"As clearly as there is only one Lino Ventura, there is a sole Jean Gabin. Neither have I seen a replica of Michèle Morgan nor Michel Simon (one of the reasons why Renoir’s Boudu should be in this list, but . . .). Port of Shadows is a pure actor-based melodrama full of prewar pessimism. Bicycle Thieves proves that even the tiniest dreams can be torn to pieces. Never in the history of cinema has hope been served in so minimalistic but heartbreaking a way as in the last shot of this masterpiece."

"When I was starting to think about making my own films, it was always Lynne Ramsay who I would turn to. I think she is an incredible filmmaker and one of the greatest we’ve ever had in the UK. I would watch this film endlessly, amazed by the composition, the sound design, the naturalistic acting. It is also beautifully emotional. I still put it on in the background when I write, in the hope of some inspiration. I met her briefly at an awards party last year, and I was stupidly overexcited."

"I’m cheating again, because this isn’t a movie at all. It’s an episode of an Adult Swim show, and I’ve watched it more than anything else this year. It’s only ten or twelve minutes and it leaves me feeling like I’m a better person. It is warm and cozy and fills me with compassion and hope for humanity. It is also a celebration of my favorite meal. I look forward to many more viewings in the year to come, whenever I need a pick-me-up, large or small."