Man, 2019 was a great year for this actor! He really came back strong with a couple of fantastic movies. I was totally blown away by Ad Astra, and then there was… well, another really solid film that I enjoyed a lot.
James Gray’s sci-fi film, Ad Astra, didn’t perform well with audiences or critics. Speaking with Brut at the Cannes Film Festival while promoting his new film, Paper Tiger, Gray explained that the theatrical release wasn’t his preferred version. He said the studio, 20th Century Fox, insisted on a longer cut than he originally intended.
Ad Astra Was Not James Gray’s Version
The director, known for films like Armageddon Time and the recent Paper Tiger (which premiered at Cannes and was a contender for the Palme d’Or), clarified that he didn’t have complete control while working on the 2019 science fiction movie.
I had full creative control over this film, unlike my experience with Ad Astra. They took the final cut of that movie away from me, so it doesn’t reflect my vision.
He explained that making the film involved a lot of discussions and debates, and things became complicated when the studio, 20th Century Fox, was bought by Disney. He added that the movie cost $80 million, while another project, Paper Tiger, cost $15 million.
Gray explained that he prefers working on a large scale because he believes it’s unfair to have his movies altered and then be held responsible for the changes.
Director Gray explained that the version of the film released in theaters differs considerably from his edited cut, mainly in length. He said his cut would be twelve minutes shorter, jokingly pointing out that he’s unique among directors for creating a shorter director’s cut.
He concluded, “I hope someday I’ll do it. I mean, it’s obviously not up to me, but I would love to do it — it would be thrilling for me.”
Ad Astra Had a Divisive Reception
Critics generally liked Ad Astra, giving it a ‘Certified Fresh’ rating of 83% based on 398 reviews. Many reviewers highlighted its stunning visuals and its moving exploration of the relationship between a father and son.
However, viewers didn’t respond well to the film, giving it an approval rating of only 40%. Many found it visually attractive but boring, with one critic calling it “a visually appealing snooze fest.”
It also didn’t end up being a commercial success, although it has since . Produced on a budget estimated between $80 million to $100 million, it grossed $135.2 million worldwide, becoming a huge disappointment for 20th Century Fox.
Despite not having a confirmed release date yet, Gray’s latest film, Paper Tiger, has been well-received by critics. Currently, it has an 83% approval rating based on 40 reviews, though it hasn’t received any awards.
This crime thriller features Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller. The story centers on two brothers chasing the American Dream, but they get caught up in a risky plot involving the Russian mafia, which threatens their family and strains their relationship, leading to potential betrayal.
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2026-05-25 23:08