Movies: Ed Zwick

4. " The Battle of Algiers. " It forever changed what we imagine something looks like when it's "real."

5. " Annie Hall. " It's as if Woody Allen said to himself, I'm going to throw out every rule, steal from whomever I choose, basically do whatever I please—to end up with something utterly, indelibly unique and personal.

A film to which you always return: "The Seven Samurai." A film school unto itself. When I come upon it at night, I'm in trouble; it's one of those movies you have to watch until the very end.

A film you revisited with disappointment: "Last Year at Marienbad." Two hours I will never get back.

© 2009