Adam Driver is diving deep into the gritty world of 1980s New York with his latest crime thriller, Paper Tiger, directed by James Gray. The film, which premiered at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, stars Driver alongside Miles Teller and Scarlett Johansson, marking a reunion with his Marriage Story co-star. In a recent interview, Driver peeled back the layers on the film's central conflict, the period-accurate details, and the subtle tragedy that drives his character.
Set in the late '80s, Paper Tiger follows brothers Gary (Driver) and Irwin (Teller) as they chase the American Dream, only to get entangled with the Russian mafia. Their bond begins to crack under the weight of dangerous choices, leading to life-altering consequences. Driver describes his character, Gary, as a man caught between his past success and a changing world. "All of Gary's choices are made through love for his brother, Irwin," Driver explained, "but he's trying to find his mojo back in a landscape where his old tricks no longer work."
Gray's script, which Driver praised for its personal touch, captures the shift from Italian to Russian influence in Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal—a metaphor for Gary's own struggle to adapt. The director's approach to shooting on film added a tactile, lived-in quality that Driver says influenced the cast's performances. "Because he shot it on film, that dictates the rhythm of a set," Driver noted. "It changes the pace. We can't complain—if they shot The French Connection like this, we have no complaints."
The period fashion, designed by Leonard Logsdail (who also worked on House of Gucci) and Amy Roth, was another key element. "Just putting on those suits, you immediately feel a sense of power and the era," Driver said. "I was four when the movie takes place, but I remember shades of it. That immediately changes the way you move in a space."
When asked about Gary's downfall, Driver framed it as a "failure of best intentions," calling it a subtle American tragedy. "There's obviously a competition between them that's subtle, but there is a paternal thing," he said, hinting at the family dynamics that unravel. The film also reunites Driver with Johansson, though details of her role remain under wraps.
For fans of gritty crime dramas, Paper Tiger promises to be a standout, blending Gray's signature style with a cast at the top of their game. If you're looking for more thrillers, check out our list of 5 Psychological Thrillers from the 2010s That Are True Masterpieces or dive into Titus Welliver Goes Dark in 'The Westies' Teaser for another 1980s crime fix.
Stay tuned for more updates on Paper Tiger as its release date approaches. With its blend of family drama, period authenticity, and mafia intrigue, this is one film that's sure to leave a mark.
