Key Insights
Why did the creators of 'Cats' choose to adapt the Broadway musical into a film?
The creators likely saw an opportunity to capitalize on the long-running success of the Broadway show, expecting to make a significant profit from a well-known property.
What is a 'Jellicle' cat?
A 'Jellicle' cat is a cat that can be reincarnated, living many lives and qualifying for a transformative immortality at an annual ball.
Why did the film version of 'Cats' include dialogue when the stage version did not?
The film adaptation added dialogue to provide context and clarity that the stage version omitted, likely due to the limitations of early entertainment and the use of cocaine backstage.
What were the main criticisms of the 'Cats' movie?
Criticisms included the lack of coherent plot, inconsistent scale, jarring CGI, and the absence of emotional depth in the songs and performances.
How did the actors prepare for their roles in 'Cats'?
The actors attended 'Cat School' to learn feline behaviors and movements, spending weeks studying and mimicking cat instincts and mannerisms.
Why did some viewers find the CGI in 'Cats' unsettling?
The CGI was criticized for creating an 'uncanny valley' effect, making the human-cat hybrids appear uncomfortably lifelike yet distinctly unnatural, especially due to the lack of genitalia and overly expressive tails.
What was the most praised aspect of the 'Cats' movie?
Jennifer Hudson's performance of 'Memory' was widely acclaimed for its emotional depth and powerful vocals, providing the only moment of genuine emotion in the film.
Why did the 'Cats' movie struggle with maintaining consistent scale?
The film's inconsistent scale was due to poor CGI and set design, creating confusion about the actual size of the cats and their surroundings, which should have been scaled to real-life house cats.
How did the 'Cats' movie handle the issue of cat genitalia in its CGI?
The movie initially included cat genitalia but removed them close to the release date, leaving some scenes with awkward shadows and outlines that added to the unsettling effect.
What was the audience's reaction to the 'Cats' movie?
Audience reactions were mixed, with some finding it a bold, if flawed, attempt, while others found it a confusing and unsettling experience, particularly due to the CGI and lack of coherent plot.
Chapters
- The Broadway musical never explains what a Jellicle cat is.
- The film adaptation introduces dialogue but fails to clarify the term.
- Andrew Lloyd Webber attempts to set the record straight but only adds to the confusion.
Shownotes Transcript