A Man Escaped: Hope, Human Connection, and the Patience Required to Escape

On this bonus episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max walk you through their picks, predictions, and thoughts on every award category. For insight on major awards like screenplay, acting, directing, and Best Picture, skip to the one hour mark of the episode. Max monologues about the shorts and documentary nominees while Tristen stews with the anxiety of his worst nightmare coming true this awards season. What might that be? Give it a listen and laugh along with us as we prep for the 96th Academy Awards. 

On the fifty-eighth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max take a look at Jonathan Glazer's Oscar-nominated film The Zone of Interest. Tristens walks you through why he believes this is the best film of the decade so far and Max provides insight on the acting value that the film has to offer. Both are chilled and in awe over the haunting nature of a film that features no on-screen atrocities, yet still provides the same repulsion. Even the sound and score are incredible, creating a terrifyingly quaint depiction of life next to a death camp. 

On the fifty-seventh episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into 2024 Best Picture nominee Past Lives, the feature directorial and screenwriting debut of Celine Song. Hear why they loved the film, what great secrets are hidden in the camerawork, and Max's next musical theatre history rant that actually has some merit. This is a film you'll want to see at some point in your life, one that's sweet and romantic and hopeful for this life, all the lives that came before, and every life that comes after. 

On the fifty-sixth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, and special Valentine's edition, Tristen and Max uncover the beautiful mystery of Richard Curtis's Love Actually. One of Max's favorite rewatches come holiday season, Tristen enters with no expectations and the result does not shock you at all. Discussing the writing, performances of the ensemble cast, and even Richard Curtis's other works, this episode is sure to be one that captures that special feeling for you and a loved one, otherwise it probably would be creepy. Also, if you missed your seminar on workplace harassment, this is the place to be!

On the fifty-fifth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max return from hiatus to their shortest episode ever! In it, both discuss thoughts and opinions on Soviet director Mikhail Kalatozov's 1960 adventure film Letter Never Sent, the same director that directed Tristen's top overall film of 2023. Tristen gushes on visual effects and technical capabilities, Max slams a man named Konstantin, and there are plenty of puns to go around.

On the fifty-fourth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max take their first look at the extensive filmography of Masaki Kobayashi and his samurai tale Harakiri. A masterful philosophical discussion applicable to this day, several interlacing stories are told in a disgraced samurai's path to commit ritualistic seppuku or harakiri. Tristen and Max get into the ethical issues of the film and how it appears to American society, talk about the hairstyles that make men, and a bit of Oscar nomination buzz including Tristen's most shocking revelation on the podcast. 

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!