The Cinematic Odyssey

On the fourteenth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max discuss the most intense, crazy, and lampooning film either has every seen with S. S. Rajamouli's RRR. Max remarks on the stunt performances and intricacies, Tristen frowns on Netflix's linguistic options, and both provide feedback on the debate between national pride versus nationalism. They discuss why these protagonists are "the most powerful men Max has ever seen" and how this relates to the entire point of the film. Both strongly believe that this film should be watched by everyone and, more importantly, think that anyone can enjoy this movie. 

On the thirteenth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max delve into Max's number one film from the previous year. Max comes to terms with his analysis hat, Tristen is the most animated that he's ever been on this show, and debate sparks over what story they rather would have consumed. We discuss the complex characters contained within the film and why there appears to never be any resolution to the problems that are faced in the story. The conversation in this episode is the liveliest its ever been; a great way to start 2023!

On the twelfth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max delve into the tops and bottoms of cinema in 2022. Max presents his bottom five and top fifteen films that he saw for the first time in the year 2022, inviting controversy and Tristen's disappointment along with it. Tristen lists the films he saw for the first time this year that he rates at five stars, not ranking, but commending excellence in film. It sparks an interesting debate on ranking films based on personal preference versus using a critical lens. You can decide on which side to take, though there never is a right answer. 

On the eleventh episode of the Cinematic Odyssey Tristen, Max, and special guest Mackenzie discuss their unique and nostalgic memories of Christmas movies both old and new. Mackenzie and Max provide their top five Christmas movies of all time and debate the difference between a Christmas movie and a holiday movie. Tristen educates about Ingmar Bergman and Stanley Kubrick and their Christmas movies that may or may not technically count and Max articulates in no uncertain terms what he views as the worst Christmas movie in existence. A fun, lighthearted, and sometimes contentious discussion over the films that bring people together this holiday season. 

On the tenth episode of The Cinematic Odyssey Max and Tristen discuss the 2022 Palme d'Or winner, Triangle of Sadness. A brilliant and modern re-telling of the genius satirical works of Luis Buñuel, Ruben Östlund takes on class and social commentary with an incredible comedic identity. We dive into the sequences that made us laugh most and those that hit the hardest, analyzing Östlund's perspective on the clash between the proletariat and bourgeoisie. Max says that this is his pick for the best film of the year. 

On the ninth episode of The Cinematic Odyssey Tristen, Max, and special guest Mackenzie take on the gargantuan task of trying to analyze the deeply nuanced and genius film of TÁR. On the episode they discuss the themes in detail and try to wrap their minds around the extremely flawed character of Lydia Tár, played by Cate Blanchett, going into the stark contrast of her musical genius and the sinister and ugly side of her character. The relevant discussion of separating the art from the artist takes center stage in this fictional biopic and the clinical observant direction of Todd Field adds such a refreshing take on the age old discussion. TÁR offers far more than what is deciphered on the surface and proves, without a shadow of a doubt, to be a genuine masterwork in filmmaking and will most likely go down as the best film of 2022 and one of the best films of the decade. 

On the eighth episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max venture through the bland acting choices, colorful scenic design, and what it means to care about one's family as they discuss Wes Anderson's funny family drama The Royal Tenenbaums. Discussing the symmetry of Anderson's shots and how the audience may find themselves self-aware, rather than projecting values onto emotional characters. There are plenty of laughs to be had even as they examine a destroyed family unit with one father's gutsy and morally flawed decision to try and save his relationship with each of them. 

On the seventh episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max discuss the late masterpiece from one of the greatest filmmakers that has ever lived, Akira Kurosawa's Ran. Ran is an adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear and is universally considered to be the greatest film adaptation of The Bard's work. Ran was the final epic that Kurosawa created in his illustrious and legendary career, and in this episode Tristen and Max discuss all of the aspects of what makes this film so special. Tristen says that this is one of the greatest films he's ever seen in his life and implores that those listening to go stop what they're doing and watch the film.

On the sixth episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Max and Tristen discuss one of the greatest films of the 2010's: Parasite. In their conversation they go into detail about capitalism and how Bong Joon-ho masterfully crafts an exposé on its systematic failures. They discuss the shocking reveal that occurs in the middle of the film and how that dramatically changes the tone and direction of the themes. The film has been heralded as one of the best films of the past decade and it showcases the whole world of foreign cinema that casual American movie goers are missing out on. 

On the fifth episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Max, Tristen and special guest Zoe discuss the directorial debut from Greta Gerwig: Lady Bird. They go into the various characters, particularly Marion and Lady Bird and their complicated mother and daughter relationship. Discussing in detail the various tumultuous moments that serve as defining moments for the progression of Lady Bird's character and her relationship with her mother. The film has been rightfully praised since its release in 2017 and is widely considered to be one of the best coming of age films of the 2010's and one of the best films of that year.