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James Gray’s Paper Tiger Draws Rave Ovation in Cannes Competition

Early reviews highlight assured direction with standout acting, hinting at awards potential.

Overview

  • The Cannes competition premiere Saturday drew a prolonged standing ovation at the Grand Théâtre Lumière.
  • The film, written and directed by Gray, follows a Queens family in the late 1980s after a brother’s scheme pulls them toward the Russian mob.
  • Scarlett Johansson missed the premiere due to shooting an Exorcist prequel, and Gray tried to call her during the ovation to share the moment.
  • Critics from Time, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline praised Gray’s craft and the performances by Johansson, Adam Driver, and Miles Teller.
  • Neon holds U.S. rights, and the film became Gray’s sixth Cannes premiere after a late addition to the competition lineup.