Roman Polanski has always been one of the film industry's most respected directors. He has made movies in various genres and has always focused on experimenting in his films. He has also led actors to some of their finest performances.

This year, IFC Films is releasing his latest effort, "Venus in Fur." The film premiered at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d'Or and scored rave reviews. The film was nominated for Cesar Awards, the French equivalent of the Oscars, and won Best Director. With "Venus in Fur," Polanski returns to adapting a play, as he did with "Carnage" and "Macbeth." This is a list of my favorite Polanski films.

"Macbeth" - Shakespeare's masterpiece has been adapted many times. Those seeking a modern touch may be put off by Polanski's version, but it is unique. It stars Jon Finch, who not only portrays Macbeth as a ruthless leader, but also adds vulnerability and weakness. One of the most brilliant casting choices is Francesca Annis as Lady Macbeth. Annis reveals herself as soft and frail at the beginning, defying all expectations. However, this initial portrayal emphasizes Lady Macbeth as complex and surprising. Meanwhile, the production design and costumes are impeccable, as they take audiences back to the time period and also create a harrowing and foreboding tone.

"Carnage" - Critics received this minor Polanski work poorly. Based on Yazmina Reza's "God of Carnage," the film is a four-person show in one house. It may not be fulfilling, but it is an entertaining film, with incredible performances by Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly and Christoph Waltz. Most interesting about this movie is how Polanski makes the small apartment space seem like an expansive room where the actors can throw things, run around and yell at each other. Also interesting is how all four actors begin as decent humans and quickly devolve into violent monsters. They give tremendous performances that are heavily dialogue-driven, but also extremely physical. At one point, the audience sees Winslet and Waltz dressed immaculately in suits; soon after, half of their clothes are off or wrinkled. Reilly quickly becomes drunk and can barely speak clearly. Meanwhile, Foster begins the movie reserved but quickly begins screaming at the top of her lungs. It's fun, inventive and a must-see.

"The Ghost Writer" - This movie was released in 2010 and largely ignored because of its early release and lack of marketing. But it may be Polanski's finest movie of the past 10 years. It's full of tense sequences, it's got a top-notch script, and it has one of Ewan McGregor's best performances. It also features a sensual and manipulative Olivia Williams, and Pierce Brosnan at his most vulnerable. Alexandre Desplat's score is by far his most inventive and playful, with a number of fantastic and tense musical cues. Polanski also maintains a dark tone in the midst of his stylish sets and cinematography. "The Ghost Writer" keeps audiences guessing right until the end and showcases a director still in his prime.

"Rosemary's Baby" - This 1968 masterpiece is one of the most terrifying films ever made. Starring Mia Farrow, the film tells the story of a young couple who move into a new apartment, only to be surrounded by peculiar neighbors and occurrences. When the wife becomes mysteriously pregnant, paranoia over the safety of her unborn child begins controlling her life. The movie features a terrifying, brilliantly shot dream sequence that represents rape, with each composition showing how Rosemary is trapped. Polanski uses a minimalist approach, sometimes holding onto the actors' performances and rarely cutting. The result is a tense ride that will leave viewers frightened.

"The Pianist" - This 2002 pic is widely considered Polanski's return to form after a lagging period in the 1980s and '90s. The film won seven Cesars, two BAFTA awards, and Oscars for Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director. It is a sprawling epic about a pianist whose family is captured by the Nazis and his struggle to survive and escape the destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto. Adrien Brody's fierce performance makes this movie so compelling. The actor is at the top of his game, as he not only shows an intense vulnerability, but also strength. The production design and cinematography beautifully capture the destruction and desolation of the war, while the use of Chopin's music gives the movie a nostalgic and intimate touch. The result is an unforgettable masterpiece.