Paper Tiger is a very solid, if not great film - that 35 years ago would’ve been an easy Captain Video or HBO classic.
The bubbling pollution and influx of corruption at the Gowanus Canal is a tale known by many New Yorkers, but few outsiders would or should care. And yet here we are, back in the 1986 of James Gray’s memory - and my own, of a grimy and dirty city - with danger around every corner.
Adam Driver and Miles Teller give classic NY thriller performances, that would easily rate in a 1980’s Abel Ferrara or Sidney Lumet film. They simmer and brood and swag and simper in all the ways you’d hope. ScarJo veers a bit into caricature - but there’s a strong emotional truth that breaks through her bad hair and accent.
If you’re in the mood for a classic NY thriller you could do a lot worse than Paper Tiger.
Opening Night of 64th NY Film Festival. James Gray, Miles Teller and Adam Driver intro. Screened in 35mm