In 1942, producer Val Lewton and director Jacques Torneur, advanced the making of horror films by expanding the possible topics and boundaries. This extraordinary film is not one that relies on a standard “monster”; instead, Torneur employs psychological suspense and subtle development of terror.
This film offers a sophisticated and understated treatment of sexuality and its impact on people. The main character, Irena, a fashion designer, born in Serbia, and played by Simone Simon combines the modern world of high fashion in New York City with the old world beliefs that she is descended from people who are shape-shifters and who turn into big cats when sexually enticed and aroused. Torneur builds a new variation on the established theme of lycanthropy, in which a male changes into a wolf. Additionally, the film demonstrates the tension between science and superstition, the modern era versus the medieval times, and religion versus secularism.
While to a contemporary audience, this movie might seem dated and subdued, I believe it still carries great impact in its study of horror that is felt rather than seen, slowly created rather than visceral, and suggestive rather overt.
Cat People did very well at the box office, but it received a mixed range of reviews at the time. Since the 1940s, it has come to be seen as one of the more important horror films of the 20th Century. If you have the opportunity, I recommend watching Cat People.
Brilliant film!
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Yes, it is!
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I saw the 1982 version with Nastassja Kinski, and thought it was well done. However, I have not seen the original. If you’ve seen both, I’d like to know which you prefer.
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The remake was good, but the original is, in my opinion, better.
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I’ve seen both, too. I’d say the original is a bit more atmospheric, less overtly sexual, creepier in a “dealing with the unknown and unseen” vs. the creepy sexuality, including McDowall’s over-the-top brother. And naturally since the remake had a bigger budget, the cinematography is fancier. Guess it depends on one’s tastes.
There is also 1944’s “Curse of the Cat People,” which despite some overlapping characters isn’t really about cat people, but being a small girl in a frightening world.
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Thank you!
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I remember watching this and liking it very much.
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Yes, it is an excellent film.
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“Study of horror felt but not seen” brilliant- exactly like the film. One of my old favs as well. Another movie like the Wolf Man in which there is a sympathy of the creatures plight. I never liked the cat woman’s hubbies blonde friend who is to happy to see her demise and gets ” her” man back. That couple together is just too cheeky.. Cheers
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Thank you!
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Revenge of the Were-cat! I loved the righteous twist on the werewolf tale — especially because there are a whole closetful of were-creatures undiscovered in folklore…
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Yes, there are!
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Another great film!!
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Yes!
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I’d forgotten about this great movie!
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Yes, it is excellent!
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🙂
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