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Humans and animals share various traits; physiological, emotional, and behavioral. These range from similar physical structures to similar emotional responses, like fear or happiness. However, one of the main differences between both species is how animals rely on instincts to respond and react. Instincts that we might be drawn to and may come to the surface in moments of hunger, anger, lust, or jealousy.
Cat People follows Irena Dubrovna (Simone Simon), who might or might not be one of those that is struggling with feelings of self-doubt and regret, and might be drawn to those "animal instincts". Despite falling in love with Oliver (Kent Smith), she refuses any physical contact because she "fears the panther" she might turn into, something she believes traces back to her ancient Serbian heritage.
Even though I've only seen a handful of his films, I'm a fan of Tourneur. He has a very distinct and elegant visual style that goes from the way he moves his camera to his shot selection, close-ups, etc. This might also be a credit to cinematographer Nicholas Musaraca (who also shot Out of the Past with Tourneur), but whoever it is, there's some pretty solid camera work in this film.
Aside from that, the intrigue regarding Irena's nature is what drives the film. The performance from Simon ranges from charming and innocent to unstable and threatening. There is an odd vibe to her that I think fits the character and the plot really well. Smith is good as Oliver, but I feel the film rests mostly on Simon's shoulders, as well as the build-up of tension and menace from Tourneur.
Aside from Simon's interesting performance and the strengths of Tourneur's direction, I think the film succeeds because of how unconventional it is. This is not your stereotypical supernatural horror film with your stereotypical supernatural villain. There is something different here that comes out of anger, lust, jealousy. Something that we're inevitably drawn to, and just can't resist.
Grade:
CAT PEOPLE
(1942, Tourneur)
(1942, Tourneur)
"There is, in some cases, a psychic need to loose evil upon the world, and all of us carry within us a desire for death. You fear the panther, yet you're drawn to him, again and again. Could you not turn to him as an instrument of death?"
Humans and animals share various traits; physiological, emotional, and behavioral. These range from similar physical structures to similar emotional responses, like fear or happiness. However, one of the main differences between both species is how animals rely on instincts to respond and react. Instincts that we might be drawn to and may come to the surface in moments of hunger, anger, lust, or jealousy.
Cat People follows Irena Dubrovna (Simone Simon), who might or might not be one of those that is struggling with feelings of self-doubt and regret, and might be drawn to those "animal instincts". Despite falling in love with Oliver (Kent Smith), she refuses any physical contact because she "fears the panther" she might turn into, something she believes traces back to her ancient Serbian heritage.
Even though I've only seen a handful of his films, I'm a fan of Tourneur. He has a very distinct and elegant visual style that goes from the way he moves his camera to his shot selection, close-ups, etc. This might also be a credit to cinematographer Nicholas Musaraca (who also shot Out of the Past with Tourneur), but whoever it is, there's some pretty solid camera work in this film.
Aside from that, the intrigue regarding Irena's nature is what drives the film. The performance from Simon ranges from charming and innocent to unstable and threatening. There is an odd vibe to her that I think fits the character and the plot really well. Smith is good as Oliver, but I feel the film rests mostly on Simon's shoulders, as well as the build-up of tension and menace from Tourneur.
Aside from Simon's interesting performance and the strengths of Tourneur's direction, I think the film succeeds because of how unconventional it is. This is not your stereotypical supernatural horror film with your stereotypical supernatural villain. There is something different here that comes out of anger, lust, jealousy. Something that we're inevitably drawn to, and just can't resist.
Grade: