James Gray Says Actors Shape Film Style and Hates Noisy Audiences

At the Locarno Film Festival, director James Gray explained that performers largely determine a movie’s style and that audience chatter feels like an intrusion on his cinematic vision.

Speaking at a Sunday press conference for the 79th Locarno Film Festival, filmmaker James Gray said he is often taken aback when actors request to work with him, noting that they largely dictate a film’s style. He described his own limitations in directing performers, stressing the importance of making them feel at ease so they can deliver their best work. Gray avoids scripting with particular actors in mind, citing practical issues such as availability and physical differences that can force rewrites.

He highlighted the period of Italian cinema between 1945 and 1980 as a personal touchstone, calling it an unparalleled well of brilliance. For Gray, cinema represents the closest experience to a dream, and any disruption—like someone talking during a screening—feels like an affront to that dream. He concluded that this is why he would metaphorically “want to kill” anyone who disturbs the viewing experience.