Luke
stu-kicks
CibbuanoCatch Me If You Can
November 24th 2006 04:31
I'm prepared to say that this is Steven Spielberg's greatest film in recent times, and easily in his top 5 best films all up. It's probably one of his most enjoyable films... I mean, sure, 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Schindler's List' were knee-slapping gagfests all the way, but 'Catch Me If You Can' runs with the fun a little more than the usual fare.
I have to admit, I have a bit of a problem with Spielberg's output in the last ten years. Most of the time he never seems to get the 'feel' of his films quite right. 'Minority Report' and 'A.I.' both suffered from his unwillingness to let the science-fiction shine through unmolested - he always has to inject some degree of schmaltz or lightness into what would otherwise be an atmospheric and credible film. The rest of the time he's aiming directly for stoic and stern Oscar glory ('Saving Private Ryan', 'Schindler's List', 'Amistad'), and it feels too conscious in it’s award-baiting. So, I was quite overjoyed to find that he had finally made another film to simply be enjoyed, and one that wasn't muddled by any half-arsed attempts to 'balance' the 'feel' of the proceedings, if that makes sense.
Some would call 'Catch Me If You Can' a 'light-hearted romp' (IE. Of little consequence), but I don't think it does the film justice at all. This is a tight, perfectly executed and amazingly true story - the sharpest film by the director so far. The story concerns one Frank Abagnale Jr (DiCaprio), son of a failed businessman, who managed to amass over 4 million dollars in fraudulently acquired funds before he had even turned 18 - passing himself off as a pilot, lawyer and doctor at various times in the early 60s. The charm factor is notched up to 11, and it's all the more impressive for the fact that it's based on real events.
All the cast are in fine form, DiCaprio is finally given the chance to shine in a role he was made to play, and of all the roles he has played in his career I’d say this is the one he has been most suited to so far – and he nails it. Hanks continues his astounding run of great films - he hasn't dropped the ball since 1994, no mean feat for even the most demanded of A-list actors. Walken is at his oddly-skewed best, and Martin Sheen even makes an extended cameo appearance. Spielberg gives the film just enough depth to keep even the most unsmiling viewers interested, playing out a father-figure theme that is neither too subtle nor overdone. It's well worth checking out, it has a great snappy period feel and also happens to be an amazing (and clever) true story.
TRIVIA: One scene seems to show DiCaprio playing video tapes, and I'm pretty sure they weren't around back in the 60s...
James Gandolfini was originally set to play the FBI agent later portrayed by Hanks, he had to pull out when the film was delayed by DiCaprio's involvement in 'Gangs of New York'. Gore Verbinski was originally set to direct but had to bow out for the similar reasons involving schedules. Spielberg (who was originally only going to produce the film) only took on the director's role after David Fincher, Cameron Crowe and Lasse Hallstrom all passed on it.
Academy Award nominations: Best Score (John Williams), Best Supporting Actor (Christopher Walken).
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Comment by Lilla
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Comment by Filmpeeker
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So, having said that... you gonna hate me.
I didn't actually enjoy "Catch Me if You Can"! I know! It's unbelievable, but I just didn't. Don't take me wrong, I mean I didn't hate it, it had its perfect moments here and there, but not enough.
I mean, it became to long and loooong. Still, I'm sure it's one of Spielberg's better in recent times. But THE best movie he made the last couple of years is "The Terminal". No question about it.
//filmpeeker
Comment by Luke
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Comment by JohnDoe
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The best thing about the film was the soundtrack. There was some nifty camerawork from time to time, some inventive editing but the whole thing just washed over me for some reason. It just seemed to be very fluffy.
Maybe it is because it reminded me of Steven Soderburgh's Out Of Sight, which I love.
As for Spielberg I love his early work but Empire of the Sun is his last masterwork.
If I had to choose from his sub par stuff I would go with A.I - press stop fifteen minutes before the end and you have a pretty good film.
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