The last minute addition to the competition line-up (we imagine it was the pending Neon deal) James Gray is no stranger to the competition section in Cannes making his six trip there today. The Yards (2000), We Own the Night (2007), Two Lovers (2008), The Immigrant (2013), Armageddon Time (2022) all showcased here — all show his obsessive preference for themes of family loyalty versus personal freedom, American dream as illusion and a certain emotional repression and doomed longing. We get more or less the same with Paper Tiger. Starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller, this is about two brothers pursue the American Dream but get entangled in a dangerous Russian mafia scheme that terrorizes their family, testing their bond as betrayal becomes possible. This is competition film #9 of 22.
Gray’s previous history on our grid we find The Immigrant landing with an average of 2.9, while more recently with a grade of 3.2 – his Armageddon Time was among the faves. The third and final showcase of the day yesterday premiering just past 9:00p.m. was a bolt of lightening. Fifteen critic weighed in and Paper Tiger is currently standing at 3.4.
Click on the grid below for a larger version and latest updates!
