Almost twenty years after the release of the infamous Catwoman, directed by Pitof, Halle Berry has taken a look back on her role as the lead in the film. In a recent retrospective interview with Vanityfair, Berry has shared more insight on her life at the time of the film, and her thoughts on it two decades later.
Criticized for its writing and production, and its poor box office performance, Catwoman is considered one of the worst films of all time. Berry, along with her crew, also received multiple Razzie awards after its release. The film may be inexcusably bad, however, there are some redeeming qualities to it thanks to former Oscar-winner and leading actress Halle Berry. Here are 5 reasons why Catwoman wasn't that bad.
5
Catwoman's Cult Following and the Rise of Camp
Many films that flopped in the box office are now being celebrated and remembered for their differences to mainstream, popular films. Catwoman has developed its own cult following since its release, with many calling it one of their favorite films. One of Berry’s critiques as Catwoman was her portrayal of a cat-like human. This led to some interesting choices in the script and choreography. Berry shared in a 2003 interview that she watched “hours and hours” of videos of cats, lions, and tigers. The choreographer, Harley Pasternak, then instructed and trained Berry to instinctually become a cat. With the rise of “camp” in media, defined as something ironic or in bad taste, some audiences enjoy it more. Unrealistic stories paired with over the top performances, when they are performed by brazen actors, are often loved more once they become nostalgic.
4 Halle Berry Did Her Own Stunts
Despite having to take on an almost non-human form, Berry still delivered her own stunts without relying solely on special effects. Berry trained to act like a cat, learned capoeira and how to use a whip for her role. Berry is known for performing most of her own stunts in her films. In an interview with the Irish Times, Berry stated, “I love pushing myself to those limits and then pushing myself through those limits. In those moments you come face to face with it, and you learn about who you are”. For an actress who was nominated for (and won) a Razzie for Worst Actress, not many can say they at least did their own stunts.
3
We May Receive A Better Catwoman From Halle Berry
Superhero films usually receive a few iterations of their stories over the years, some better than others. With one bad film out of the way, there is potential for an outstanding one in the future that can change the way superhero films are made. Berry, who recently made her directorial debut with Bruised, discussed this in an interview with Vanityfair, expressing interest in directing the potential next Catwoman film: “I, as a filmmaker now, I would totally change the story. I would change the characters. I would have Catwoman saving the world from some catastrophe, like male comic book characters get to do.” We most recently saw a shift in traditional superhero storytelling with Wonder Woman, directed by Patty Jenkins, which broke box office records. We also saw Marvel attempt this with Captain Marvel in 2019, starring Brie Larson. In fact, as it looks towards future phases, the MCU has expressed a commitment to bringing more women members to its teams, both in front and behind the camera.
2 She Was a Black Woman in a Leading Role
In a genre that typically cast white men in the lead, Catwoman starred a Black woman, which was something unheard of during its time. Berry's casting can be seen as the first chip of the ice. Before its release we saw films like Spawn, directed by Mark A.Z. Dippe, or The Meteor Man, directed by Robert Townsend. Next, DC was stepping up to the plate to create a more diverse universe. Subsequently, Black Panther was released fourteen years later. With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on the way, we are still waiting for more diverse representation in blockbuster films. Nevertheless, Catwoman still holds the torch for a leading Black woman in a comic book film.
1 It's Halle Berry
As an actor—and now director—Berry has always been a force to be reckoned with. Whether it's independent film roles like Monster's Ball or studio tentpole movies like X-Men, Berry's presence onscreen is magnetic and irresistible. She gives every role her all and Catwoman was no difference. Catwoman may have had its creative, narrative, and production issues, but Berry's performance and her dedication to capturing Patience Philips' feline persona prove why she is still one of Hollywood's most talented and bankable actors.