Liev Schreiber Names the 5 Movies That Shaped His Worldview
From gritty TV roles to the stage, Liev Schreiber is known for his range. But what movies does he admire most? Explore the surprising mix of comedies, sci-fi epics, and arthouse gems the celebrated performer holds in the highest regard.
Liev Schreiber’s career is a masterclass in versatility, moving seamlessly between Wes Anderson comedies, cult classics, a long-running television drama, and a Tony-winning turn in _Glengarry Glen Ross_. It’s no surprise, then, that his personal movie picks are just as wide-ranging. While many know him for his tough-guy role as the title character in Showtime's _Ray Donovan_, Schreiber possesses a sharp, intellectual wit that’s often overlooked. His choices offer a unique glimpse into the artistic sensibilities of one of Hollywood's most dynamic actors.
The Art of Character
Schreiber’s breakout years in the late 1990s, with roles in indie comedies like _Party Girl_ and _The Daytrippers_, showcased a sophisticated sense of humor. This appreciation for smart satire, he explained in an interview with _Rotten Tomatoes_, was heavily shaped by Peter Sellers. Specifically, it was Sellers' work in _Being There_ that left a lasting impression. “I think Peter Sellers’ performance in that just really knocked me out, what you can do with character,” Schreiber noted. He credits director Hal Ashby for elevating that work, saying he “embraced that naturalistic and really deep performance and took it to the next level, so it became this almost remarkable piece of surrealist social commentary.”
From Minimalism to Mythmaking
The value Schreiber places on naturalism is evident in his selection of the French drama _The Promise_. Though not the most famous film from directors Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, he called it “a lesson in minimalism” that demonstrated “just how simply you could tell a powerful and substantive story”. This appreciation for understated arthouse cinema might seem pretentious to some, but it stands in stark contrast to another one of his picks: one of the biggest blockbusters ever made.
Schreiber’s mother didn’t let him watch mainstream movies until he was almost a teenager, but his world was rocked when he finally saw _Star Wars_. “It just blew my mind,” he recalled. “It was the first color film I saw, and it just knocked me out. I don’t think I ever forgave my mother after I saw that film. But also just the kind of iconoclastic myth retelling that combined with science fiction, which has always been huge to me.”
Groundbreaking Sci-Fi
The original _Star Wars_ launched a new era of bold science fiction, but for Schreiber, the genre peaked with another film. Despite being a huge fan of Lucas's universe, he stated that he doesn’t “think anyone’s ever done sci-fi better than _Blade Runner_”. He described Ridley Scott’s masterpiece as “the ultimate, deep, immersive fantasy picture.”
His admiration for futuristic neo-noir doesn’t end there. He also holds _Brazil_ in high esteem, a revolutionary sci-fi epic that still sparks debate today. Schreiber declared that “Terry Gilliam’s imagination is just unrivalled,” praising how the film was “pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on film”. This sharp eye for quality filmmaking is reflected in his own recent work, with roles in acclaimed projects like _Asteroid City_ and _Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse_, proving he knows what makes a great movie.
## Liev Schreiber’s five favourite movies:
* _Being There_ (Hal Ashby, 1979)
* _The Promise_ (Dardenne brothers, 1996)
* _Star Wars_ (George Lucas, 1977)
* _Blade Runner_ (Ridley Scott, 1982)
* _Brazil_ (Terry Gilliam, 1985)