Paper Tiger director James Gray says he does not "want to preach" about politics while promoting his latest film, which stars Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller. "All movies are political in one way or another, but I like movies that exist with subtext," Gray told Variety at the film’s New York premiere. He emphasized that his approach to storytelling focuses more on character development and narrative than on overt political messaging. Gray’s film, set during the Cold War, explores themes of power, identity, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. While the setting naturally brings political themes to the forefront, Gray aims to let the audience draw their own conclusions rather than delivering a clear message. "I prefer to leave things open," he said, explaining that he believes the best stories allow viewers to interpret the meaning for themselves. The film has drawn attention for its complex characters and atmospheric cinematography, with critics noting its layered storytelling and strong performances. Gray, known for his work on films like The Yards and Two Lovers, continues to explore themes of personal and political conflict in his storytelling. His latest project is expected to be a highlight of the festival circuit, where it has already received positive early reviews. While Gray acknowledges the political undercurrents in his work, he is careful to avoid aligning his films with any specific ideology. Instead, he focuses on creating immersive worlds that reflect the complexities of human experience. "I want people to feel something, not just think about something," he said, highlighting his commitment to emotional storytelling over didactic messages.