James Gray's 'Paper Tiger' Opens NYFF Amidst Scarlett Johansson's Jet-Lagged Premiere

Key points

• The 64th New York Film Festival opened on September 25 with the premiere of 'Paper Tiger,' directed by James Gray.
• Scarlett Johansson attended the premiere despite being jet-lagged from a flight from London, where she is filming 'The Batman: Part 2.'
• Johansson missed the film's May Cannes premiere because she was shooting 'The Exorcist: Martyrs.'
• The film is set in 1986 and follows two brothers, Irwin and Gary Pearl, whose scheme to clean up the Gowanus Canal leads them into conflict with the Russian mafia.
• James Gray described the film as 'Hitchcockian' and noted that he limited certain 1980s fashion trends, like shoulder pads, to avoid making the film look like a parody.
• The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 13, followed by a wider rollout on November 20.

Background

James Gray's 'Paper Tiger' has been a significant focus in recent film coverage, particularly regarding its festival run and awards potential. Earlier reports highlighted the film's semi-autobiographical nature, drawing from Gray's personal history and his mother's illness, as well as its use of film stock and its setting in the polluted Gowanus Canal as a metaphor for moral rot. The film's debut at Cannes in May was noted as a strong start for its festival run, with Neon subsequently announcing a full Oscar campaign, marking the first major push for Gray in years. The New York Film Festival's lineup, which also includes world premieres of 'Artificial' and 'Behemoth!', was unveiled in mid-September, positioning 'Paper Tiger' as the opening night selection.

How outlets are covering it

Variety emphasized the logistical challenges faced by the cast, particularly Scarlett Johansson's jet-lagged state and her missed Cannes premiere due to conflicting schedules with 'The Exorcist: Martyrs' and 'The Batman: Part 2.' The outlet also highlighted the camaraderie among the cast and director, with Adam Driver praising Gray's collaborative set culture. The Daily Beast focused on the film's critical reception, calling it 'the year's best crime movie' and praising the performances of Driver, Johansson, and Teller, while also noting its spiritual connection to Gray's earlier 1980s-set films. Page Six provided a visual account of the red carpet event, highlighting the appearances of the cast and other attendees. USA Today focused on the film's aesthetic choices, particularly Gray's decision to limit certain 1980s fashion trends to avoid parody, and noted the film's 83% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. The outlets generally agreed on the film's quality and the strength of its cast, but differed in their emphasis on the logistical aspects, critical reception, and aesthetic choices.

Why it matters

The premiere of 'Paper Tiger' at the New York Film Festival is significant for several reasons. First, it marks the opening night of the 64th edition of the festival, a prestigious event in the film industry. Second, the film's star-studded cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, and Miles Teller, has generated significant buzz and media attention. Third, the film is part of Neon's first full Oscar campaign for James Gray, indicating a strong push for awards recognition. Finally, the film's 1986 setting and Hitchcockian style offer a unique take on the crime genre, setting it apart from other contemporary films. The logistical challenges faced by the cast, particularly Johansson's jet-lagged state, also highlight the demanding schedules of top-tier actors in the film industry.

What to watch

The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 13, followed by a wider rollout on November 20. Neon is expected to continue its Oscar campaign, pushing for nominations for Miles Teller, Adam Driver, and Scarlett Johansson. The New York Film Festival will continue through October 12, with other notable premieres including 'Artificial,' '14th,' and 'Behemoth!.' The film's performance at the box office and its reception from critics will likely influence its awards prospects.