On the In Contrast podcast, Alan & Nisha talk about movies and the books they are based on. Nisha reads the books and Alan watches the screen adaptations, and through discussion of comparison and contrast, they attempt to answer the age-old question: Is the book better than the movie?
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!
1 Jun 2026
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?
1 May 2026
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?
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
4.7 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
55
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact In Contrast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about In Contrast
Who hosts In Contrast?
Alan and Nisha host the show. Published by Alan Sevin.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does In Contrast take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of In Contrast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
