James Gray’s “Paper Tiger,” a domestic crime drama that marks his first feature in nearly four years, is nearly ready for what feels like an inevitable Cannes premiere next May. The film stars Scarlett Johansson, Miles Teller, and Adam Driver.
Brazilian Oscar-nominated producer Rodrigo Teixeira has seen a cut of the film, and he has nothing but praise for it — he thinks Gray has never made a better film (via Deadline):
We’re in post right now. In my opinion, it’s the best James Gray movie ever. I’ve made three James Gray movies, and this is for sure the best, I guarantee you. Although it was a difficult film to produce, working on this film was a pleasure. James was in great shape and the actors were good too.
Now, of course, it’s obvious that a producer would tout his own movie; that’s inevitable. But I recently spoke to someone who also saw a cut of the film, and they had a similar reaction. They thought Driver and Johansson delivered career-best work. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing this film more now.
“Paper Tiger” centers on two brothers chasing the American Dream, only to become ensnared in a seemingly perfect scheme that unravels into a nightmare. As their world collapses into violence and corruption, their family finds itself under threat from the Russian “Mafiya,” pushing their bonds to the breaking point.
Joaquin Baca-Asay, who hasn’t lensed a film since Gray’s “Two Lovers” — which also happens to be the filmmaker’s very best work — released 17 years ago, is the cinematographer on this film. Gray has worked with a handful of DPs over the years: Harris Savides (“The Yards”), Darius Khondji (“The Immigrant,” “Armageddon Time”), and Hoyte Van Hoytema (“Ad Astra”).
Gray, 56, is a filmmaker with a loyal following, revered for his classically influenced style that echoes cinema’s golden eras. While not always a mainstream favorite, he’s earned consistent critical praise — especially from the French — which has helped sustain a career marked by artistic ambition and emotional depth.
A native of Queens, Gray can be hit or miss, but when he’s on his game, with films like “Two Lovers” — arguably his finest work — and “The Lost City of Z,” a rare, haunting beauty seeps into every frame.
