"An erotic, mature political love story inspired by Pavel’s parents and the Cold War era they endured. I was enthralled throughout, by the sexuality, performances and lush cinematography. For me, it was a welcome return to Fellini’s “8 ½” and “La Dolce Vita.” And Joanna Kulig’s transformation from a manipulative teenage girl making love in the field to a plump, fallen performer with mascara running down her face at the end was breathtaking."

"I’ll say Annie Hall, even though I’ve probably seen it too many times. [Laughs] To me, Annie Hall, Manhattan are the Woody Allen films… but then Crimes and Misdemeanors, that’s… I might put Crimes and Misdemeanors ahead of the other ones, because it’s not just funny and sweet and sad, it’s also kind of brutal — and maybe more mature. I just think he’s so unique, his voice. There’s been nobody that’s been able to quite claim that area."

"Now, my favorite films as a more mature person, when I was learning about what the director is and does, probably a lot of them were Howard Hawks movies, like Only Angels Have Wings and Rio Bravo. In Hawks’ world, Only Angels Have Wings and Rio Bravo are his visions of adventure stories with male groups, and men and women’s relationships, and life and death and danger. He’s developed that idea throughout his career. Those are just his beliefs."