Entertainment

‘Paper Tiger’ Director James Gray Says He Doesn’t ‘Want to Preach’ Politics To Audiences: ‘Art Is Not Sunday School’

Variety September 26, 2026 1 views
‘Paper Tiger’ Director James Gray Says He Doesn’t ‘Want to Preach’ Politics To Audiences: ‘Art Is Not Sunday School’

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James Gray: 'Paper Tiger' Director Explores Film's Political Subtext

Film director James Gray, known for his work on acclaimed movies such as The Immigrant and Los Intocables, is making the rounds at film festivals to promote his latest creation, Paper Tiger. The movie, featuring renowned actors like Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller, has garnered attention for its intriguing narrative and political themes.

In an interview with Variety, Gray discussed his approach to filmmaking and the role of politics in his movies. He emphasized that he does not "want to preach" about politics, but rather, he aims to create movies with "subtext" that allow audiences to interpret the political messages on their own.

"All movies are political in one way or another," Gray stated. "But I like movies that exist with subtext, where the politics is not explicitly stated but implied through characters' actions and dialogue."

The director, who has been involved in the film industry for over three decades, believes that art should not be reduced to a mere platform for preaching.

"Art is not Sunday school," Gray remarked. "It's about creating characters and stories that resonate with audiences on a deeper level, allowing them to engage with the political themes in a nuanced way."

Gray's approach aligns with the tradition of great filmmakers who have used cinema as a means of exploring complex social and political issues, without directly instructing viewers on how to think or act.

"I want the audience to take away their own interpretations and engage in discussions about the film," Gray concluded.

Featuring a star-studded cast and a captivating narrative, Paper Tiger is set to make waves in the film industry as audiences and critics alike eagerly await its release.

<small>Source: Variety — read the original story there.</small>

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