Feature: What makes a good book to movie adaptation?

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges and successes of adapting books into films, featuring insights from critic Tim Cogshell.

Project Hail Mary , Ryan Gosling’s new space blockbuster, reached number one at the Box Office last weekend. It’s the second successful book-to-screen adaptation for author Andy Weir, best known for his novel The Martian which also got a movie adaptation in 2015 starring Matt Damon. Weir helped write the screenplays for both films, which could be part of their positive reception. But, turning a book into a well-received film is no small feat, even if you have the author at the helm. Obviously, a two hour movie cannot fit everything included in a 500 plus page book. A while back, LAist host Austin Cross spoke with FilmWeek critic Tim Cogshell on AirTalk about what makes a good book-to-film adaptation. Listeners also called in to share the movies they thought adapted their source material well and the ones that got it all wrong.  Visit  www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency    

People in this episode

Host: Austin Cross

Guest: Tim Cogshell

Topics covered

• book to movie adaptation
• film criticism
• audience engagement
• screenplay writing
• box office success

Keywords

• book adaptation
• film adaptation
• Project Hail Mary
• The Martian
• Tim Cogshell
• Austin Cross
• screenplay

Sponsors

Preppi

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LAist

Products: Project Hail Mary

Books & works: The Martian

More episodes of FilmWeek

• FilmWeek: ‘Disclosure Day,’ ‘Jinsei,’ ‘The Furious,’ and more! · June 12, 2026 · 38 min
• Feature: Documentary Magazine’s list of the 25 Greatest Docs from the 21st Century · June 12, 2026 · 11 min
• FilmWeek: ‘Masters of the Universe,’ ‘Renoir,’ ‘Scary Movie,’ and more! · June 5, 2026 · 32 min
• Feature: Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures · May 29, 2026 · 19 min
• FilmWeek: ‘Backrooms,’ ‘Power Ballad,’ ‘The Breadwinner,’ and more! · May 29, 2026 · 31 min
• FilmWeek: ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,’ ‘I Love Boosters,’ ‘Passenger’ and more! · May 22, 2026 · 38 min