Scarlett Johansson's latest film, 'Paper Tiger', is a starry drama set in the late '80s New York. It's a project that James Gray, the acclaimed filmmaker, had been hoping to work on with Johansson for a long time. Despite his initial pessimism, Johansson was drawn to the script's big story inside a small story, and her performance as Hester Pearl is a standout. Hester is a stay-at-home mom who is determined to fight for more, and Johansson's portrayal of her is both feminine and soft, yet full of chutzpah. The film is rich with the texture of life, and Johansson's performance is rooted in the memories and sounds of her own family, particularly her grandmother's Yiddish dialect. The star shares only a handful of scenes with Adam Driver, but grew close to Miles Teller, who plays her husband. Johansson's characterization is indelible, and her performance is both big and loud, yet fully rooted in the material. The film is a dream come true for Gray, who has worked with a ton of decorated actors over the years, and Johansson's performance is a testament to her naturalistic work in dramas. 'Paper Tiger' premieres at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, and it's a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of Gray's behind-the-camera style and Johansson's versatile acting range.
