Movie Review: James Gray delivers a milestone crime drama in ‘Paper Tiger’

A new film by James Gray, "Paper Tiger, paints a bleak picture of the American Dream in 1986 New York. The movie is a beautifully crafted tragedy about a middle-class family living in Queens, where ideas about wealth, worth, and the cost of family are explored with operatic grace.

In the midst of a booming Wall Street era, where greed is good was the mantra, Irwin Pearl's daily life couldn't be more different. The ordinary dad, played by Miles Teller, rises early to make storm windows for winter, despite his teenage son's complaints about the unnecessary task. Winter is still three months away, and the boy just wants to sleep in.

Irwin's character is a kind and slightly goofy man, often seen wearing neatly tucked-in plaid shirts and windbreakers. His age seems older than his years, likely due to Teller's voice and accent choices, which evoke a hint of Peter Falk's tone from The Princess Bride. However, it's also true that every generation believes their predecessors were always old.

Irwin's daily routine is marked by small struggles, including trying to make ends meet in a world where the rich are getting richer. The contrast between the thriving city across the river and Irwin's humble life in Queens is stark, highlighting the difficulties faced by ordinary people like him.

The film takes place against the backdrop of 1986 New York, with its iconic skyline featuring the twin towers looming large in the distance. James Gray's direction brings a sense of grit and realism to the story, making Paper Tiger a milestone crime drama that explores themes of family and the pursuit of wealth.

The family's modest home is a place where laughter and love fill the air, but it's also clear that the parents are striving for more for their children. They envision their boys attending Ivy League schools and surpassing their own achievements.

Their sons, however, have a different perspective on life. They often complain about having to buy cheap things and live modestly, unaware of just how fortunate they are in comparison to others. This sense of discontent is palpable as they grumble about their circumstances.

A glimpse into a more affluent lifestyle comes courtesy of their uncle Gary, a former police officer turned security consultant who has done well for himself. He's able to provide his family with luxuries that the rest of them can only dream of, including expensive dinners at high-end restaurants like Luger's.

Gary brings one such dinner to Irwin and Hester's house, complete with a steak dinner for five. This generous gesture is not just an act of kindness but also serves as a way to showcase his wealth and success.

The windfall offer is a welcome relief for Irwin, who's been worried about the upcoming college expenses for his two kids. Gary's generosity is also timely, as he's going through an expensive divorce himself. However, Irwin can't shake off the feeling that there might be something more to this offer than meets the eye.

Gary reassures him that they've always operated above board, but the ominous quote from Aeschylus at the beginning of the film suggests otherwise: Let there be wealth without tears; enough for the wise man who will ask no further. This sets the tone for a story that's far from straightforward and simple.

As the situation unfolds, Irwin takes his boys on a nighttime outing to assess their surroundings, but things quickly take a dark turn. They're soon surrounded by aggressive Russian goons with guns, leaving them in a precarious situation. The tension builds steadily, creating an almost unbearable sense of dread.

The film's masterful pacing and direction allow the audience to feel the weight of the characters' decisions, which become increasingly grave as they navigate their situation. With each choice, the stakes grow higher, propelling the story towards a classic tragedy.

As Hester's health begins to deteriorate, she becomes a poignant symbol of the canal's pollution, her struggles mirroring the toxic environment around her. Like countless mothers before and after her, she feels an overwhelming sense of duty to keep her family's burden private, even as it threatens to consume her.

Ryan Driver's portrayal of Gary is equally compelling, as he grapples with the weight of responsibility for his brother's fate. Beneath Gary's charming facade lies a complex web of emotions, including heartbreak and loneliness that simmer just beneath the surface. This inner turmoil ultimately gives way to shocking violence.

The film builds towards an electrifying showdown that defies convention by embracing the cacophony of sounds from a nearby airport. This bold choice adds to the overall sense of unease and tension, propelling the story forward with unrelenting momentum.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that every decision made by the characters is fraught with peril. The entire system seems rigged against them, with corruption and deceit lurking at every turn. Even the promise of honest wealth appears to be a hollow illusion.

The tragic outcome hangs in the balance, as each character struggles to do what they believe is right despite being trapped in a web of deceit. The morbid irony of it all is that this fate was predetermined from the start, highlighting the darker aspects of the world around them.

The movie Paper Tiger" may not be about our current era, but it explores themes that are timeless and universal. The film is set 40 years ago, yet its exploration of human nature and morality remains relevant today.

The crime drama, directed by James Gray, has been released in select theaters on Friday and will expand to a wider audience nationwide on November 20. With an R rating for language and some violence, it's a must-see for fans of the genre. It runs for 115 minutes, offering viewers a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.