Cannes Film Festival 2026: James Gray’s Masterful ‘Paper Tiger’ Refashions the Mob Flick For the Modern Age
James Gray's film 'Paper Tiger' presents a modern take on the mob genre, set in 1980s Queens. The story follows brothers Irwin and Gary Pearl as they navigate the dangers of their involvement with the Russian mafia. With a blend of family dynamics and a sense of impending doom, the film explores themes of ambition and consequence in a changing America.
- ▪The film is James Gray's sixth entry for the Palme d'Or, a record for an American filmmaker.
- ▪Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York, the story highlights the influx of Russian mobsters during a time of economic turmoil.
- ▪The protagonists, Irwin and Gary Pearl, become entangled in a redevelopment scheme that leads to escalating dangers.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Decider.
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