Nymphomaniac part I (Lars Von Trier, 2014): Lars Von Trier’s latest is a violent and hyper erotic study of sexuality through a woman named Joe. She begins her novelistic account describing her sexuality by declaring “I discovered my cunt as a two year old.” Superbly acted and beautifully shot, Von Trier uses sensual awakening as a gateway to all kinds of human experience, and the result is a challenging and provocative work that has become the most incendiary film of the year. It’s also, oddly, unexpectedly funny and constantly entertaining, and along with the second half, will likely appear on my top 10 at year’s end.

Mad Max (George Miller, 1979): The original post-apocalyptic film, this hyper stylized sadistic action romp might not be what you’re expecting when you hear it’s the film that A.) launched Mel Gibson’s ultra-successful career, and B.) is one of the most profitable films of all time. It’s disorienting, gruesome, mean-spirited, but also unapologetically campy. It’s sensory overload turned to eleven, a film that pummels any sense of beauty or morality into the ground. Gibson dominates the screen, and even at this early stage his potential is obvious. The sequel is a better film, but the original has a purity the second film doesn’t. Given the fourth Mad Max film (this one starring Tom Hardy instead of Mel Gibson) comes out next year, there’s never been a better time to explore the franchise.