Paper Tiger Earns 7‑Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes
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- Paper Tiger received a 7‑minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere, with director James Gray calling Scarlett Johansson via FaceTime, only to reach her voicemail.
- James Gray told the Cannes audience that “cinema needs you more than ever” and emphasized the film’s relevance amid a festival lacking studio blockbusters.
- Miles Teller and Adam Driver walked the red carpet, signed autographs and posed for selfies, providing A‑list draw to a Cannes lineup otherwise light on Hollywood talent.
- Cannes Film Festival added Paper Tiger to competition after initial uncertainty, with artistic director Thierry Fremaux noting unresolved contractual issues that were later settled.
- Variety reported that reviewer Owen Gleiberman gave Paper Tiger a mixed review, noting its 1986 setting and plot about brothers entangled with the Russian mob.
Why it matters: The ovation boosts “Paper Tiger”’s profile, helping secure distribution and audience interest, while Cannes’ reliance on indie talent highlights the festival’s shift away from big‑studio blockbusters.
