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R.J. Cutler: If I Stay

August 29, 2014

A DGA Q&A in New York

A young woman must make the ultimate decision while hovering between life and death in Director R.J. Cutler’s new feature, If I Stay.

Based on Gayle Forman’s popular young adult novel, Cutler’s film tells the story of Mia Hall (Chloë Grace Moretz), a vibrant young woman well on her way to achieving the life of her dreams. After a car accident puts her into a coma where her life hangs in the balance, she reviews her options during an out-of-body experience as she watches her friends and family pray for her recovery, and must decide whether to let herself slip away or wake up and live a life far different than she had imagined.

Cutler spoke about the making of the film in a conversation with Director Joe Berlinger (WHITEY: United States of America v. James J. Bulger) after the DGA screening in New York on August 28.

In addition to If I Stay, Cutler’s filmography includes the documentary features The World According to Dick Cheney, The September Issue and A Perfect Candidate; the movie for television The Ordained; and episodes of the television series Nashville, The Residents Freshman Diaries, Ten Days That Unexpectedly Changed America and American High. He has been a member of the DGA since 2001.

Pictures & Video

photos by Marcie Revens, print courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

View slideshow
Watch Highlight
FULL TALK (35:06): Director R.J. Cutler talks about his new film, If I Stay, with Moderator Joe Berlinger.
Watch Highlight
HIGHLIGHT: A distinguished documentary filmmaker, Cutler explains why the editing process was the easiest transition for him to make.
Watch Highlight
HIGHLIGHT: Cutler discusses how he got the most out of a limited rehearsal time with his cast.
Watch Highlight
HIGHLIGHT: Director R.J. Cutler describes what drew him to make If I Stay his first narrative feature film.
Chloë Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley in R.J. Cutler’s If I Stay - photo by Doane Gregory - © 2014 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Metro-Goldwin-Mayer Picture Inc.
Director R.J. Cutler speaks about the making of If I Stay with Director Joe Berlinger (moderator) following the DGA membership screening in New York.
Director Joe Berlinger (moderator) asks R.J. Cutler a question about the making of If I Stay.
A member of the DGA New York Theater audience asks Director R.J. Cutler a question about the making of If I Stay.
Directors R.J. Cutler and Joe Berlinger (moderator) chat with audience members following the DGA screening of Cutler’s If I Stay in New York.

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7/29/2025 - 8/4/2025

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