Cat People

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🎙️ EPISODE 702: 04.19.23 A notorious film and you know how I love the notorious films. In the ensuing 80+ years since its release, this little B-movie horror film has gone under the knife of reassessment more times than a freaking Kardashian (don't know if that joke makes sense; don't ask me about it). Championed by many, and ever-maligned by others, Cat People is the perfect example of an otherwise typical 40s era production that's just a little off (read: inventive, fresh). And there's actually some really fascinating ideas interwoven, primarily about humans' inherent death drive. People (I guess) get on this for the acting, but I thought it was fine. Visually, it's phenomenal, with excellent and creative use of light and shadows, and even brief overlaid animation sequences. I'm beyond curious to see what a Paul Schrader 80s version of this story looks like, but that's for another day.

CHRONOLOGICALLY
⫷ EPISODE 701 - (YOU ARE HERE) - EPISODE 703 ⫸

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Cat People is a 1942 American horror film directed by Jacques Tourneur and produced for RKO by Val Lewton. The film tells the story of Irena Dubrovna, a newly married Serbian fashion illustrator obsessed with the idea that she is descended from an ancient tribe of Cat People who metamorphose into black panthers when aroused. When her husband begins to show interest in one of his coworkers, Irena begins to stalk her. The film stars Simone Simon as Irena, and features Kent Smith, Tom Conway, and Jane Randolph in supporting roles. It was released on December 5, 1942.