"I love Patti Smith and the story of her beginnings in New York City with her then boyfriend, the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. It's a fascinating look at that period of time and at two very creative people who inspired a whole generation of artists. Smith continues to be so relevant, particularly given our political climate."

"It’s a film about the lift story of an otter. It’s beautiful. If it’s just one otter playing the part, it is the James Dean of otters. There’s a heron and there’s a love interest, White- Tip. It’s multicultural because there’s an owl family. It’s an animal melting pot, by the side of a river."

"Sullivan’s Travels, along with The Miracle at Morgan’s Creek and Unfaithfully Yours, is my favorite Preston Sturges movie. I love how you can never guess where this story is headed. Then, when the ending and the message reveal themselves, it’s hilarious, ironic, and moving. And the documentary on Sturges on the Criterion DVD is priceless."

"Steven Soderbergh’s film inspired by the UK miniseries. One of my favorite filmmakers, and this is one of many of his that I just love. From his big-budget studio films to the smaller art films, he always finds such a unique way to tell a story. And he knows how to hold a camera!"

"These next five movies are by excellent filmmakers whose work I always like and who did not surprise me by making more work that I liked. These are only ranked in the order in which I saw them. “Marriage Story” fits all these descriptions, but I simply love it more so it’s elevated above."