Review of Cat People (1982) by Matthew O — 10 Jul 2012
The Cat People originated way back in time, when humans sacrificed their women to Leopards, who mated with them. Cat People look similar to humans, but must mate with other Cat People. We follow brother and sister - who seem to be the only ones of their kind left.
Paul Schrader was an unusual choice to director this horror remake, his previous films had leant more towards drama over horror, and a remake of this genre type was not a usual move for this type of director. The remake is a more erotic take on the feline horror film.
The plus points are that Schrader brings a gothic visual edge from the impressive opening shots in the desert, and an impressive shot of a leopard silhouetted beside a leafless tree is great.
The minus points are that 'Cat People' is both slow and rather dull in places.
The cast including an expected odd performance from Malcolm McDowell are all good, and Nastassia as Irena does have a feline prowl about her which is both perfectly sexy and dangerous, but sadly, the lack of horror experience from the director shows, with a film which looks and feels prime horror falls flat in horror menace.
This review of Cat People (1982) was written by Matthew O on 10 Jul 2012.
Cat People has generally received mixed reviews.
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