Miles Teller Shines in James Gray's 'Paper Tiger' Despite Star Power

James Gray's latest film, "Paper Tiger," screened at the New York Film Festival, reuniting Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, who previously starred together in Noah Baumbach's "Marriage Story." However, the film is increasingly being recognized for a standout performance by Miles Teller, who anchors the 1980s-set drama.

Set in 1980s Queens, "Paper Tiger" centers on engineer Irwin Pearl, played by Teller, and his wife Hester, portrayed by Johansson. Driver appears as Irwin's brother, Gary, a former NYPD officer who left the force due to corruption and has since amassed wealth through an unspecified business. Gary entices Irwin into a new venture involving cleanup consultations for areas around the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, a deal that eventually leads to dangerous entanglements with Russian-mafia-affiliated property owners.

The film's narrative explores the dynamic between two brothers with a deep bond, one pragmatic and the other charismatic, who find themselves in over their heads. In a subversion of typical crime drama tropes, it is the more reserved Irwin who impulsively takes actions that trigger the central conflict. His late-night visit with his sons to the Gowanus Canal site, intended to survey for the new business, leads to an encounter with Russian gangsters. Though Irwin appears unaware of any illegal activity, his presence unnerves the criminals, setting off a chain of events that includes threats and attempts to extort Gary.

Gray's directorial style, characterized by a focus on sociological themes within criminal enterprises and autobiographical elements, is evident in "Paper Tiger." The film has been described as a companion piece to Gray's "Armageddon Time." While Driver captures Gary's attempted smoothness and Johansson delivers a performance with a "heartbreaking subplot," it is Teller who is drawing particular attention. His portrayal of Irwin, a proud father driven by the desire to provide for his family, is noted for its vividness and believability.

"Paper Tiger" also features Johansson in a role that emerges more slowly, with a subplot that feels "lived-in." Driver, as Gary, navigates a character who is outwardly flashy but ultimately trying to operate on a certain level of business acumen, though his true financial standing remains ambiguous throughout the film.

The film's narrative structure relies on thematic weight and ambiguity, with some plot points, such as Irwin's motivations for visiting the canal at night and the specifics of Gary's business dealings, left open to interpretation. Despite these narrative choices, the performances are widely praised.

Miles Teller, whose career has navigated roles ranging from young adult narratives to more recent attempts at mature characters, is seen as having found a particularly fitting role in "Paper Tiger." His performance as the dorky, proud father is considered "note-perfect," resonating with the character's dedication to his family's future amidst unpredictable external forces.

"Paper Tiger" is slated for a theatrical release next month. The film's screening at the New York Film Festival has positioned it as a notable entry in James Gray's filmography and potentially marks the beginning of a new phase in Miles Teller's acting career.