James Gray Says Actors “Dictate the Style” of Films and Explains Why, When People Talk in a Cinema, “You Want to Kill Them”

U.S. filmmaker James Gray stated that actors dictate the style of films during an appearance at the Locarno Film Festival, where he is set to receive the Career Leopard award. During the event, the auteur expressed surprise that actors seek to work with him and discussed the unique nature of the cinematic medium, describing movies as the closest thing humans have to a dream.

In addition to his comments on directorial style and filmmaking, Gray addressed audience etiquette in theaters, remarking that when people talk during a cinema screening, "you want to kill them." The remarks highlight his passionate perspective on the sanctity of the theatrical viewing experience and actor-director collaborations.