The Cinematic Odyssey: Recent Episodes
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On The Cinematic Odyssey podcast, we talk about films that aren’t in the mainstream consciousness, with most of the movies we talk about within the art house sphere.
On the 37th episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Max and Tristen discuss their opinions on one of cinema's towering achievements, from the late cinematic titan, pioneer, and master, Akira Kurosawa. Ikiru, translated to english as "To Live" follows an old man in the final days of his life where he attempts to right the wrongs of his past and salvage the previous wasted decades of his life mired in monotony, boredom, disdain, and lovelessness. We talk about the various technical achievements that Kurosawa showcases, the towering performance of Takashi Shimura, and the philosophy behind the message of the film.
On the thirty-sixth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max unpack the documentarian effort of French director Robert Bresson in his acclaimed A Man Escaped. Packed with minute details and patient unease and suspense, both hosts respect the effort to make the film as realistic as possible to the memoir it was based on, as well as true human physicality. Max makes a series of absolutely horrible comparisons between this film and pop culture of today, while Tristen remains in awe of every shot and each poignant detail. They both are able to come away with the knowledge that this film is more than just an escape: it's about trust, hope, and the human spirit to fight on and keep living.
On the 35th episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Max and Tristen discuss one of cinema's most respected, storied, and greatest filmmakers, Hayao Miyazaki. We talk in depth of his 1997 masterwork Princess Mononoke where we see Miyazaki unveil the futile violence of human conflict and the abusive relationship that man has with nature. Princess Mononoke finds Miyazaki filled with a burning passion out to showcase the destructive nonchalance of human beings towards earth and themselves.
On the thirty-fourth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max venture into Alfonso Cuarón‘s alternate future in one of Tristen‘s top films of all time: Children of Men. They discuss the biblical and religious meanings of the images and themes used, how the cinematography of the film makes it special, and even the shades of morality and how moral a police state can be. No arguments ensue but this is a film for the ages and both Tristen and Max say it’s well worth your time.
On the thirty-third episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max discuss where they’ve been the past month and where their travels have taken them. Neither, however, have been to Iran which is where Taste of Cherry is set. Max discusses what he missed from the film and Tristen attempts to instill meaning in the captivating philosophical drama. They discuss the virtues of life and living and also the moral weight of the given circumstances of the film. The film may move slow, but it opens an existential can of worms, allowing us to ponder what life is worth living.
On the thirty-second episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into the six-part documentary series from Jon Bois and Alex Rubenstein on the history of baseball's Seattle Mariners. They both touch on their experience growing up with baseball and how the Seattle Mariners have never lived in the forefront of either of their pasts. Tristen discusses the importance of Seattle's geography as well as the themes of home, humility, and loyalty while Max delves into olde poetry to connect love of life to the identity of the Seattle Mariners, devoid of any major accomplishments. Tristen and Max both say that they never thought a team from obscurity could make them cry. It happens here.
On the thirty-first episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into one of the best international films of recent memory with Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Japan's Drive My Car. The two spend a lot of time poring over the deeply layered script and the double and triple meanings behind every word spoken, Max gives a rundown on Uncle Vanya and Russian theatre, and Tristen defends the inaction of the main character. While it may be a slow drama, it remains absolutely captivating and spellbinding, drawing audiences in deep and not letting go. The emotional punches are many and Tristen and Max try to break down how symbolic the text actually is. This film is highly recommended by both Tristen and Max.
On the thirtieth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into Michael Mann's feature film debut Thief, written and directed (and executive produced) by Mann himself, starring James Caan. Max ventures into the moral ambiguity of the film and how the viewer can make a list of which bad deeds are worse than others, and Tristen discusses the captivating camerawork and seamless shots that create the robbery scenes and what it says about the work of a thief. Mixed feelings are exchanged between the two hosts, but it concludes with a very solid agreement that this film is the best that it can be, doing its best to root for the little guy to escape the crushing thumb of organized crime.
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.
On the third episode of The Cinematic Odyssey Tristen, Max, and a special guest Griffin "Danger" McMorrow discuss the genius or inept decisions made by Josh & Benny Safdie and Adam Sandler in the creation of Uncut Gems. We go into the nitty gritty details of Sandler's character, the intricacies of his performance, the impressive scope of the screenplay, the impeccable direction, and many more things that contribute to the creation of Uncut Gems.
On the third episode of The Cinematic Odyssey Tristen, Max, and a special guest Griffin "Danger" McMorrow discuss the genius or inept decisions made by Josh & Benny Safdie and Adam Sandler in the creation of Uncut Gems. We go into the nitty gritty details of Sandler's character, the intricacies of his performance, the impressive scope of the screenplay, the impeccable direction, and many more things that contribute to the creation of Uncut Gems.
In the second episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Max and Tristen discuss Jojo Rabbit, an anti-hate, anti-Nazi, and pro-love film from Taika Waititi. We discuss the question of whether or not it's okay to satirize the Nazi regime, the progression of Jojo letting go of his hatred and learning to love and gain his childlike innocence, and other aspects of the film that can be seen as questionable and or either brilliant choices of Taika Waititi.
In the inaugural episode of The Cinematic Odyssey Max and Tristen discuss Mathieu Kassovitz's masterpiece, La Haine. A politically charged film that dissects the cycle of violence and poverty from the perspective of three minorities in Paris, France. La Haine has been hailed as one of the greatest films to come out of France and continues to be an extremely high benchmark in cinema.