"For instance, A Tree of Wooden Clogs, which would have to be one of my favorite films. A year in the life of a peasant commune in Italy — again, it’s poor souls living through a year, so you’re getting a sense of seasons and hardship and community, and a simple, very basic deprived existence. I think that’s a masterpiece, that film."

"This was one of my favorite films when I was in high school. It’s funny and has a great soundtrack. Sal reminded me of my grandfather in his Canarsie store. The film helped humanize the perspective from both sides of the counter. It was the first film I saw that shed light on the African-American experience in a changing New York City."

"Well I think we just have to have a shout out to the rom-com genre in there and it’s a perfect example of the two, you know, really lovable, flawed characters — perfectly flawed for one another. As my grandmother used to say, “There’s a lid for every pot.” So I think that out of that genre that’s probably my favorite."

"I don’t think this movie will ever be considered tame. Subversive in every way, this is my favorite of the Monty Python movies because it houses a refined and philosophical look at organized religion, delivered in the most absurd and profane manner. Incredible jokes, great performances, and it’s almost a musical except for all the blood—kind of like the Bible."

"A completely different kind of samurai film. Actually, it’s a French gangster movie. It’s clear that director Jean-Pierre Melville digs old American gangster movies and filters that affection into creating his own unique genre. This is my favorite of his films. I first saw this baby when it was rereleased in theaters a few years ago, and was completely entranced."

"My favorite von Trier film. Everything from Emily Watson's breakthrough, tour-de-force performance (I’ve never seen an actress break the fourth wall to the camera like this before) to the haunting title cards set to Jethro Tull, Deep Purple, Elton John, David Bowie, and Procol Harum. Such a heartbreaking story of what desperate measures love can drive you to."

"I only saw this a few years ago, and I think it’s become my favorite of the French New Wave. I think it’s virtually impossible to make a film about complex ideas and yet at the same time make it feel as light as air. It’s a thrilling film that feels very much of its period but also completely timeless."

"Along with Lynne Ramsey, Nic Roeg is one of my favorite British directors, and he had a brilliant run of incredible, kaleidoscopic films. Don’t Look Now is one of my all-time favorites, but I love this too. It really gets to the heart of feeling alone in the universe. It’s like Five Easy Pieces, but with an alien. It’s also completely bonkers."

"My favorite book is Replay, by Ken Grimwood, about a man who replays his life and the decisions he’s made over and over. The takeaway for me was that no matter what life you’ve led or the choices you’ve made, there will always be great love and great sadness—you can’t escape those two things. I think that’s a great lesson."