Episodes

  • Perfect Days: Content to Clean Toilets
    Jun 25 2025

    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). Have some fun thinking about toilets, tic-tac-toe, and Thunderous Tristen praise.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Anora: Sex Workers and Cinderella Stories
    May 28 2025

    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 Russian Orthodoxy, and a dive into last week's Cannes Film Festival and the new movies coming soon to America.

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Fantastic Mr. Fox: Wes Anderson's Claymation Achievement
    May 21 2025

    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, and hearty discussions on corduroy and trademarks. Enjoy!

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    47 mins
  • L'immensita: The Trans-Musical Experience
    Apr 2 2025

    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 nominated film that tries its best in the same vein.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Fanny and Alexander: Bergman's Masterpiece
    Apr 2 2025

    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 Bergman while Max attempts to tear it down.

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    1 min
  • Oscars 2025: Our Picks and Predictions
    Feb 28 2025

    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 discuss snubs, techno, and Denis Villeneuve, in a semi-thorough awards preparation.

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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Lost Highway: Lynch's Haunting Cyclical Psycho Thriller
    Feb 27 2025

    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 Busey.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 8 1/2: Fellini's Busy Italian Opus or A Director in a Midlife Crisis
    Feb 13 2025

    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.

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    57 mins