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The Cat’s Meow (2002) Lions Gate Films 1 hr. 52 mins. Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Edward Herrmann, Cary Elwes, Eddie Izzard, and Jennifer Tilly. Directed by: Peter Bogdanovich Cat's Meow Rating:  
E-MAIL GINO PAGLIUCA There is certainly something about Kirsten Dunst that I can’t put my finger on. Her on-screen persona is oddly appealing, and surprisingly, she manages to deliver a consistently fine performance each time out. Unlike most of the actresses in her age group she likes playing against type with each outing, (such as her self destructive character in “Crazy/Beautiful”, to the aspiring model Mary-Jane, in “Spider-Man”), and manages to deliver time and time again. Here we see her as silver screen movie star Marion Davies, in a film that is as brilliant as her smile. “Cat’s Meow” is based on one of the many rumored possibilities of an event that took place on-board the yacht of William Randolph Hearst (Hermann), an all and mighty media tycoon much like what Ted Turner is today, in 1920’s Hollywood,. Just as the film advertises on its poster, this is simply a dramatization of the “whisper told most often”. The event was in fact a gathering of some of the most successful figures in the film industry, to celebrate the birthday of Hollywood film producer Thomas Ince (Cary Elwes). Shady dealings, gossip, and forbidden lust ensue, all of which lead to the death of the birthday boy. The rumor this film decides to bring to light is that in fact William Randolph Hearst was responsible for killing Thomas, having mistaken him for Charlie Chaplin (Izzard) who he discovers is wooing his beloved young star and lover Marion Davies behind his back. Believe me I have not spoiled this for you for you will find that there is more too this tale then that. The characters play off each other so naturally in a story so tight it will seem impossible that this retelling was based on a rumor. The cinematography is splendid as are the sets and costumes, stunningly recreating these moments. I often find it hard to believe that budgets for films such as this are so small considering how decadent everything looks. Fades between scenes are well-used, serving the story all the better. A beautiful example of this can be spotted in the early moments of the film, when the camera fades from the present shot of Thomas Ince’s empty coffin, to the past shot of the yacht as it awaits the arrival of its famous passengers to be. I have been complaining about the lack of good scripts in most films for quite some time, but here we have another rare one that works all the way, in this case fleshing out each legendary character by giving them their own place on the ship instead of their own lines in the script. Of course this film is being steered in all the right directions by director Peter Bogdanovich (I wonder why he’s been stuck making such bad TV. movies prior to this), who adds another dimension to these characters by allowing us to see hidden expressions and suspicious looks. The cast isn’t comprised of novices either, they know just what to do with the material, delivering in all the right tones and ticks, making this production a full circle success. I often admire the under-rated work of Cary Elwes, who has starred in films such as “The Princess Bride” and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights”. He has also performed along with Eddie Izzard in “Shadow of the Vampire”, and had parts in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”, and most noticeably “Liar, Liar” playing Jim Carrey’s competition. I love his delivery, his pace and mostly his expression. He shines in this film, perfectly suiting the period. To be honest though, there is not one flawed performance in this film. Just thinking of them now makes me smile. I loved them all so much, I can’t help but plead that you go see this if only to take part in silent admiration for these actors. This movie definitely made for a nice evening at my favorite theater Cinema Du Parc here in Downtown Montreal, one of the only theaters showing this film because of its ultra limited release. I say if you can find it go see it, it obviously has my highest recommendation, being that it was way more entertaining, therefore satisfying, then most films will allow. Extra Note: Hopefully the studio does a good job with the film come Oscar time like they did with “Shadow of the Vampire”. It would be a serious waste if this talent went un-rewarded. Again watch out for Kirsten, if she continues like this she may just be the next Julia Roberts. Click here to comment on this review or post your own thoughts. Gino Pagliuca © TheWorldJournal.com |
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