Cover to Credits
190 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 118 ratingsCover to Credits is a bi-weekly podcast that analyzes books and their movie adaptations. Hosts Ian George and Adina Hilton cover a variety of genres, critiquing both the film and novel it's based on, while trying to understand what makes a good adaptation. Stories are also frequently viewed from a feminist lens, where representation, gender roles, and other elements are often times explored.
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Episodes
Persuasion (2022)
July 27, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 128 MBWe return to the works of Jane Austen this episode with her novel Persuasion, published in 1817, and the Netflix film adaptation which was directed by Carrie Cracknell. The novel is a reflection on loneliness, grief, and the rekindled passion, while the film takes a more... modern approach to the story; full of fourth-wall breaking and awkward humor. How does this adaptation hold up to the classic? Why does Anne have a rabbit? Did Mr. Elliot kill his wife? Listen and find out!
The Borrowers/The Secret World of Arriety
July 13, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBGrab your Airpods (now where did you put those?) and listen to our latest episode on The Borrowers, written by Mary Norton, and its Studio Ghibli adaptation, The Secret World of Arriety, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. We discuss the fascinating lore of the novel, full of humor and metaphor, and the ways that it was vividly brought to life through animation. Get ready for discussions on dead-eyed children, household classism, and our favorite types of Ghibli men.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
June 29, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 112 MBThis episode, we delve into the life and misadventures of a single woman in her 30's with Bridget Jones's Diary, written by Helen Fielding and Directed by Sharon Macguire. This story is full of memorable scenes and situations, brought to life by the film's perfect cast, and also happens to be loosely inspired by one of our all time favorite books! What's not to love?
Under the Banner of Heaven
June 15, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 157 MBIn this episode, we look at Under the Banner of Heaven, the story of the 1984 murder of Brenda Lafferty by fundamentalist mormons, written by Jon Krakauer and adapted for TV by Dustin Lance Black. The book delves deeply into the history of the LDS church and Polygamist settlements while the show takes liberties to create a more personal story of faith confronting the evils that can emerge from a religion. Expect a lot of deep and philosophical discussions this episode, including ones about h...
A Scanner Darkly
June 01, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBThis episode we step back into the mind of Philip K. Dick as we discuss his semi autobiographic novel, A Scanner Darkly, and its 2006 adaptation by Richard Linklater. This novel explores paranoia and identity crises against the backdrop of drug culture in California and is brought to surreal life thanks to the rotoscoped animation of the film. We've got plenty to discuss this episode, from the absurdities of policing to the novel's fascination with nipples, so step into your scramble suit an...
Bridgerton (Season 2)
May 18, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBA new season is upon us, and the Ton is all abuzz! The second season of this Netflix show features amazing chemistry from its two leads while exploring their past trauma and growth, while the novel (The Viscount Who Loved Me, by Julia Quinn) has a lot of nipple play and men on the brink of violence!
Paper Towns
May 04, 2022 12:20 - 1 hour - 119 MBIt's finally time to care about something that truly matters... like our brand new episode on Paper Towns! This John Green YA novel and the Jake Schreier directed adaptation touches on themes of human connection, depression and purpose, but don't worry, there's also moody teenager nonsense, multiple pee jokes, and the largest collection of black Santas in the United States!
Normal People
April 20, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 141 MBThis episode we take a look at the BBC/Hulu series Normal People and the novel it was based on by Sally Rooney. We discuss the many social pressures that effect Connell and Marianne in this story, the very sexy sex scenes, positive depictions of therapy, and whether we buy Paul Mescal as a high school senior (we don't, but thats okay).
Trainspotting
April 06, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 125 MBChoose life. Choose a mortgage. Choose a podcast discussing the 1996 cult classic Trainspotting, directed by Danny Boyle, and the Irvine Welsh novel its based on! There's a lot to dive into this episode (besides the worst toilet in Scotland) including drug abuse, inventive filmmaking, and one of the most difficult to read books we've ever discussed on the podcast (for a number of reasons).
The Power of the Dog
March 23, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 147 MBIn this episode we explore The Power of the Dog, the 2021 film by Jane Campion, based on the novel by Thomas Savage. This story of masculinity and sexual repression is full of memorable characters, complex morality, and surprising amounts of humor! But how does the novel compare to this acclaimed film?
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
March 09, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 132 MBIn this episode we return for another helping of Shakespeare, this time with legendary director Joel Coen putting his own unique spin on The Tragedy of Macbeth. We discuss how this play is brought to life in a surreal black and white with a powerful cast and the many ways in which the film adds new context to the source material.
Bridgerton (Season 1)
February 23, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 146 MBIt's our first season in the ton as we discuss the Netflix series Bridgerton, based on the novel The Duke and I by Julia Quinn! The novel focuses on the budding romance and tribulations of Daphne and Simon (delving into their backstories and questionable actions) while the series expands the world and explores its many side characters! But which is the diamond of the season?
The Da Vinci Code
February 09, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 133 MBThe time has come, all ye Grail seekers, for our episode on Dan Brown's explosive novel, The Da Vinci Code, and it's 2006 adaptation by Ron Howard! We discuss Tom Hanks' tired performance and baffling villain twists, all while revealing the true-true history of the Priory of Sion and the Holy Grail myth!
Station Eleven
January 26, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 135 MBThe very topical novel, Station Eleven, written by Emily St. John Mandel, has finally been adapted by Patrick Somerville for HBO Max and we are excited to discuss this long awaited series! We examine how both the book and series differ in their themes, the necessity of art in society, and the importance of stabbing with purpose!
Legally Blonde
January 12, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBThis episode, we discuss the classic comedy Legally Blonde, directed by Robert Luketic and based on the novel by Amanda Brown. This story has a unique history and gives us plenty to discuss, from classic movie lines to its lasting impact and message. It also represents one of the widest quality gaps between book and film that we've talked about in a while!
Eat Pray Love
December 29, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBAs we enter a new year, we thought we'd take a look at Eat Pray Love (written by Elizabeth Gilbert and directed by Ryan Murphy) which tackles themes of resolutions and self reflection. We discuss shitty husbands, the author's life after the book, and whether we would rather eat, pray or love after reading this story.
About a Boy
December 15, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBWe return to celebrated author, Nick Hornby, this episode with his novel About a Boy, and it's 2002 adaptation by Chris and Paul Weitz. We discuss the terrible haircuts, poignant messages, and unlikely friendship in this classic story.
Atonement
December 01, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 137 MBThe classic misunderstanding trope takes a dark turn as we discuss the novel Atonement, written by Ian McEwan and adapted by Joe Wright in 2007. This story, full of rich characters and even richer performances, gives us plenty to discuss, from sexy library encounters to haircuts that haven't changed for decades.
The Spectacular Now
November 17, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBHave your hip flasks and 7-up on standby because this episode we're covering The Spectacular Now, written by Tim Tharp and adapted in 2013 by James Ponsoldt. We discuss cringey lunches, the pitfalls of first person narratives, and of course the spectacular (trainwreck) Sutter.
The Notebook
November 03, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 123 MBOver one hundred episodes later and we're finally returning to Nicholas Sparks with his novel The Notebook and its 2004 adaptation directed by Nick Cassavetas. We have more than a few nitpicks with this novel and film, from describing nipples as "tiny rocks" to the choice to make Noah the protagonist, we're talking about it all!
The Haunting of Hill House
October 20, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 156 MBLock your doors (not that it will help) because this episode things are are getting creepy with The Haunting of Hill House. This Netflix series, created by Mike Flanagan, shares only a ghostly resemblance to the source novel, written by Shirley Jackson, but both are full of interesting moments and chilling scenes worth discussing.
Frankenstein
October 06, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 126 MBIT'S LIVE! IT'S LIVE! Our brand new episode on Frankenstein is live! The novel, written by Mary Shelly, and film adaptation, directed by James Whale, are two very different, yet equally influential stories. We have plenty to discuss on this one, including Mary Shelly's wild life, the career of Boris Karloff, and the mysterious origin of Igor.
Somewhere in Time
September 22, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 112 MBThis episode we discuss Somewhere in Time, directed by Jeannot Szwarc in 1980 and based on the Richard Matheson novel, Bid Time Return. This story of romance that transcends time has heavy scifi elements, porny sexy scenes, and a regular dude trying to take credit for a woman's talent. This episode also has one of our all time favorite moments ever on the podcast!
The Green Knight (2021)
September 08, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 134 MBThis episode we look at a new film, based on the oldest story we've discussed yet, The Green Knight! Written by an unknown author around 1400 and adapted in 2021 by David Lowery, this story of knights, magic and honor leads to many interesting discussions on middle english, literal thirst traps, and (no surprise) the color green!.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2
August 25, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 147 MBThe Battle for Hogwarts has begun in our episode on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, directed by David Yates and based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. We delve into Snape revelations, character deaths, the rules of magic, and tally up the unanswered questions of the films. We also wonder if Nagini could have become the master of the Elder Wand.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1
August 18, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBWe have finally arrived at the epic conclusion to this series, but that's not going to stop us from dragging it out! This episode we discuss the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, directed by David Yates, and the first portion of the novel, written by J.K. Rowling that this film is based on. We delve into the many unexplained components of the film, Ron's status in the trio, awkward dance scenes, and we finally put a pin in the house elves discourse!
Stand by Me
August 04, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBThis episode we end the long Stephen King drought by talking about one his most loved (and most unique) adaptations, Stand by Me, directed by Rob Reiner in 1986. We talk about this coming of age story's themes on masculinity, the stories within the larger story, and how the movie has stood the test of time.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things
July 21, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBThis episode we attempt to unpack the dense and heavy story I'm Thinking of Ending Things, written by Iain Reid and adapted by Charlie Kaufman in 2020. We cover such fun topics as existential dread, aging, the indifference of nature, and men who are much too tall.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
July 07, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBTake a trip with us down the horrifying boat tunnel as we discuss Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Mel Stuart in 1972 and adapted from the novel by Roald Dahl. We dive into the chocolate river to talk about the sinful nature of children, the confusing rules of the film's contest, and we make sure to completely ruin Oompa Loompas for you as well.
Love, Simon
June 23, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBFor our second 2021 Pride Month episode we are discussing the teen, coming of age story Love, Simon, directed by Greg Berlanti and based on the novel Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda, written by Becky Albertalli. We touch on everything this episode form awkward ferris wheel rides to guitar-bros and even how many "f**ks"a teen focused movie should be allowed.
Fingersmith/The Handmaiden
June 09, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 126 MBFor our first 2021 Pride Month episode, we're discussing the novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, and its 2016 film adaptation by Park Chan-wook, The Handmaiden. We look at how the film's change from 1850's England to 1930's Korea changes the story (or doesn't), as well as the many layers to this story's deceptive plot, and how exactly a dog coat ties into it all.
The Woman in the Window
May 26, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 120 MBThis episode we take a peak at the film that's been years in the making, The Woman in the Window, directed by Joe Wright and adapted from the novel by A.J. Finn. This Hitchcockian thriller is full of mysteries, like "how sharp is a letter opener" and "How many bathrobes does Anna own?", and we'll do our best answer them all!
The Adventures of Tintin
May 12, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 114 MBThis episode we look into The Adventures of Tintin, the 2011 film by Steven Spielberg and the 3 volumes of Tintin comics by Hergé that it was based on. We travel into the uncanny valley to discuss this film's unique animation style as well as the surprising amount of booze, drugs and shooting that takes place in the comics!
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
April 28, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 126 MBPack up the carriage because this episode we spend some time with Picnic at Hanging Rock, the 1967 book by Joan Lindsay and the 1975 film adaptation by Peter Weir. We discuss the themes of this deceptive and unsettling story, from colonialism to queerness, as well as learn what ghosting someone in 1900 looked like.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
April 14, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 164 MBThis episode, love (and dark marks) are in the air as we discuss Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, written by J.K. Rowling and directed by David Yates in 2009. We delve into to this story's rom-com hijinks, dark backstories, and finally get to see what a stoned Harry Potter would act like!
What Dreams May Come
March 31, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 125 MBWe approach the light at the end of the tunnel this episode with What Dreams May Come, written by Richard Matheson and adapted to the screen in 1998 by Vincent Ward. We discuss dense concepts, science hell, racial insensitivity, and manage to mention the Patrick Swayze film Ghost at least a couple of times.
The Girl on the Train (2016)
March 17, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 126 MBThis episode we try to unravel the suburban thriller The Girl on the Train, written by Paula Hawkins with the adaptation directed by Tate Taylor. We go over the most important details of this mystery story, like Rachel's saint of a roommate, the ineptitude of the protagonist, and appropriate therapist patient relationships.
To All the Boys: Always and Forever
March 03, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 123 MBThis episode we conclude the rom-com trilogy that we never knew we needed with To All the Boys: Always and Forever, directed by Michael Fimognari and adapted from the book by Jenny Han. In this final installment we discuss the many details of wedding planning, college parties, and all the boys that have been left in the dust!
Dr. No
February 17, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 118 MBThis episode we witness the birth of the iconic 007 franchise with Dr. No, written by Ian Fleming and adapted by Terence Young in 1962. We analyze vague rocket plots, discuss the first women of the Bond series, and question whether Bond is actually good in bed.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
February 03, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBEveryone put your masks on because we're traveling to a dystopian future full of danger with Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, originally written and published by Hayao Miyazaki as a multi-part manga series and then adapted to film by Miyazaki in 1984. We talk environmentalism, war, and the film's first introduction to America as the disastrous Warriors of the Wind!
The Queen's Gambit
January 20, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 130 MBThis episode Ian finally gets to talk about chess with The Queen's Gambit, the hit Netflix show directed by Scott Frank and based on the novel by Walter Tevis. We look at this story's intersection of sex and chess, the Russian villain trope, and smothered males(?)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
January 06, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 144 MBWe return to Hogwarts this episode with a quick detour into bureaucracy and governmental incompetence! This fifth installment in the series, written by J.K. Rowling and adapted in 2007 by David Yates, explores themes of civil disobedience, trauma, and snogging!
Die Hard
December 23, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 120 MBWe get together and have a few laughs this episode with Die Hard, the 1988 film by John McTiernan, based on the novel Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp. We discuss action film tropes, random grandchildren in the novel, and of course we ask the age-old question: Is this a Christmas movie?
Inkheart
December 09, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 125 MBThis episode, books come to life (and we're not just talking about the film adaptation) with Inkheart, written by Cornelia Funke and adapted in 2008 by Iain Softley. Tune in for kidnapping advice, discussions on the magic of books, and our attempt to determine if Meggie is a god by the end of the film.
Rebecca (1940)
November 25, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 118 MBIs it a ghost, or is it the patriarchy? This episode we dream of returning to Manderley in the novel Rebecca, written by Daphne Du Maurier and adapted in 1940 by Alfred Hitchcock. We talk unnamed narrators, unnerving housekeepers, and why you should never surprise anyone ever.
The Martian
November 11, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 126 MBEarth may be a disaster right now, but Mars doesn't seem much better. Join us as we discuss The Martian, a survival tale like no other, written by Andy Weird and adapted by Ridley Scott in 2015. This episode we get into potatoes, science, Childish Gambino, online publishing, and most importantly, potatoes.
Lovecraft Country
October 28, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 135 MBThis episode we tackle this dense and topical HBO series, show-run by Misha Green, and based on the novel by Matt Ruff. We talk monsters, racism, and some Indiana Jones bullshit.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
October 07, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 134 MBIt's time for the fourth installment of the Harry Potter series with The Goblet of Fire, written by J.K. Rowling and adapted in 2005 by Mike Newell. We look at how this series expands the scope of the Wizarding World, the scope of haircuts, and the scope of half-baked slave analogies. Also, we drop our hottest take yet in the Harry Potter series.
Room (2015)
September 23, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 117 MBThis episode, hope and horror combine with Room, written by Emma Donoghue, and adapted in 2015 by Lenny Abrahamson. We discuss the unique writing of the novel, the amazing cast of the film, and the biggest question left unanswered, where did Old Nick get a wardrobe from?
The Devil Wears Prada
September 09, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBWe take a look at the cult classic comedy The Devil Wears Prada, directed by David Frankel in 2006, and the novel it was based on by Lauren Weisberger. We discuss the challenges of first jobs, the real life inspirations of the story, and every glorious line that comes out of Meryl Streep's mouth.