A conservative Midwest businessman ventures into the sordid underworld of pornography in California to look for his runaway teenage daughter who is making porno films in California's porno pits.
Director:
Paul Schrader
Stars:
George C. Scott,
Peter Boyle,
Season Hubley
The Cat People originated way back in time, when humans sacrificed their women to leopards, who mated with them. Cat People look similar to humans, but must mate with other Cat People before they transform into panthers. Irene Gallier was raised by adoptive parents and meets her older brother Paul for the first time since childhood. We follow brother and sister - who seem to be the only ones of their kind left.Written by
Colin Tinto <cst@imdb.com>
During the scene where the panther is in the hooker's room and Oliver is cleaning the window on the outside of the building, there is no silhouette on the inside shot of the room visible. See more »
Quotes
Paul Gallier:
I didn't think you were ready, but you are. I knew it when I saw you with HIM.
Irena Gallier:
Who? Oliver?
Paul Gallier:
You want to fuck him, don't you? You dream about fucking him! Your whole body burns, it burns all along your nerves, in your mouth, your breasts... you go wet between your legs.
Irena Gallier:
Stop it!
Paul Gallier:
Every time it happens... you tell yourself it's love. But it isn't. It's blood. And death. You can't escape your nightmare without me, and I can't escape my nightmare without you. I've waited a long time for you.
See more »
Alternate Versions
Syndicated TV version also features brief shots of the animatronic leopards that were ultimately cut from the theatrical release. See more »
With "Cat People," Nastassja Kinski indelibly seared her erotic image into the American male psyche. There is no American actress today who would dare take her role in this film. "Cat People" is a landmark film that has never been equaled. Paul Schrader, the director, made this movie his own, turning the original movie upside down. That effort has withstood the test of time that is nearing twenty years and still counting. The film has a visual style that is stunning. Without Nastassja, this film fails. Beginning with a demure, vulnerable character in Irena Gallier, Nastassja transforms herself into a smoldering film presence that spontaneously erupts and torches the screen. With the lone exception of Ruby Dee, none of the supporting cast is capable of withstanding Nastassja's considerable presence, meaning that their character portrayals are quickly forgotten - an effect that separates her from most actresses and is an all too real hazard for most actors appearing in her films. Notorious? Infamous? However one puts it, Nastassja redefined eroticism on screen with not one of today's actresses ever coming close. It is a legendary performance that knows no peer within its genre.
19 of 31 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
| Report this
With "Cat People," Nastassja Kinski indelibly seared her erotic image into the American male psyche. There is no American actress today who would dare take her role in this film. "Cat People" is a landmark film that has never been equaled. Paul Schrader, the director, made this movie his own, turning the original movie upside down. That effort has withstood the test of time that is nearing twenty years and still counting. The film has a visual style that is stunning. Without Nastassja, this film fails. Beginning with a demure, vulnerable character in Irena Gallier, Nastassja transforms herself into a smoldering film presence that spontaneously erupts and torches the screen. With the lone exception of Ruby Dee, none of the supporting cast is capable of withstanding Nastassja's considerable presence, meaning that their character portrayals are quickly forgotten - an effect that separates her from most actresses and is an all too real hazard for most actors appearing in her films. Notorious? Infamous? However one puts it, Nastassja redefined eroticism on screen with not one of today's actresses ever coming close. It is a legendary performance that knows no peer within its genre.