Review of The Immigrant (2013) by Mj F — 15 Jul 2014

Great job James Gray. This film surprised me, I wasn't expecting it to be this good. In my opinion, it is one of James Gray's best films to date. The cinematographer is great. The last shot of the film, is amazing. The performances are really good.

The film kind of reminded me of movies like Moulin Rouge, The Illusionist, and Unfaithful just to name a few. I am surprised that the studio released the film now during the Summer rather than wait till Fall for Oscar consideration. The film deals with how women, especially immigrant women were treated during those times. There is a theme of forgiveness and redemption in the film. The only negative was the pacing, however, cause the performances were really good, and it was well shot, I didn't mind the slow pacing of scenes here.

Marion Cotillard is very good here. She gives an Oscar worthy performance. Joaquin Phoenix is also good in a complex role here. This is his 4th time working with Gray. Here Phoenix plays someone who mistreats and disrespects Marion and the other women that work for him, yet at the same time, you feel sympathy towards him. Jeremy Renner is also good. The film has the romantic love triangle. I was kind of surprised at the outcome of the confrontation between Phoenix and Renner towards the end of the film. Renner's character is the only male that treats Marion's character with respect, yet he has flaws too.

I definitely recommend this film, especially for the cinematography and the performances of Marion, Joaquin, and Jeremy.