The Cinematic Odyssey

On the seventieth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into Perfect Days, the philosophical, slice of life piece from Wim Wenders. Tristen laments about the impossibility of contentment in American society, especially on the eve of the NBA Finals, Max dives into whether or not it's sad to not fight for dramatic change, and both hosts pitch brand new merch ideas (sponsor pending)....

On the sixty-ninth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into Best Picture and Palme D'or winner Anora from writer/director/editor Sean Baker. Fitting. Max gets heated quickly about human decency and Tristen adds context to the simple way the film is shot. Warning: adult content and some profanity. Also featuring the best time to say 'I love you', Max's hidden appreciation for Rus...

On the sixty-eighth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into Wes Anderson's first venture into animation with an adaptation of the Roald Dahl story Fantastic Mr. Fox. Max breaks down what he thinks the main theme of the movie is and also what his younger self believed, with Tristen praising the simplicity of the film. Also featured: Tristen singing, Max trying out Gen-Z slang, a...

On the sixty-seventh episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into Emanuele Crialese's semi-autobiographical work L'immensita: one of Max's favorite films. The Italian language quasi-musical brings your hosts into a discussion of properly depicting the transgender experience, allusions to other current films that address the subject, and a good bit of criticism for the Academy Award...

In this special episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Max and Tristen discuss the classic and timeless Fanny and Alexander from one of cinema's greatest filmmakers: Ingmar Bergman. On the episode Max and Tristen go back and forth with hot takes about the Christmas film "genre", the choices Bergman made, and the dark themes of the film. It gets heated as Tristen vehemently defends the genius of Ingmar...

On the sixty-sixth episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max run through all categories for the 97th Academy Awards with their picks and predictions for how the night might go. The episode includes a heated debate about the use of AI in film, a shoutout to longtime Cinematic Odyssey listener Bowen Yang, and the most predictable Best Picture choice coming from the both of them. They also di...

On the sixty-fifth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max delve into their second David Lynch film, 1997's Lost Highway, in honor of the great writer-director's passing in January. Tristen recounts the creepiest thing he's seen in the movie, Max tries to one-up him with creepier options, and they both offer their opinions on reality, the state of dreams and the supernatural, and Gary Bu...

On the sixty-fourth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max venture over to Italy for their first foray into Federico Fellini's most well-known film, 8 1/2. The dreamlike narrative filled with delusions and women has Max wondering if it would be easier watching if he spoke Italian and Tristen talking about his fountain vision as well as some extensive allegory. Recorded in October 2024. 

On the sixty-third episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into Max's favorite movie from 2024, Rye Lane. A feature debut from all leads and the director, it's a testament to the simplicity of good chemistry and a strong romantic story. Hear Tristen and Max banter in British accents, discuss the worst breakups of all time, and the wonders of the public restroom system. 

On the sixty-second episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, though recorded on September 29, 2024, Tristen and Max dive into their first look at the Coen Brothers and their 2000 epic "O Brother Where Art Thou?". They go through ghost stories and fables of the actual American South while comparing this film to Homer's Odyssey, with Max also gushing over the banjo and the Soggy Bottom Boys. Tristen and Ma...

On the sixty-first official episode, Tristen and Max spent a lot of time at the theater and now review their bottom 5 movies and top 15 from the year 2024. Tristen's list is exclusively movies that came out in 2024 and Max's follows everything he saw for the first time, but in their grand return in a majestic episode (approximately one half of The Brutalist), the jokes are rolling, criticism is fl...

Around the midpoint of 2024, as Tristen and Max reform the podcast you know and love, they take a look back at the first half of the year for some of the big swings and occasional misses of their cinema experience. Then, they turn towards the future and what they're most excited for in the latter half of 2024. Maybe this serves as recommendations, but Tristen and Max have some fun talking about wh...

On the sixtieth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into John Cassavetes's experimental indie film Opening Night. Through discussion of Cassavetes's unconventional storytelling, massive narrative undertaking, and relationship with the film's star, the guys try to decide whether the film is a masterpiece or lacking in some areas. Make the call yourselves, but please stay out of t...

On the fifty-ninth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max return from an extended alien abduction to discuss Wes Anderson's latest feature, Asteroid City. One of Max's favorites, he delves into why the content and substance of the film works so well, and Tristen uncovers why it might not be one of his better pieces. The ensemble cast receives praise and there are lots of laughs to go ar...

On this bonus episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max walk you through their picks, predictions, and thoughts on every award category. For insight on major awards like screenplay, acting, directing, and Best Picture, skip to the one hour mark of the episode. Max monologues about the shorts and documentary nominees while Tristen stews with the anxiety of his worst nightmare coming true th...

On the fifty-eighth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max take a look at Jonathan Glazer's Oscar-nominated film The Zone of Interest. Tristens walks you through why he believes this is the best film of the decade so far and Max provides insight on the acting value that the film has to offer. Both are chilled and in awe over the haunting nature of a film that features no on-screen atroc...

On the fifty-seventh episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into 2024 Best Picture nominee Past Lives, the feature directorial and screenwriting debut of Celine Song. Hear why they loved the film, what great secrets are hidden in the camerawork, and Max's next musical theatre history rant that actually has some merit. This is a film you'll want to see at some point in your life, on...

On the fifty-sixth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, and special Valentine's edition, Tristen and Max uncover the beautiful mystery of Richard Curtis's Love Actually. One of Max's favorite rewatches come holiday season, Tristen enters with no expectations and the result does not shock you at all. Discussing the writing, performances of the ensemble cast, and even Richard Curtis's other works, this...

On the fifty-fifth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max return from hiatus to their shortest episode ever! In it, both discuss thoughts and opinions on Soviet director Mikhail Kalatozov's 1960 adventure film Letter Never Sent, the same director that directed Tristen's top overall film of 2023. Tristen gushes on visual effects and technical capabilities, Max slams a man named Konstanti...

On the fifty-fourth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max take their first look at the extensive filmography of Masaki Kobayashi and his samurai tale Harakiri. A masterful philosophical discussion applicable to this day, several interlacing stories are told in a disgraced samurai's path to commit ritualistic seppuku or harakiri. Tristen and Max get into the ethical issues of the film a...

On the fifty-third episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max walk through both ends of the spectrum of their 2023 in film. A number of past episodes are referenced and some shock and awe is included while both lists are blind-revealed live on the podcast. Your hosts share their bottom 5 and top 15 films that they saw for the first time in the calendar year 2023 and reveal a few more honora...

On the fifty-second episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max venture into Frank Capra's holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life. While wandering through the early failings of this movie, both comment on the story quality and the moral philosophy behind the film. Tristen provides his commentary on the Monopoly Man, Max has another game show up his sleeve, and both present the hidden theme of...

On the 51st episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Max and Tristen tackle the enigmatic, seductive, and oh so frightful final film from the cinematic legend Stanley Kubrick. As it was tradition with Kubrick and his work, Eyes Wide Shut was mired in controversy. Ranging from the taboo themes and scenes, the record-breaking filming period, Kubrick's untimely death, studio intervention, and a lot more. Ma...

On the fiftieth (!) official episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max revisit Wong Kar-wai for the second time on the podcast, for In the Mood for Love, what many consider to be his masterpiece. Tristen rationalizes his lack of understanding of the piece and Max gets real for a moment while referencing musicals and more. Tristen makes a brilliant observation about cameras and there's more...

On the forty-ninth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max venture into their first Scorsese film, his oft debated 2013 effort The Wolf of Wall Street. Max compares the film's heightened emotions to musicals and Tristen delivers a long-awaited monologue on the misinterpretation of the film and how people can love it for the wrong reasons. Also featured is a discussion on the morality of...