James Gray Is Returning to Crime Genre Nearly 20 Years After We Own the Night With Paper Tiger
A New Crime Story
Paper Tiger centers on Gary and Irwin Pearl, two brothers who want to start a business together in 1980s New York City. Irwin’s mistake changes their plans and puts the family in danger.
The brothers face threats from the Russian mafia, whose presence in the city is growing. Gary, a former New York City police officer, must protect his more naive younger brother.
Family Under Threat
The film’s focus is not limited to its criminal underworld. Gary first approaches Irwin because he hopes that going into business together will help them bond. As the danger escalates, Gary puts himself at risk to protect Irwin, Irwin’s wife and their nephews. Scarlett Johansson plays Irwin’s wife, who has a significant role in the story.
Echoes of We Own the Night
Paper Tiger shares with We Own the Night an interest in crime and its effects on ordinary people and families. The films feature different characters and worlds, but their family conflicts and criminal settings make the new film a spiritual sequel.
We Own the Night premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007 and earned $55 million worldwide, twice its production budget. Reviews were mixed at release, but the film later gained a cult following.
Key points
- Paper Tiger follows brothers whose business plans draw them into danger from the Russian mafia.
- Gary tries to protect his brother, sister-in-law and nephews from the gang’s attacks.
- The film’s crime and family themes recall James Gray’s 2007 film We Own the Night.
- Paper Tiger may be the closest fans get to a sequel to We Own the Night.