The New York Film Festival offered some of the most important films of the festival circuit and showcased a variety of different auteurs.

The festival also had three important world premieres and showcased a number of films in its main slate and in its documentary spotlight sidebar.

Having only seen a number of films, it was thrilling to see the quality of films that the festival showcased. There were a number of films that this writer thoroughly enjoyed, including "Inherent Vice" by Paul Thomas Anderson. While it certainly is not one of this writer's favorites from the director, it is a film that leaves audiences thinking for hours. The plot is confusing and the story is quite incomprehensible. However, it is Joaquin Phoenix's commitment that really pulls you in. The cinematography by Robert Elswit is also quite spectacular and production design by David Crank and the costume design by Mark Bridges is subdued and unique for the storytelling.

Also enjoyable was "The Wonders" by Alice Rohrwacher. The movie tells the story of a girl who dreams of leaving her small village and, as a result, joins a contest. The film is directed with simplicity and Rohrwacher's use of the Steadicam allows for exploration and wonderment. The performance by the young protagonist Maria Alexandra Lungu is a revelation and Monica Bellucci, Alba Rohrwacher and Sam Lowyck are wonderful in the supporting cast.

Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne's spectacular "Two Days, One Night" was also a huge revelation. Since it premiered in Cannes, there was a lot of buzz for this film. And it lived up to the expectations. Subtle in every way and beautifully acted in quite possibly Marion Cotillard's best performance, the film is a masterpiece. "Two Days, One Night" tells the story of a woman who discovers that her workmates have opted for a significant pay bonus, in exchange for her dismissal. As a result, she has only one weekend to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses so that she can keep her job. The Dardenne brothers' find a repetitive action and make it fresh with their unique barebones style and their attention to detail. Cotillard also has an exceptional partner in Fabio Rongione, who is tender and honest in his portrayal. It is quite frankly a movie that audience members will be able to identify with.

In "Birdman," Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu has found his best film to date, taking him out of the dark and morbid stories he has been credited for telling. The film centers around an actor who is attempting to revive his acting career and legitimatize himself as a true actor after playing the iconic superhero character "Birdman." The movie is unique in that Inarritu shot the film in what seems like one full take, which was beautifully done by the cinematographer Emanuel Lubezki. Michael Keaton gives a breakthrough performance while Edward Norton once again showcases why he is one of the best actors living today. Emma Stone brings another side to her bright career and Naomi Watts showcased her frailty, comic timing and virtuosity as an actress. "Birdman" may not be for all, but it surely is one of the most thought-provoking and entertaining films of the year.

The other spectacular film at the festival was "Foxcatcher." Bennett Miller has never been this writer's favorite filmmaker, but this film, starring Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum, is both dark and comic. The film tells the true story of Mark Schultz, an Olympic wrestler whose relationship with sponsor John du Pont and brother Dave Schultz lead to unlikely circumstances. Carell's portrayal as John Du Pont is chilling and unpredictable as you never really know what the character will do next. Ruffalo gives a heartwarming performance as David Schultz while Channing Tatum's physical transformation and silent poses are striking. Miller's direction is masterful as he creates a tense tone and Greg Frasier's cinematography is beautiful. Mychael Danna's score is eerie from the start to finish and the production design and makeup are also masterful. It is truly one of the best films of this year.

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