Paper Tiger: A Review of James Gray, Adam Driver, and Miles Teller at Cannes

A New Chapter in James Gray’s Cinematic Journey

James Gray’s latest film, Paper Tiger, opens with a powerful quote from the father of ancient Greek tragedy, Aeschylus: “Let there be wealth without tears; enough for the wise man who will ask no further.” This ominous line sets the tone for a story that explores the complex relationship between wealth and family. As we delve into the world of Paper Tiger, it becomes clear that the characters may not fully grasp the true meaning of wealth in their lives—especially when it comes to family.

The film premiered in competition at Cannes tonight, marking Gray’s sixth time at the festival. Despite his impressive body of work, he has yet to win a prize at this prestigious event. However, Paper Tiger may change that—big time. I hope it does. Gray is long overdue for recognition, and this film proves just how talented he is.

A Noirish Crime Drama Set in Queens

Paper Tiger is a noirish crime drama set in 1986 in Gray’s beloved Queens. Originally conceived as a follow-up to his previous film, Armageddon Time, the story evolved into something completely original. While still rooted in Queens and a specific period, it now centers on two brothers caught up in a dangerous game with the Russian mafia.

The film follows Gary Pearl (Adam Driver), an American dreamer and ex-cop, who arrives at his brother Irwin’s (Miles Teller) house with a proposition. He wants Irwin to use his engineering talents to work on a project involving several Russian “businessmen” along the Gowanus Canal, promising a big payoff. Gary has already sold them on the deal and now needs to make it happen.

Before this unfolds, we meet Irwin, his wife Hester (Scarlett Johansson), and their two sons, Scott (Gavin Goudey) and Benjamin (Roman Engel). The Pearls seem like a loving and normal family living happily in the suburbs of Queens. To the kids, Gary is just Uncle Gary, but he is a smooth talker who convinces Irwin this might be the opportunity of a lifetime.

A Dangerous Proposition

Irwin agrees to join up, thinking it will be a cinch to pull off. However, things quickly go wrong when he decides to check out the operation with his boys in tow one night. They are confronted by some very hardcore Russians, first pulling a knife on the boys left in the car, and then on Irwin himself. As Gary falls deeper into debt to the Russians and threats are made to the family in scary ways, another crisis looms for the Pearls.

Hester secretly worries about her health and learns she needs surgery, possibly only having a year to live. She keeps this news from her husband, privately panicking about leaving her tight-knit family without a mother.

A Masterfully Crafted Story

This story, which keeps you engaged at every turn, is superbly crafted by Gray. He knows how to twist a crime genre tale into something fresh and pulse-pounding. His ability to create stakes in these recognizable characters is key to the film's success. The casting of actors like Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller elevates the film to new heights.

Driver shines as Gary, a smoothly confident dreamer who jumps in before he should, convinced this is the moment he wins big. He brilliantly shows us the surface while subtly suggesting that underneath, he may realize this was no sure thing. As his relationship with the Russians, particularly the take-no-prisoners boss Semion Bogoyavich (Victor Ptak), starts to unravel, we see that even with the skills of an ex-police officer, he may have met his match.

Teller beautifully plays Irwin, a family man roped into events beyond his control. Johansson delivers one of her finest performances as a Queens mom and wife, privately cracking but keeping it hidden from her family.

Visual and Auditory Excellence

The film features stunning cinematography from Joaquin Baca-Asay. One standout scene is a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase as Gary tries to evade Russians tailing him. He loses himself in a tall, deserted wheatfield, weaving in and out of this maze as we eventually see his pursuers doing the same. The scene is shot both within and above this visually striking location, reminiscent of Cary Grant being chased by a cropduster in North By Northwest. This may be the single finest scene Gray has ever staged.

Christopher Spelman’s great score and Scott Morris’ first-rate editing also contribute to the film’s success. The period details of a time when the Russian/American connection was taking on new dimensions are right on the money.

A Film Worth Watching

My personal favorite films of Gray’s include The Lost City Of Z and Two Lovers, vastly different movies that showcase the range of this filmmaker, who is a true original. Paper Tiger, a title that works ironically on many levels, is right up there with the very best he has ever done.

Gray is also a producer in addition to nine others, and 31 additional Executive Producer and Co-Executive Producer credits. It is not easy getting indie movies made, but this one is worth it.

Key Details About Paper Tiger

• Title: Paper Tiger
• Festival: Cannes – Official Competition
• Distributor: Neon
• Director/Screenplay: James Gray
• Cast: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Miles Teller, Gavin Goudey, Roman Engel, Yavor Vesselinov, Victor Ptak.
• Running Time: 1 hour and 54 minutes