Is the Book Better?
Welcome to Is the Book Better, Though? — the podcast where stories go head-to-head on page and screen. Each episode, I compare books and their movie adaptations to decide once and for all which one does it better.
From Oscar winners to cult classics, I dig into what the book nailed, what the movie missed, and whether the film should have been made at all.
Expect witty commentary, honest opinions, and the occasional existential crisis over casting choices. If you love reading, movie nights, or just arguing about both, this is your new favourite podcast.
🎬📚 Join me every other week as we tackle everything from The Lord of the Rings to The Hunger Games — because sometimes Hollywood gets it right… and sometimes the book really is better.
Is the Book Better?
The Revenant - Book Vs. Movie
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In this episode of Is the Book Better?, I take on The Revenant — comparing Michael Punke’s historical novel with Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Oscar-winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. From brutal frontier survival to icy revenge, I break down what the book actually focuses on versus what the movie turns into an endurance test for both Leo and the audience.
We dig into the true story of Hugh Glass, the differences between historical fact and cinematic spectacle, and why the book is more about obsession, survival, and the American frontier — while the movie leans hard into suffering, silence, and awards-season vibes. There’s talk of bear attacks, fur trappers, revenge narratives, and whether the film’s visual mastery makes up for what it leaves out from the source material.
If you’re into book vs movie comparisons, film adaptations, historical fiction, or just enjoy arguing about whether the book is always better, this episode is for you.
So strap on your snowshoes and join me as I decide once and for all: is The Revenant book better… though?