"Catwoman epitomizes fantasy," says actress Halle Berry, who plays the feral antihero. "She’s who every woman wants to be and every man would like to be with. In many ways cats embody the true psyche of women–cats are very elusive, and you have to work to gain their trust and their respect. It’s not something that’s given very freely. I’ve heard it said that dogs have masters, but cats have servants. And it’s true!"
Since she made her comic book debut as "The Cat" in DC Comics’ Batman #1 in 1940, the character of Catwoman has undergone many incarnations on her journey to becoming the slinky archetype she is today.
"Because of her mythological nature, there is an inherent freedom for interpretation with this character," comments producer Ed McDonnell. "Our film remains true to the essence of Catwoman while bringing her into a contemporary time."
Catwoman puts a new twist on the legend, introducing the character of Patience Philips, a woman who is in desperate need of some power–not to mention a little bit of fun. She finds both when she is mysteriously transformed into the dangerous and decadent Catwoman. "I wanted to tell a true origin story of this character," explains producer Denise Di Novi, "to show how one woman became Catwoman and what it means to connect to that feline power."
"This is a Catwoman for the 21st century," says Berry. "She’s very modern and very reflective of our collective culture as we know it today. Our Catwoman is theoretically one of many who have gone before her and who will come after her–Patience and I are just the next lucky girls to have been chosen."
In the wake of her inexplicable metamorphosis, Patience is shocked to find herself suddenly exhibiting a host of very unexpected new personality traits. Where Patience was meek and modest, Catwoman is bold and flirtatious; while Patience was painfully unsure of herself, Catwoman exudes confidence and strength. Casting a character who undergoes such a rapid and extreme evolution presented a challenge to the filmmakers, who turned to the only actress they believed could handle the rigors of the role: Academy Award winner Halle Berry.
"What’s so unique about Halle is that not only is she sympathetic and likeable, she’s also sexy and strong," explains Di Novi. "She was able to seamlessly and convincingly play what are essentially three roles: Patience before her transformation, who is very vulnerable and timid; Patience in transition, when she is struggling with Catwoman’s emergence; and finally after she becomes a full-blown Catwoman."
According to Berry, at the time that Di Novi approached her for the role, Catwoman was just what the doctor ordered. "What I’ve found is that projects always come my way that serve me best in real life," muses the actress. "I needed to be Catwoman. I needed to take control of my life, and putting on that suit made it a whole lot easier. I felt empowered and strong and sexy– connected with myself as a woman."
Unlike Patience, Catwoman not only understands her newfound dominance and sensuality–she relishes it. "I wouldn’t exactly call her a role model," cautions Berry with a laugh, "because she does do some naughty things. She’s nice and naughty and naughty and nice. I would, however, say that what Patience learns holds a lot of value for any woman who is discovering her own needs and desires."
The actress is also appreciative of the somewhat less introspective aspects of the film. "This is a popcorn-eatin’, ass-whoopin’ summer action adventure," she enthuses. "There’s humor, a sweet love story and a lot of catfights. Did I mention she’s a little naughty?"
The filmmakers’ choice of director was also key in crafting the film that Di Novi wanted to make. To this end, they turned to innovative French director Pitof. "I wanted Catwoman to have a completely original style, and Pitof is a brilliant visualist," says Di Novi. "He delivered a movie that is incredibly dynamic and entertaining."
Catwoman marks Pitof’s American film directorial debut. He began his career as an assistant director and editor of films and commercials, eventually becoming a pioneer of digital imaging in France. Pitof’s French directorial debut was the feature Vidocq, a gripping film that featured ground-breaking visual effects.
"We were looking to make a very unique picture," says McDonnell, "and when we saw Vidocq, we knew immediately that Pitof was the guy. He’s incredibly stylish without being overwhelming and his use of lenses and cameras is amazing. I think audiences are really going to be entertained by his approach to storytelling."
"I feel so privileged to have been entrusted with such a compelling project," says Pitof. "When you look at the history of Catwoman and the women who have portrayed her over the years, there is a common spirit between them. It is this spirit of confidence and individuality that made Catwoman so appealing to me and that has captivated audiences for decades."
Catwoman starts purring on the big screen on July 28.