James Gray: The Immigrant

May 11, 2014

A Director Q&A in Los Angeles

The road to the American Dream takes a rocky detour in Director James Gray’s new drama, The Immigrant.

Set in 1921, a Polish émigré is separated from her ill sister upon their arrival at Ellis Island. Alone in a new country, she falls under the sway of a charming, but evil man who forces her into prostitution. Now she must find a way out of her American nightmare and somehow reunite with her sister.

Gray spoke about the making of the film in a conversation with Director Wes Anderson (The Grand Budapest Hotel) after the DGA screening in New York on May 7. Gray also participated in a Q&A with Director Matt Reeves (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) following the Los Angeles DGA screening of The Immigrant on May 10.

Gray’s other works include feature films Two Lovers, We Own the Night, The Yards, Little Odessa; the short film Cowboys and Angels; and an episode of the series The Red Road. He has been a member of the DGA since 2001.

Pictures & Video

photos by Dag Bennstrom (New York) and Byron Gamarro (Los Angeles) print courtesy of The Weinstein Company

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FULL TALK (36:01) Director James Gray talks about his new film, The Immigrant, with Wes Anderson at the DGA in New York.

FULL TALK (30:30): Director James Gray talks about his new film, The Immigrant, with Matt Reeves at the DGA in Los Angeles.

HIGHLIGHT: Gray discusses working with his lead actress, Marion Cotillard, including an important emotional scene in which she speaks in Polish, a language she doesn't actually speak.

HIGHLIGHT: While the story of The Immigrant comes from the experiences of his own family, Gray constructed the emotional tone of the film from his own inner life.

HIGHLIGHT: James Gray describes how Operas served as inspiration for how he directed The Immigrant, with his strongest emphasis on the emotions of the characters above story or plot.

HIGHLIGHT: Gray and Anderson discuss their points of view on achieving directorial vision and the importance of working with collaborators to get what they really want.

HIGHLIGHT: James Gray used real stories from his own family's immigration story in his new film, as he was inspired by his family's pursuit of a better life in America.

James Gray speaks about the making of The Immigrant following the DGA membership screening in New York.

Director James Gray (right) speaks about the making of The Immigrant with Director Wes Anderson (moderator) following the DGA membership screening in New York.

Director Wes Anderson (moderator) asks James Gray a question about the making of The Immigrant.

Members of the DGA New York Theater audience hear Director James Gray speak about the making of The Immigrant.

Director James Gray chats with audience members following the DGA screening of The Immigrant in New York.

James Gray speaks about the making of The Immigrant following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.

Director James Gray (right) speaks about the making of The Immigrant with Director Matt Reeves (moderator) following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.

Director Matt Reeves (moderator) asks James Gray a question about the making of The Immigrant.

Calendar

8/13/2025 - 8/19/2025

James Gray: The Immigrant

A Director Q&A in Los Angeles

Pictures & Video

The Immigrant New York Q&A: Full Talk

The Immigrant Los Angeles Q&A: Full Talk

The Immigrant Los Angeles Q&A: Highlight 2

The Immigrant Los Angeles Q&A: Highlight 3

The Immigrant New York Q&A: Highlight 1

The Immigrant New York Q&A: Highlight 2

The Immigrant Los Angeles Q&A: Highlight 1

Calendar