The Cinematic Odyssey

In the 24th episode of The Cinematic Odyssey Max and Tristen discuss the classic and timeless Fanny and Alexander from one of cinemas 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 Bergman while Max attempts to tear it down. 

On the 23rd episode of The Cinematic Odyssey Max and Tristen discuss a western period piece that has flown under the radar since its release in 2007. Considering it came out in the same year as No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford hasn't been privileged to receive the same acclaim and coverage as the other two films. However, Tristen thinks that this film rightfully deserves to be in the conversation with those other two films and Max thinks otherwise. 

On the 22nd episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max revisit the newly crowned Best Picture from the Daniels, Everything Everywhere All At Once, a sweeping, captivating, and absurd film that has captured the nation's attention. Tristen discusses the role that personal preference plays in viewing this film, Max rants on about philosophy and his favorite Frenchman Albert Camus, and they both come together to appreciate the good that this film has to offer. Max even pulls out how to live a better life and they both discuss the role of representation in making this film a smash success. 

In the 21st episode of The Cinematic Odyssey Max and Tristen go over their picks and predictions for this years Oscars ceremony. They go over every single category and talk about snubs and films that were nominated this year. Who is deserving and who isn't of that illustrious golden trophy? 

On the 20th episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen, Max, and special guest Declan discuss the operatic and grand anthology film, Magnolia, from the living genius Paul Thomas Anderson. In his third feature length film of his career, Paul Thomas Anderson, achieves an artistic feat seldom filmmakers have eclipsed, let alone attempted, and that is creating a grand and epic story encompassing 9 different main characters and tying in each of their own separate experiences into a unifying theme. And not only that but executing that vision with immense confidence, bravado, grace, and style. PTA's 1999 opus still stands tall as one of his best films in his filmography among a catalogue that is one of the greatest the art form has ever seen. 

On the nineteenth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max take a look at Barry Jenkins' Best Picture winner, and a film that absolutely deserved the award, Moonlight. Max is more on his game and swears he had his eyes on the wardrobe, Tristen chimes in about the depiction of the cycle of poverty, and they both discuss the use of literal and mood color and its impact on the film. They also mention the universal nature of the film despite how it may look, and Max gets to rant about his favorite Broadway musical in the process. Max says this will be a top 5 movie for him at the end of the year. 

On the eighteenth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max venture into Charlotte Wells' feature film directorial debut, Aftersun. Tristen comments on the excellent narrative structure of the story and Max pulls prime cinematographic analysis from underneath his analysis hat. Max also experiences a grand series of Eureka! moments during the episode, meaning the fun of the film comes from putting the pieces together after the fact: a major theme of the work as well. This is one of Tristen's top movies released in 2022. 

On the seventeenth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into the cinematographic wonder of South Korea's Decision to Leave. Tristen marvels at the intricate story and Max compares the dedication of each shot to the inner workings of every character. The story surrounds a simple What if?; What if a police officer fell in love with a suspect? Less mystery and more relationship drama, Tristen and Max remain astounded as to the fantastic craftsmanship of the film and how it has fallen out of the public eye. 

On the sixteenth episode of The Cinematic Odyssey Max and Tristen discuss one of Tristen's all time favorite films, Yi Yi. The swansong masterpiece from the late and great Edward Yang, a pioneer of the Taiwanese new wave and the slow cinema movement. His final film is a beautiful, moving, patient portrait of life, showcasing the mundanities of life with utter grace, care, and confidence. We go into the details of how Yang pulled it off and the importance of art and how it plays a role in our lives. Tristen considers Yi Yi to be one of the greatest films he's seen in his life and is a top 10 all time favorite. 

On the fifteenth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max take a long look at Denis Villeneuve's complex mystery surrounding what a father would do for his child. Tristen remarks on the remarkable storytelling and power in every shot and Max examines the acting performances of Hugh Jackman and Paul Dano as well as having the biggest 'Eureka' moment in podcast history so far. They concede that the film is fun for the mystery lover and disturbing for those entertaining moral character, but a compelling film that is a good watch when all is said and done.