Review of The Immigrant (2013) by David E — 16 Aug 2014

When thinking about the 1920's in the United States many conjure up images of excited flappers, elated jazz, and large parties. Lost are the stories of those who did not live The Great Gatsby lifestyle. James Gray's The Immigrant tells the often forgotten story of struggling American immigrant's in the early 1920's. The film concentrates on recent immigrant Ewa Cybulski and her struggles as she attempts to fulfill her version of the American Dream. A series of unfortunate events, including her involvement in prostitution, and a fateful love triangle set the stage for The Immigrant.

Even with its meticulous set designs, incredible acting, and beautiful cinematography, The Immigrant is never as effective as it should be (or as it think it is). The underwhelming, thin plot is filled with melodrama and a lack of romantic chemistry. The characters, at no fault to the actors, are cold and emotionless and as a result the main love-triangle is difficult-to-believe and non-interesting. Nonetheless, The Immigrant is a respectable effort that unfortunately misses the mark.