What Critics Are Saying About James Gray’s Film ‘Paper Tiger’ Starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller

Cannes Film Festival Sees Standing Ovation for James Gray’s Paper Tiger

Paper Tiger, the latest film by director James Gray, received a ten-minute standing ovation following its world premiere at the Grand Theatre Lumiere during the Cannes Film Festival last night. This marks Gray’s sixth appearance at the prestigious event.

Starring Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, and Miles Teller, the film tells the story of two brothers who chase the American Dream. However, their aspirations become entangled in a perilous Russian mafia scheme that threatens their family. As the narrative unfolds, themes of loyalty and betrayal emerge, highlighting the complexities of brotherhood. Neon is set to manage the film’s domestic release.

Critical reception has been largely positive, with many reviewers expressing enthusiasm for the performances and direction. The Guardian awarded the film 4 out of 5 stars, praising it as a “heavyweight saga” that offers a “sombre and impressive story of shady dealings in 80s New York.”

The UK’s Telegraph echoed this sentiment, also giving it four stars and describing Johansson’s performance as “terrific in this grubbily engrossing crime thriller.” They noted that it evokes fond memories of The French Connection.

Time magazine characterized Paper Tiger as a rare kind of thriller that leaves a lasting impression: “Some thrillers are enjoyable while you’re watching them, but vaporize the instant the credits roll. But there’s another, much rarer kind of thriller… Paper Tiger is that second kind.”

Indiewire lauded the film, claiming that “Adam Driver gives a career-best performance” and calling it a “devastating tragedy.” The review noted, “Like all of James Gray’s best films, Paper Tiger is both sweepingly mythic and hauntingly personal all at once.”

The Hollywood Reporter declared it “arguably the director’s best film,” praising the cast’s commanding performances in a “bruising movie” that examines the hefty cost of chasing the American Dream recklessly.

ScreenDaily provided a nuanced take, acknowledging Gray’s critical view of the American Dream while praising the film’s “quiet intensity and growing sibling tension” that contribute to a compelling experience.

Next Best Picture offered a more measured critique, stating that while the film has flashes of brilliance that remind audiences of Gray’s storytelling prowess, it ultimately feels like a lesser entry in his repertoire.

Radio Times found merit in the film but was cautious in its acclaim, stating that while “Adam Driver is terrific in a crime drama that grips, it never quite soars.”

Variety struck a mixed chord, noting that the film has “more atmosphere than plausibility” and critiquing the screenplay’s shortcomings despite Gray’s skill as a director.

With this mix of acclaim and critique, Paper Tiger has quickly established itself as a significant entry in the festival circuit.