The Cat's Meow
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Movie Reviews of The Cat's Meow
Movie Review: The Cat's Meow is The Cat's Pajamas!
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me start by saying that I very rarely give a movie five stars. This movie is one of those notable exceptions.The Cat's Meow is one of those movies that didn't get nearly as much recognition as it should have. Peter Bogdanovich's directing is beautifully understated, as is the cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel (Amelie). The script is fabulous, the art direction is flawless, and the acting is, without exception, wonderful.
Kirsten Dunst shows her capacity to play more than the brainless cheerleader in this movie -- her down-to-earth nature enhances Marion Davies' obvious internal struggle. Edward Herrmann is incredible as William Randolph Hearst. He brings a touching level of humanity to a character who is truly unlikable. Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Tilly as Elinor Glyn and Louella Parsons, respectively, play off each other perfectly. Lumley is witty and sophisticated, while Tilly is bright-eyed and annoying. In a good way. Cary Elwes, to whom I have a particular emotional attachment because of Robin Hood: Men In Tights and The Princess Bride, plays a man whose dignity is slowly crumbling away. His performance, like those of the rest of the cast, shows Thomas Ince to be a character who is far from a good person. But you can understand why.
Although the entire ensemble cast delivers thoroughly satisfying performances, one stands out: Eddie Izzard. I have been a fan of his stand-up for many years (and for those of you who haven't seen or heard it, do so immediately), however, when I heard he was playing Charlie Chaplin, I really couldn't envision it. He doesn't look anything like Chaplin, who was slight, in his facial features as well as his physique. Within five minutes of the movie, I had totally forgotten that this was a transvestite stand-up comic who rattles on about everything from evil ducks to Star Trek. The twinkle in Izzard's eye carries over perfectly to Chaplin, the epitome of playfulness. He captures Chaplin's personality and makes it his own so much that after watching the movie, you will have a hard time believing that Chaplin is Chaplin.
Movie Review: Wish I could give it 10 Stars
Summary: 5 Stars
While there are many different styles of movies that can entertain, this one is pure pleasure to watch and experience. It tells us the story of what may have happened aboard William Randolph Hearst's yacht in 1924, and shares "The Whisper Told Most Often." Of course it may or may not have happened in this exact manner, but you will lose yourself in the magic of that time in our history.The acting is superb - all of it. Herrmann actually becomes W.R. Hearst. Jennifer Tilly, Eddie Izzard, and Joanna Lumley are perfect. Kirsten Dunst is absolutely luminous as Marion Davies. She brings her to life with a vivacity that makes you want to learn more about the real Marion.
As the story unfolds, you will be mesmerized by not only the acting, but the "to die for" costumes, the wonderful music and the great sets. I've seen the movie 3 times and have ordered the DVD. Can't wait to see it again. I also have the sountrack - great music.
Do yourself and a friend a favor and see if it you can still find it anywhere. If not, order the DVD. You won't be sorry. I've read far more estatic reviews than unfavorable. You would have to be a very "jaded" person to dislike this movie.
Movie Review: The Cat Did It
Summary: 5 Stars
Film historian and movie director Peter Bogdanovich has crafted an instant classic from an obscure play to produce 2001's "The Cat's Meow". Charlie Chaplin, William Randolph Hearst, and his mistress Marion Davies(almost unknown today) are the characters boarding Hearst's yacht Oneida for a fateful 1924 cruise. Fading movie producer Thomas Ince tags along to entice Hearst to bank-roll his sagging career. More than Ince's career is about to go underwater. "The Cat's Meow" surrounds real people and probable events, with wild parties, grand dinners, and a clandestine murder on the menu. Bogdanovich is picture-perfect, lovingly recreating a 1920's Hollywood scandal that is still unsolved. Kirsten Dunst is magnetic as Davies, but it's Jennifer Tilly who steals the show as bouncy, clueless Louella Parsons. This new DVD features a trailer, a Chaplin short, and commentary by world-weary Bogdanovich. Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino appear in an actual Hollywood news-reel. As history has noted, the Hollywood legacy is shrouded in decline. Sadly, the quality of this news-reel has suffered the same fate.Movie Review: A DVD at it's Best
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this movie the first time that I viewed it on television. As has been mentioned here in previous reviews, the plot is derived from the infamous and mysterious incident that occurred upon a yacht owned by Randolf Hearst in 1924. The movie especially draws it's strength from the ensemble cast, powerful performances and intriguing charector insight. Also, the experience is made more than complete by the wonderful set design and costumes. I knew what I was getting when I ordered the DVD.What was unexpected and a delightful surprise was the special features on this DVD. Several special features include an excellent Charlie Chaplin movie short, a Sundance Film feature entitled Anatomy of a Scene, and a very informative featurette about the making of The Cat's Meow. All of these special features were very entertaining and enlightening. Watching them heightened my appreciation for the movie. This DVD has doubled it's value in the special features offered, and represents all the advantages to owning a DVD over a video tape.
Movie Review: Fascinating Character Studies
Summary: 5 Stars
Not since Citizen Kane have we been treated to such an intimate window into William Randolph Hearst. Is it a true window? Nobody really knows what happened on that yachting trip in 1924, but the Hearst we see in this movie exhibits the grandiosity and attempts to control the world that the historical "WR" was known for. It also reveals the underbelly most psychohistorians imagine they see in "great" men and women. Bogdonavitch seduces corruption from all his actors in this movie. We see infidelity and double infidelity, greed, schemes, and debauchery from the inside. As the plot slowly builds, one feels compelled to shower, to wash their psychic hands of the basest human nature being dregged across the screen.
Slow for an action movie, too obvious for a whodunnit, unsubstantiated enough to fail at history, this film becomes a vehicle for painting an unflattering portrait of the Hollywood bourgeousie. Power and insecurity, scheming and downfall, betrayal and betrayal. Five stars worth.
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