Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, two prominent figures in the world of comedy, embark on a transformative journey in their new documentary, *Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu*. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival on 6 June 2024, chronicles the duo’s adventure in Peru, borne out of both personal challenges and a long-standing friendship.
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The catalyst for this excursion was Odenkirk’s life-altering experience in 2021, when he suffered a near-fatal heart attack while filming *Better Call Saul* in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In the documentary, Odenkirk vividly recounts the terrifying incident. “I fell over and I stopped breathing. I turned gray,” he reflects on that fateful day, underscoring how the brush with death reshaped his outlook on life.
Cross, who had a profound response to Odenkirk’s health scare, decided that climbing Machu Picchu would be a fitting adventure for them both. “A big part of this was informed by Bob’s heart attack,” Cross explains in the film. “It made me see things differently.” His invitation to Odenkirk to join him in tackling one of the world’s most iconic treks symbolised not only camaraderie but also an exploration of what it means to live fully.
The bond between Odenkirk and Cross extends back to their collaboration on the sketch comedy series *Mr. Show with Bob and David*, which aired from 1995 to 1998. This iconic show was critical in shaping their careers, featuring a plethora of comedic talent including Sarah Silverman and Jack Black. Following that, their individual successes have only expanded, with Cross becoming well-known for his role as Tobias Fünke on *Arrested Development*, while Odenkirk garnered acclaim for his portrayal of Saul Goodman in *Breaking Bad*.
In *Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu*, their humour emerges amidst personal revelations and exploration of life’s fragility. As they ascend the ancient Incan ruins, the documentary captures both candid conversations and moments of levity, allowing viewers an intimate glimpse into their friendship. The film’s promotional materials describe it as “a journey motivated by one guy’s bucket list and the other guy’s heart attack,” highlighting the intertwining of joy and introspection.
Odenkirk’s wife, Naomi, played an interesting role in encouraging his participation in the trek. He humorously attributes some of his motivation to her long-standing philosophy of embracing life’s experiences. “You’ve led me to this. And now, whatever happens is your fault,” he jokes to her in an affectionate moment onscreen, reflecting not only the close-knit support within their family but also the deepening of Odenkirk’s perspective following his health crisis.
Cross’s emotional reaction to Odenkirk’s heart attack further set the stage for this journey. He recalls feeling haunted by the news, expressing how he was unsettled for days after learning about his friend’s condition. Despite the initial fear, Cross managed to inject humour into the situation, quipping, “I suppose the best thing to come out of this is I got it out of my system, so when he really does die, it’ll be more of a, ‘Well, yeah, been there, done that.’”
The film not only chronicles their physical ascent of Machu Picchu but also serves as a poignant exploration of the realities of friendship, health, and the passage of time. It highlights how life’s unpredictability can lead to new adventures and deeper connections.
Scheduled screenings for *Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu* continue at the festival through the 7th and 10th of June, promising to entertain and inspire audiences with the duo’s unique blend of humour and sincerity. Through this documentary, Odenkirk and Cross invite viewers to reflect on their own lives, encouraging a quest for meaningful experiences amidst life’s unexpected challenges.