Review of Cat People (1942) by Temple R — 10 Jan 2010
An absolute classic of the horror genre.
I have yet to find another film that takes greater advantage of the adage that fear lies in that which you do not see. The figure following you in the park. The dark presence lurking in the shadows. Is it man or is it beast? It has not announced its intentions, yet you are quite sure that it means you harm. These are the monsters that lurked under our beds as children and the terrorists that just might be boarding our airplanes under the cover of low key banality. It is the unknown that is most terrifying.
Perhaps because he was so constrained by the terrible financial situation at RKO, Val Lewton was forced to exploit this fear of the unknown as never before. He didn't have the budget to show the monster, so he had to convey the concept of the monster through mood. It is the mood that makes this film great. The shadows. The eerie cries and growls of the leopard. The glint of fire in Simone Simon's eyes.
The more I think about this movie, the better it becomes. Do yourself a favor and take this one in.
This review of Cat People (1942) was written by Temple R on 10 Jan 2010.
Cat People has generally received positive reviews.
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