The Cinematic Odyssey

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 honorable mentions that didn't get the light to make the list. 

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 the film that goes over the heads of most viewers. Stick around, you won't want to miss this episode!

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. Max and Tristen discuss the wild ride that is Eyes Wide Shut, the final film to cap Kubrick's immaculate body of work and the film that he claimed to be his "greatest contribution to the art of cinema." 

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 than one discussion about the soundtrack taking place! Plus, a fun game for the loyal listener with the opportunity to choose how the podcast plays out!

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 Belfort's efforts and new names for a 150 million dollar yacht, if one were owned by Max. All this and more in the brand new episode!

On the forty-eighth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen, Max, and special guest Mackenzie venture into their first of Ingmar Bergman's efforts on the podcast, 1978's Autumn Sonata starring Ingrid Bergman (no relation). Max takes a trip down a musical rabbit hole, Tristen relives the tension building in the first half of the film, and Mackenzie offers questions regarding the definition of a parent and caregiver. The episode culminates, much like the film, in an epic battle and the first game show ever hosted on the Cinematic Odyssey. You won't want to miss it!

On the forty-seventh episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max delve into their second of Ruben Östlund's social satires, The Square. This time, in the art world, Tristen discusses why he doesn't like the film as much and Max commends the physical behavior of each actor on screen while bestowing a title on Östlund with a Cinematic Odyssey first. Max also introduces a brand new segment to end the episode off and the discussion of which character has the best drip finds another agreement. All this and more inside this wonderful episode. 

On the forty-sixth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max break into what Tristen has called the best film of the 21st century: There Will Be Blood, from Paul Thomas Anderson. Max launches into his reasoning on why it's believed that Daniel Day-Lewis presents one of the great acting performances ever in this film and Tristen navigates the plot mentioning and explaining every symbol he can. Does Max actually like this Paul Thomas Anderson film? Is Tristen right about the film's timeless struggle and message? Find out, along with a brand-new closing segment introduced this week on the Cinematic Odyssey. 

On the forty-fifth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max investigate David Lynch's cult classic first feature film, Eraserhead. They explore the lengthy process of the creation of this film and how it ever got to the big screen in the first place and then each provide their own interpretation on the film's meaning. Max revels in the surreal and metaphorical language and imagery within the film and Tristen provides his commentary on the style of Lynch bleeding into his later projects. Features Hot Takes from both Tristen and Max. 

On this special bonus Halloween episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max delve into what some have called the best horror film of the past few years: Hereditary. They have no shortage of kind words for the performance of Toni Collette and truly dive into every scare and strategy that made Max petrified. Plus, Tristen has a hot take on the lore and legacy of this film.