James Gray discussed his filmmaking philosophy at the Locarno Film Festival, explaining how actors can strongly influence a movie’s visual and emotional style and reflecting on cinema, dreams and his career.
James Gray has offered insight into his filmmaking philosophy at the 2026 Locarno Film Festival, where he discussed the unusual influence actors can have on a movie’s overall style. The filmmaker argued that performers often shape the way a film looks and feels more than audiences may realize.
Gray explained that the physical qualities and personalities of actors can influence decisions about camera placement, movement and the visual language of a scene. Rather than imposing a fixed style on every project, he believes filmmakers must respond to the performers and the specific world they create on screen.
The director also reflected on his broader relationship with cinema and filmmaking, touching on the connection between dreams and movies. His comments came as Locarno honors him with a career achievement award and presents his latest film, Paper Tiger.
Paper Tiger stars Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller and follows two brothers whose pursuit of the American Dream draws them into a dangerous scheme involving the Russian mafia. The film was selected for the 2026 Cannes competition before its presentation at Locarno.
Gray has built a distinctive filmography over several decades, directing movies including Little Odessa, We Own the Night, The Immigrant, The Lost City of Z, Ad Astra and Armageddon Time. His latest comments at Locarno offered a glimpse into the creative thinking behind that body of work and his belief that filmmaking is shaped by more than the director alone.
