CAT PEOPLE is a very well directed - by TAXI DRIVER scribe Paul Schrader, no less - and stylish reworking of the Val Lewton 1940s classic of the same name and actually superior to my mind. It stars an alluring Natassja Kinski and a typically weird Malcolm McDowell playing a brother and sister who are cursed to transform into big cats during sex. It's an outrageous premise for sure, but one that's handled with surprisingly sensitivity by Schrader who makes the story all his own. This is a film that looks and feels good, keeping the story moving along with unexpected twists, some shocking moments of horror, and a general erotic atmosphere. Kinski and McDowell excel as expected, while John Heard impresses in a non-comedic role. The use of special effects and real-life animals is neatly handled too. It's not quite as good as something iconic like An American Werewolf in London, but it gets close.
Review of Cat People
