magic mouse, and get ready to ride the lightning John Coffey. They will return next week for the film by Frank Darabont!
- Reference: Stephen King's Super-Duper Magical Negroes
- Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
- Pickup The Green Mile or any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
- Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
- Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
- Home Base: inktofilm.com
- Intro/outro music: Something Wicked by Ross Bugden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zuw_O5MU5CE&list=RDZuw_O5MU5CE&start_radio=1
Luke Elliott
- Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
- Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social
- Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications
James Bailey
4 July 2026, 12:37 am - 1 hour 35 minutesEmpathy for the Past | Train Dreams (2025 Film)
Clint Bently's adaptation of Denis Johnson's novella finds connection and clarity in a story that resisted it, but is that an improvement? In episode 386 join writer Luke Elliott and filmmaker James Bailey as they find sympathy for the generations that came before, explore the symbolism of the red dog, consider filming with natural light, react to Joel Edgerton's loveable version of Robert Grainier, and finally cast their votes on which version was ultimately better: the book or the film!
- Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
- Pickup Train Dreams or any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
- Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
- Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
- Home Base: inktofilm.com
- Intro/outro music: The Wasteland by Ross Bugden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eAalHA1bAc&list=RD5eAalHA1bAc&start_radio=1
Luke Elliott
- Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
- Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social
- Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications
James Bailey
26 June 2026, 8:34 pm - 1 hour 10 minutesThe Power of Living Small | Train Dreams (2011 Novella)
Before the adaptation, Denis Johnson's novella won the "O' Henry" and was a finalist for the Pulitzer for what critic Anthony Doerr hailed as an "American epic writ small." In episode 385, join writer Luke Elliott and filmmaker James Bailey as they explore Johnson's Hemingway-esque prose style, unpack the ambiguity of the supernatural, find meaning by letting go of the search for it, and discuss the dark history around the railroad's construction in the PNW. Join them again next week when they compare the novella to the film by Clint Bentley starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones!
- Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
- Pickup Train Dreams or any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
- Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
- Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
- Home Base: inktofilm.com
- Intro/outro music: The Wasteland by Ross Bugden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eAalHA1bAc&list=RD5eAalHA1bAc&start_radio=1
Luke Elliott
- Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
- Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social
- Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications
James Bailey
19 June 2026, 11:11 pm - 1 hour 26 minutesWho Deserves to Be In the "Adaptation Hall of Fame?" | 2026 Class
Which of these worthy adaptations deserves to be considered among the best ever put to film? In episode 384, join writer Luke Elliott and filmmaker James Bailey as they make the case and then argue over which three are the most deserving to make it in as Ink to Film's third class. The nominees are: "Arrival," "No Country for Old Men," "The Princess Bride," "The Return of the King," "The Exorcist," and "Dr. Strangelove." Which ones make the cut?
Episode Breakdown:
Intro
Presenting the Contenders
Awarding Scores
Final Deliberations
Announcing the 2026 Class
- Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
- Pickup any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
- Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
- Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
- Home Base: inktofilm.com
Luke Elliott
- Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
- Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social
- Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications
James Bailey
12 June 2026, 9:36 pm - 1 hour 25 minutesPerfect Blue (1997 Film) | Finding Meaning in Uncertainty
Does the source novel for "Perfect Blue" help a first-time viewer to parse the meaning behind Satoshi Kon's ending? In episode 383, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they consider what essential elements the novel provided, explore the use of reflections, debate the significance of the fish in Mima's apartment, and outline some various theories for what the ambiguity in the film could mean. They finish by casting their votes for which one is ultimately better: the book or the movie!
- Satoshi Kon's Last Words: https://www.makikoitoh.com/journal/satoshi-kons-last-words
- Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
- Pickup any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
- Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
- Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
- Home Base: inktofilm.com
- Intro/outro music: Haunted by Ross Bugden
Luke Elliott
- Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
- Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social
- Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications
James Bailey
29 May 2026, 10:19 pm - More Episodes? Get the App