Paper Tiger Review – Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson Reunite for Heavyweight James Gray Saga

James Gray’s latest film, “Paper Tiger”, is a slow-burning drama that explores the complexities of masculinity in 1980s New York. On its surface, it’s a story about fraternal loyalty and betrayal, but beneath lies a scathing critique of the toxic culture that allows men to protect their own at any cost.

The film’s setting is a world of working-class families, where men are expected to provide for their loved ones through any means necessary. Irwin Pearl, a modest engineer with a “hungry heart”, embodies this cultural ideal. However, as he navigates the treacherous waters of his family’s financial struggles and the machinations of the NYPD, it becomes clear that this version of masculinity comes at a terrible cost.

Gray’s portrayal of the Russian community in New York during the 1980s is striking. Muted colors and autumnal light create a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, but they also underscore the ways these communities were often exploited and marginalized. The film’s depiction of the NYPD as a corrupt, fraternal organization with its own codes and responsibilities is equally unsettling.

Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller deliver nuanced performances that are both intelligent and problematic in their own way. Driver’s portrayal of masculinity has been praised, but it’s hard not to read this as a manifestation of the toxic ideals “Paper Tiger” seeks to critique.

The central characters are all struggling with the weight of expectation placed upon them by society. Irwin Pearl is desperate to provide for his family but haunted by the fear of appearing weak or failing in his duties as a husband and father – a classic trope of masculinity that demands men put on a mask of confidence even when they’re struggling.

The consequences of this expectation are dire: strained relationships with his sons, a fraught marriage to Hester (Scarlett Johansson), and a broader societal disease that prioritizes the needs of men over those of their families. The NYPD’s corrupt culture is a symptom of this disease, one that perpetuates toxic masculinity.

“Paper Tiger” also portrays a culture of silence surrounding issues of masculinity and family violence. Irwin’s struggles with his sons are presented as private matters to be kept hidden from prying eyes – a classic trope of patriarchal societies where men are encouraged to keep their problems secret to maintain the illusion of strength.

This culture of silence has devastating consequences: Irwin’s inability to communicate openly with his sons leads to feelings of resentment and anger that ultimately boil over into violence. This is a stark reminder of the ways in which toxic masculinity can lead to harm and exploitation.

“Paper Tiger” is not just a film about 1980s New York; it’s also a warning for our own times. The toxic culture of masculinity it portrays is still with us today, manifesting in social justice campaigns like #MeToo. Gray’s film serves as a powerful reminder of the need for greater empathy and understanding in our relationships with each other.

As we watch Irwin Pearl struggle to come to terms with his vulnerabilities, we’re forced to confront our own complicity in systems of oppression. “Paper Tiger” is not just a film about masculinity; it’s also a call to action, urging us to reexamine the ways in which we prioritize strength and power over empathy and compassion.

The film ends on a haunting note, with Irwin Pearl staring out into the void, unsure of how to navigate the complex web of relationships that have consumed his life. This is a powerful reminder of the need for greater understanding and empathy in our own lives, and the importance of confronting the dark side of masculinity head-on.