Cast
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Nastassja Kinski
as Irena Gallier
Malcolm McDowell
as Paul Gallier
John Heard
as Oliver Yates
Annette O'Toole
as Alice Perrin
Ruby Dee
as Female
Ed Begley Jr.
as Joe Creigh
Scott Paulin
as Bill Searle
Frankie Faison
as Det. Brandt
Ron Diamond
as Detective Ron Diamond
Lynn Lowry
as Ruthie
John Larroquette
as Bronte Judson
Tessa Richarde
as Billie
Patricia Perkins
as Taxi Driver
Berry Berenson
as Sandra
Fausto Barajas
as Otis
Crew
Director
- Paul Schrader
Producer
- Charles W. Fries
Reviews
Wuchak
***Atmospheric, artistic, dramatic horror in New Orleans***
"Cat People" came out in 1982 and is a modern take on the classic 1942 film. Nastassja Kinski and Malcolm McDowell are siblings cursed to become were-panthers if sexually aroused. The only way they can become human again is to kill a fellow human. The idea is absurd and fantastical, but "Cat People" takes the subject absolutely seriously. John Heard plays a zoo manager who falls in love with Kinski’s character, while Annette O'Toole plays the third person in the romantic triangle.
The movie’s engrossing and has style & pizazz. For instance, the flashback scenes of the ancient panther tribe doing rituals in an orange desert are surreal and captivating; the accompanying atmospheric music by Giorgio Moroder adds to the mood nicely, along with David Bowie’s theme song. While both are decidedly 80’s, they fit the flick and are somehow timeless.
Both Kinski and McDowell are properly cat-like. McDowell, as usual, has a weird and diabolic air about him. John Heard is fine as the protagonist and redhead O'Toole is simply gorgeous. Speaking of which, Kinski is indeed quite attractive, as observed in the scene of her fishing with Heard in hot pants and wader boots, but O'Toole steals Kinski’s thunder a bit, particularly in the pool sequence.
This is a great flick for showcasing the New Orleans area and the Sothern Gothic ambiance thereof. Keep in mind that it’s definitely a horror flick and so can be pretty brutal at times. On a related note, if nudity offends you then you might want to skip it as many of the characters are shown totally nude or near nude.
The film runs just shy of 2 hours and was shot in the New Orleans area with some stuff done in the Los Angeles region (e.g. studio work and the panther tree sequence).
GRADE: B+/A-
Nov 10, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Cat People presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Paul Schrader brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1982, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Cat People took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $12.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1193 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 30 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Cat People shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Complex of Fear, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Cat People offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Vacance and Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things explore similar territory, Cat People stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 2, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Budget: $12,500,000
- Revenue: $21,000,000
