Ink to Film

Netflix's cyberpunk far-future series was an overall success, with a few sticking points holding it back from greatness. Luke & James read the source material by Richard K. Morgan and bring that perspective into their view of the show in this episode. They kick things off with a SPOILER-FREE section filled with their general thoughts on the quality of the season, give some background on the production, and then discuss how it compares broadly to the novel. NON-SPOILER TALK ENDS: 13:20 In the spoiler section, they break down each character's story arc in the show and compare and contrast them with their book counterparts. They each extoll parts they loved, like Poe and the Bancrofts, but also point out all the parts that didn't land, like a particular fight scene. The finish with a final pronouncement, should you watch the show, read the book, or do both? Twitter Facebook Instagram [email protected] inktofilm.com audibletrial.com/inktofilm Ross Bugden

The guys have finished the second half of Richard K. Morgan's 2002 post-cyberpunk novel, "Altered Carbon" and enjoyed the entire wild ride. In part two of their coverage of the book, they begin again with a hefty SPOILER-FREE section where they only talk about the book in general terms, discuss the high levels of adult content in the story and what Morgan might be trying to accomplish with them, revisit some of the philosophical questions raised in part one, and then add another wrinkle when Luke brings up the Ship of Theseus Paradox. After that, they get into spoiler territory and breakdown the entire second half and talk about all their favorite and most mind-bending scenes it contains. They end with a look ahead to the Netflix series that they will cover next and address some listener feedback. NON-SPOILER TALK ENDS: 18:07 Twitter Facebook Instagram [email protected] inktofilm.com audibletrial.com/inktofilm Buy Altered Carbon Ross Bugden

Before the release of the brand-new Netflix series, the guys go back to the source with Richard K. Morgan's 2002 postcyberpunk novel, "Altered Carbon." In part one of their coverage they try something a little different by beginning with a robust NON-SPOILER section for anyone curious about the novel but wanting to stay unspoiled for the series. They begin by talking about the author's bio and career, the premise of the novel's tech, the background of main character Takeshi Kovacs, and the mystery surrounding the murder of Laurens Bancroft. They end the non-spoiler talk with a debate about the philosophical questions raised by the sleeve-tech in the novel. In the second part of the episode, they get into plot and describe Kovacs' investigation and all the salacious things he uncovers, discuss some particularly graphic scenes, then end by theorizing on who will ultimately be revealed to be the murderer. NON-SPOILER TALK ENDS: 45:47 Twitter Facebook Instagram [email protected] www.inktofilm.com audibletrial.com/inktofilm Buy Altered Carbon Ross Bugden

Writer and filmmaker Kourtnea Hogan returns for the disastrous Rawhead Rex film adaptation by George Pavlou based on the short story by Clive Barker. Honestly, watching this film is NOT recommended. Even so, Luke, James, and Kourtnea get a kick out of rehashing it in all its B-movie glory! Topics include as they try to understand where it all went wrong: the stiff acting, all the things that make the monster-suit awful, the bizarre actions by all the characters, the uncomfortable sexual energy between the two main characters, the Jason-style rampage at the trailer park, and the final "twist" at the end. It was a painful watch, but the conversation has us all cracking up. Kourtnea's Instagram Ink to Film: Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com [email protected] audibletrial.com/inktofilm AKnewGod Social Media: AKnewGod song Indifferent https://soundcloud.com/aknewgod https://www.youtube.com/user/AKnewGod https://www.reverbnation.com/aknewgod http://aknewgod.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/aknewgod?_rdr=p

Writer and filmmaker Kourtnea Hogan joins Luke and James this week to discuss Clive Barker's 1984 short story, "Rawhead Rex," from his legendary "Books of Blood." This EXTREME-CONTENT filled episode's topics include: Clive Barker's traumatic childhood experience, the many ways that Rawhead is a story about masculinity vs. femininity, something Luke dubs the "Clive Barker Detail," all the phallic symbols in the story, the effectiveness of the omniscient POV, the character of Rawhead, the ways in which Barker is skewering Christianity, the scenes Luke says he will never forget, and they end by discussing the final bizarre and grotesque detail of the story. Kourtnea's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kourtnea_z_h/ Ink To Film: Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com audibletrial.com/inktofilm AKnewGod: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6Ex2aJirzw&app=desktop https://soundcloud.com/aknewgod https://www.youtube.com/user/AKnewGod https://www.reverbnation.com/aknewgod http://aknewgod.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/aknewgod?_rdr=p

Maurice Sendak's beloved children's picture book left an indelible mark on generations of kids, and Luke and James are among them. They begin this combo book/film episode by discussing their relationship with the original material, then talk about the text itself, drawing out new meaning from their now adult perspectives. Next, they move on to Spike Jonze's documentary called "Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak" which deeply affected them both. Through it, they discuss the life and legacy of the Sendak, and what it means to find joy in creative work when all else fails. In the last half of the episode, Luke and James delve into Spike Jonze's 2009 Film. Their talk turns from artistry and imagination to symbolism and hidden meanings, as well as the difficulties the performers faced in their suits and the pushback the director faced in making the film he ultimately wanted to create. Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com audibletrial.com/inktofilm Ross Bugden

Happy New Year! Luke and James sat down together in Florida to take one last look back at all the projects they did in 2017. This episode doesn't focus on one specific title exclusively, but instead touches on all of their previous projects. Missed feedback is addressed, then they answer questions from listeners. 2017 Project List: IT (film/novel), Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049, Howl's Moving Castle (film/novel), Who Goes There?, The Thing, Nothing Lasts Forever, Die Hard. Late Feedback: 2:46 Blade Runner 2049 spoilers: 7:26-10:34 Questions from Listeners: 15:19 Would you ever consider a classic romance for a project? Can you tell us more about your backgrounds? Who are your favorite authors/directors? Dream guest for the show? What kind of pets do you have? Thoughts on The Last Jedi? (SPOILER FREE) Favorite episode to record? Would you consider covering The Lord of the Rings? What was your favorite and least favorite book/movie to cover? Biggest challenges to starting the podcast? What book would you love to see turned into a movie? Does reading the book affect the way you see the movie? Do you have a preference for reading book or seeing movie first? Which 2017 surprised you the most? Which project are you looking forward to the most in 2018? Twitter Facebook Instagram www.inktofilm.com [email protected] NCS Music Channel audibletrial.com/inktofilm

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 'Tis the season to watch Die Hard and the guys have a lot to say about John McTiernan's 1988 action classic, especially now that they've read the source material. Topics include: details about the director's legal troubles, the potential gender and racial issues in the movie, the characterization of the terrorists, and Alan Rickman's iconic performance. Luke raises the question: why do audiences like John McClane? They discuss, then move on to the police's ineptitude, the references made to other films in the movie, and whether or not Karl could actually be alive at the end. They finish out by discussing some potential overarching themes, both intended and unintended. Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com Chris Hayes Music audibletrial.com/inktofilm

The guys finish out the second half of book that inspired Die Hard, Roderick Thorp's 1979 novel, Nothing Lasts Forever. Just how different is it? Well, dramatically different, in some ways, and Luke and James weigh the changes that the movie made compared to the source material. Topics include: Joe's growing numbness toward killing, the relationship between Joe and Al, old men being grumpy about the young people today, and then the guys have a good laugh about a particular turn of phrase unique to the novel. They go on to discuss the viability of the firehose-jump-off-the-roof plan, wonder why the cops continue not to believe Al, and finally discuss two HUGE departures from the movie and theorize about why Thorp might have chosen to write the novel the way he did. Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com Chris Hayes Music audibletrial.com/inktofilm

Episode Description: "Did you know that Die Hard was based off a novel? For the first of their holiday episodes, Luke and James have a blast going back to the source with the first half (chapters 1-9) of Roderick Thorp's "Nothing Lasts Forever" and discovering all its similarities and differences. They kick it off by debating Die Hard's qualifications as a "Christmas film" and explore the author's biography, then get right into the story about Joe Leland, Thorp's version of John McClane. Topics include: the pacing of thrillers, possible male wish-fulfillment inherent in the character, repeated problematic observations by Joe Leland, the differences in POVs between the movie and book, the tonal difference in the violence depicted in the novel, and then finish by making some predictions for the second half of the book. Stay tuned for the outro, because Luke and James announce an upcoming special episode! Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com Chris Hayes Music audibletrial.com/inktofilm

Hayao Miyazaki is a living legend, and James and Luke have a lot to say about his 2004 anime classic, Howl's Moving Castle. They have read Diana Wynne Jones's source material discuss the film in comparison. They lay out Miyazaki's filmography and make some recommendations, then get into the anti-war themes he brings to this movie. Next, they discuss the voice acting performances of the English dub, debate possible problematic body image issues in the film, and highlight a cameo by Howl's backside. They finish out by debating whether or not the film features a dream sequence, the possible implications of including time travel, and end with a quote from an interview with the author herself. Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com audibletrial.com/inktofilm Ross Bugden

In the second half of their coverage of Diana Wynne Jones' novel Howl's Moving Castle, Luke and James go through the door, black blob down, and find out that what lies on the other side is startlingly familiar… Luke gets a little academic about types of fantasy, Sophie learns a lot about herself and her powers, then Luke makes a Mario reference. Next, they discuss whether or not this story is all about the romance between Howl and Sophie or if it is more of a subplot, and finally Luke reads the John Donne poem referenced in the book and they try to make connections between it and the novel. Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com Ross Bugden audibletrial.com/inktofilm

In a dramatic genre shift, Luke and James delve into their first fantasy project with the young adult novel, Howl's Moving Castle, which was later adapted into the famous anime film by Hayao Miyazaki. To keep with the more wholesome tone, Luke and James are going to try to keep things as family friendly as they can. In this episode, they cover the first half of the novel (chapters 1-10). Highlights include: the effect of age on confidence, the sense of wonder this world and its magic conveys, what it's like to imagine a complete absence of color, James making a choice Pokémon reference, and emo shooting stars. Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com Ross Bugden Audibletrial.com/inktofilm

The 2nd half of James and Luke's conversation with their special guest-host, 4x Bram Stoker Award winning writer Mike Arnzen, all about John Carpenter's 1982 sci-fi horror classic, The Thing. Topics include: Trying to track the disease vectors in the film, debating at what point Blair turns, theories about who could've destroyed the blood, just how the CPR arm-biting scene was able to be so shocking, what makes the iconic wire-in-the-blood test so compelling, and the rampant breakdowns in communication throughout. They end by proposing what themes and social commentaries could be suggested by the movie, what the film's legacy is today, and why people still watching and talking about this movie 35 years later. Mike Arnzen on Twitter www.gorelets.com Ink to Film Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com Ross Bugden Audibletrial.com/inktofilm

Award-winning horror writer Mike Arnzen joins Luke and James as Ink to Film's first special-guest-host to discuss John Carpenter's 1982 sci-fi horror classic, The Thing. In part one of their conversation they touch what the film might say about masculinity in the 80s, the incredible practical effects on display and what modern movie-makers might learn from them, the unreal dog acting, the underlying themes of the primitive vs technology and how that differs from the novella, and discuss the enduring legacy of the cult classic. Mike Arnzen on Twitter www.gorelets.com Ink to Film Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com Ross Bugden Audibletrial.com/inktofilm

John W. Campbell's legendary novella inspired several films, most notably, John Carpenter's "The Thing" (1982). Join Luke and James as they go all the way back to the 30s to explore the source material. They begin by talking about the man behind the monster, John Campbell, and touch on his legacy in the Sci-Fi world. In their book coverage, they get into paranoia at the heart of this story how it resonates with our modern fears in a world with serial killers and mass shootings. inktofilm.com Twitter Facebook Instagram Ross Bugden

The guys watched Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 & have A LOT to say about it. Come along as Luke and James not only highlight all the things that made the film incredible, but try and get to the bottom of what the entire Blade Runner franchise is about as their coverage concludes. Non-spoiler topics include: Oscar chances, the lasting appeal of the film, standout performances, & who we would recommend see this film. (19:03) Spoiler topics: The continuation of eye symbolism, Ryan Gosling's outerwear, Agent K vs Deckard as main characters, the relative personhood of holograms, where we land on the is he/isn't he question about Deckard, and all the book and previous film references we caught with our first viewing. (1:20:56): New project announcement! inktofilm.com Twitter Facebook Instagram Ross Bugden

James is loving that they get to talk about one of his favorite films, Blade Runner (1982) directed by Ridley Scott! Come along as he and Luke get explore the Sci-Fi classic in its entirety with the ultimate recap before the new movie comes out. Highlights include: the symbolism of eyes and pyramids, all the surprising changes and similarities to the PKD novel, the meaning of the iconic "tears in rain" scene, and of course, their conflicting opinions about what that final bit of origami actually revealed. And stick around after the credits for quick coverage of the short-film prequels to the new movie! inktofilm.com Twitter Facebook Instagram Audible affiliate link: audibletrial.com/inktofilm Ross Bugden

The final book-discussion for Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep covering chapters 11-22. Join Luke and James as they finish out the novel that inspired Blade Runner. In this episode, they discuss which electric animal they would most want, the confluence of consumerism and spirituality, the ethics of sex with sentient robots, and even take a stab at answering the novel's eponymous question: Do androids dream of electric sheep? Twitter Facebook Instagram inktofilm.com Ross Bugden

Coverage begins for Philip K. Dick's 1968 Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep as we start our journey into the Blade Runner universe. In part 1 (of 2), James and Luke cover chapters 1-10 of the novel, discussing the Sci-Fi's legend's legacy, what it means to be "real," and whether "Andy" or "Replicant" is the better term. Twitter Facebook inktofilm.com Ross Bugden

First movie episode! Luke & James cap off their IT coverage by reacting to the 2017 film floating through theaters now. Whether you've been following along with the book episodes or you've just seen the film, this episode is for you. Character Movie-Version VS Character Book-Version: 6:14 Spoiler Talk Begins: 17:29 Favorite New Pennywise Scenes: 28:27 Dream Casting Part 2: 44:34 "Watch. Review. Repeat." Further Listening Recommendation: 58:12 New Project Announcement: 1:01:18 If you're looking for more IT discussion be sure to check out Watch. Review. Repeat. on Twitter and Facebook and be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast listening service. Ink to Film Ep-5 (Controversy talk begins around 1:24:44) Ink to Film Twitter Ink to Film Facebook Inktofilm.com Watch. Review. Repeat. on iTunes Ross Bugden Youtube

And so IT ends. This week, Luke and James conclude their coverage of Stephen King's 1986 horror novel IT by diving into Part 5: The Ritual of Chud. The Losers brave the sewers under Derry one final time, where things get terrifying, deadly, and more than a little strange. They talk about their expectations for the new film and have a lively debate about the extremely controversial scene at the end of the book. Controversy talk around: 1:24:44 Twitter Facebook inktofilm.com Ross Bugden

Continuing coverage of Stephen King's 1986 novel IT. This week, join Luke and James as they focus on Part 4: July of 1958. They debate the nature of true evil, the secret lives of children, and the merits of smoke-induced hallucinations. Tension is ratcheting up in Derry as the Loser Club draws ever closer to their final confrontations with IT in both timelines. Twitter Facebook inktofilm.com Ross Bugden

James and Luke continue their discussion on Stephen King's 1986 novel IT. This week we dive into part 3: Grownups, where we check back in with the grown ups as they come face to face with Pennywise, and talk about what it's like to go back home as an adult. Ink to Film on Twitter On Facebook www.inktofilm.com Ross Bugden YouTube channel Thanks to Ross Bugden for our intro and outro music.

James and Luke continue talking about Stephen King's 1986 novel IT. This week they tackle part 2: June of 1958. Ink to Film on Twitter On Facebook www.inktofilm.com Ross Bugden YouTube channel

Luke and James begin the journey with Stephen King's 1986 horror novel "IT" by covering "Part One: The Shadow Before." You can find Ink to film on Twitter, Facebook, or at their website www.inktofilm.com. Intro music by Ross Bugden.