Writer / director James Gray is a singular figure in the film world. His films are gritty urban narratives known for their intense visual style, textual density and intellectual depth rarely found in contemporary dramas. They have often been compared to modern versions of THE GODFATHER played out in a more personal sphere. He is known as an actor´s director and all of his films feature a-list casts.

Gray was just 24 when his debut feature, „Little Odessa“ starring Tim Roth and Edward Furlong won the Venice Film Festival´s Silver Lion in 1994. His second film, the critically acclaimed THE YARDS, featured Charlize Theron, Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, James Caan, Faye Dunaway and Ellen Burstyn. WE OWN THE NIGHT premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and stars Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg as brothers in a 1980s cops-and-mobsters thriller. Eva Mendes and Robert Duvall round the cast. His current film, TWO LOVERS, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow, Isabella Rossellini and Vinessa Shas premiered at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. Gray has recently been tapped by Paramount Pictures to write and direct LOST CITY an epic spy film starring Brad Pitt.

Though New York is his first love, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children. He hopes to move back one day.