Catwoman (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, Di Novi Pictures |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Film |
Catwoman is a 2004 American superhero film helmed by director Pitof and scripted by John Rogers, John Brancato and Michael Ferris, based on a narrative conceived by Theresa Rebeck, Brancato, and Ferris, with a score composed by Klaus Badelt. Drawing loose inspiration from the DC Comics figure Catwoman, the movie features Halle Berry portraying Patience Phillips, a graphic designer who uncovers a hazardous conspiracy within her cosmetics firm. After being killed by those involved, she is brought back to life through the intervention of an Egyptian mau cat, which bestows upon her extraordinary powers, allowing her to assume the role of a crime-fighting heroine.
The project was produced by Village Roadshow Pictures alongside Di Novi Pictures, led by Denise Di Novi, and was distributed in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures on July 23, 2004. Despite a production budget of $100 million, it earned only $82.4 million globally, resulting in a commercial disappointment. Critically, the film was overwhelmingly negative in reception and is frequently ranked among the poorest cinematic releases. It garnered seven nominations at the Golden Raspberry Awards, securing wins for Worst Picture, Worst Director, Worst Actress (Berry), and Worst Screenplay.
Plot
Patience Phillips is an artist employed at Hedare Beauty, a cosmetics company preparing to introduce a new anti-aging cream named Beau-line. While working in the company's research and development laboratory, she overhears a discussion that exposes severe side effects associated with the product. Upon discovery, Patience becomes a target and drowns while attempting to flee. She is inexplicably revived by an Egyptian Mau cat called Midnight and acquires feline-like abilities.
Guided by researcher Ophelia Powers, Patience learns that Egyptian Mau cats serve as emissaries of the goddess Bastet, and that she has been reborn as "Catwoman," endowed with heightened powers. Embracing this alter ego, she sets out to investigate both her near-death experience and the dangers linked to Beau-line. Her inquiry leads her to Laurel Hedare, who agrees to oversee her husband George—the company's owner. However, George is unaware of the product’s harmful effects. To conceal her involvement, Laurel murders George and frames Catwoman for his death while pushing forward with Beau-line’s launch.
After escaping from custody, Catwoman confronts Laurel and rescues detective Tom Lone, who begins to question Patience’s supposed guilt. During their confrontation, Laurel discloses Beau-line’s adverse effects: discontinuing use causes skin to deteriorate rapidly; ongoing application hardens skin akin to marble, dulling sensation. Laurel then plummets to her death after seeing her own disfigured reflection.
Patience is exonerated but chooses to end her relationship with Tom in order to continue living as Catwoman outside legal boundaries, embracing her newfound autonomy.
Cast
Supporting roles include Berend McKenzie, Ona Grauer, Landy Cannon, Michael Daingerfield, Benita Ha, and Ryan Robbins. An uncredited appearance by Missy Peregrym features as the Hedare factory’s computer monitor image. A photo of Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle from Batman Returns is used as a nod to earlier portrayals of Catwoman.
Development
Warner Bros. revealed plans for a Catwoman spin-off in 1993 during the development phase of Batman Forever, with Michelle Pfeiffer expected to return as the lead and Tim Burton attached as director. In 1995, writer Daniel Waters presented a darker screenplay that contrasted with the more family-oriented style of Batman Forever. Although Pfeiffer showed enthusiasm for the role, scheduling conflicts prevented her involvement.
The project became mired in development difficulties, with Ashley Judd cast in 2001 but later withdrawing; Nicole Kidman was subsequently considered for the part. Following Warner Bros.' decision to cancel a proposed 2004 Batman vs. Superman film, the studio accelerated production on Catwoman starring Halle Berry, stipulating that it remain independent of the Batman franchise and exclude any character crossovers. Berry accepted the role after the cancellation of the James Bond spin-off Jinx. Josh Lucas was among those considered for the male lead.
Due to complicated rights issues, the film introduced an original Catwoman named Patience Phillips. Apart from a single photograph featuring Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle, no other DC Comics characters or settings were incorporated. Director Pitof highlighted his intention to craft a distinct identity for this Catwoman, differentiating it from earlier adaptations and other superhero movies.
Costume
The catsuit was crafted by Academy Award-winning costume designer Angus Strathie in partnership with Berry, director Pitof, and producers Di Novi and McDonnell. Strathie sought to create a "reality-based wardrobe" that visually represented Patience’s transformation from a modest individual into a fierce, sensual warrior goddess.
Choreography and training
Beginning in June 2003, Berry underwent rigorous physical training with fitness expert Harley Pasternak. Choreographer Anne Fletcher instructed her in feline-like movements and Brazilian Capoeira martial arts. Additionally, Berry received whip-cracking lessons from coach Alex Green.
Filming
Principal photography commenced in late September 2003 across locations including downtown Los Angeles, Winnipeg, Lionsgate Studios in Vancouver, and Warner Bros. Burbank Studios. Most of the cats featured were adopted from animal shelters in California. Filming wrapped up by March 2004.
Director Pitof conducted reshoots as late as June 2004 to address unclear dialogue and awkward visual sequences present in early edits. These reshoots introduced a revised ending that altered Patience’s dynamic with Tom from a lighthearted romantic tone to a more somber and ambiguous conclusion.
Writer John Rogers reported being dismissed during production due to conflicts with producers and uncertainty about the film’s creative direction.
Theatrical
Initially, Catwoman was slated for an IMAX release accompanied by the slogan "CATch Her in IMAX." However, on June 30, 2004, Warner Bros. withdrew this plan because delays in visual effects prevented timely remastering suitable for IMAX presentation.
Home media
The film became available on VHS and DVD on January 18, 2005, followed by a Blu-ray edition released on September 8, 2009.
Box office
With $40.2 million earned domestically and $42.2 million internationally, Catwoman grossed $82.4 million worldwide against its $100 million production budget, marking it as a commercial failure. It opened with $16.7 million across 3,117 theaters, placing third behind The Bourne Supremacy and I, Robot. Major international markets included France ($5.2 million), Spain ($4.05 million), Japan ($3.05 million), and Mexico ($2.9 million), where it also led the weekend box office in Bulgaria.
Critical response
The movie faced widespread negative reviews from critics. The Village Voice reported that reviewers "almost unanimously—and unsurprisingly—criticized Catwoman harshly." On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an 8% approval rating based on 197 evaluations, with the general consensus recognizing Halle Berry as the sole standout element. Metacritic assigns it a score of 27 out of 100 from 35 critics, reflecting "generally unfavorable" opinions. Audience feedback was comparatively more positive, earning a "B" grade from CinemaScore.
San Diego Metropolitan Magazine commended Berry’s costume design and action sequences but found fault with the screenplay and narrative consistency, labeling it among the year's poorest films. Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter likened it to Showgirls (1995), hinting at a potential cult following due to its campy nature.
Roger Ebert ranked Catwoman among his least favored films, criticizing its superficial character portrayal and emphasis on Berry’s appearance rather than depth. Both Ebert and Richard Roeper gave the film negative reviews on At the Movies.
Academic critique by Caroline Heldman and colleagues argued that the film depicts female empowerment as intertwined with sexual objectification, thereby perpetuating the male gaze. Bill Muller of The Arizona Republic controversially proposed that Berry should "return her Oscar" for her performance.
In July 2024, coinciding with its 20th anniversary, IndieWire described Catwoman as a "superhero cult favorite" and a "sleeper hit." Director Pitof defended the movie as being "ahead of its era," pointing out that younger viewers have responded more favorably due to increased representation in superhero films. Conversely, screenwriter John Rogers dismissed it as "a terrible movie" lacking any cultural significance.
Despite the widespread criticism, Berry has expressed affection for the film and values its emerging status as a cult classic.
Accolades
Halle Berry personally accepted the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress at the 25th Golden Raspberry Awards for her role in Catwoman. Holding an Academy Award for Best Actress for Monster's Ball (2001), she delivered a witty and self-mocking speech, referring to Catwoman as a "terrible movie" and jokingly stating, "It was exactly what my career needed."
In a subsequent interview, Berry revealed that Warner Bros. supported her attendance and encouraged her lighthearted approach. She explained, "I don’t think it’s a terrible film, but since I was at the Razzies, I had to play along; I mocked it because they mocked it!" She stressed that her remarks were intentionally crafted to show she did not take the critiques seriously, adding, "No matter how much they criticize me, my Oscar is untouchable!"
| Award | Date | Category | Recipient | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Raspberry Awards | February 26, 2005 | Worst Picture | Warner Bros. | Template:Won |
| Worst Director | Pitof | Template:Won | ||
| Worst Actress | Halle Berry | Template:Won | ||
| Worst Supporting Actor | Lambert Wilson | Template:Nominated | ||
| Worst Supporting Actress | Sharon Stone | Template:Nominated | ||
| Worst Screen Couple | Halle Berry and either Benjamin Bratt or Sharon Stone | Template:Nominated | ||
| Worst Screenplay | John Brancato and Michael Ferris, John Rogers | Template:Won | ||
| Stinkers Bad Movie Awards | 2005 | Worst Picture | Warner Bros. | Template:Won |
| Least "Special" Special Effects | Template:Won | |||
| Most Intrusive Musical Score | Template:Nom | |||
| Worst Screenplay | Template:Nom | |||
| Worst Director | Pitof | Template:Won | ||
| Worst Actress | Halle Berry | Template:Won | ||
| Worst Supporting Actress | Sharon Stone | Template:Won |
Video game
A video game inspired by Catwoman was created by Argonaut Games and released by Electronic Arts UK, featuring voice work from Jennifer Hale. Although it draws inspiration from the movie, the storyline of the game varies considerably. It was met with unfavorable reviews and has a low score on Metacritic, reflecting the film's similarly poor reception.
Cancelled animated film
In 2003, Warner Bros. tasked Batman: The Animated Series producer Boyd Kirkland with scripting a direct-to-video animated Catwoman feature connected to the movie. Despite the script being finished, the project was ultimately shelved following the film’s negative critical and financial performance.