Catwoman 2004 - A Look Back At The Feline Vigilante Film

For anyone who remembers the summer of 2004, a particular movie about a famous comic book character made its way to theaters, creating quite a bit of chatter. This film, centered on a well-known figure from the DC Comics universe, aimed to give audiences a fresh take on a character often seen alongside a certain caped crusader. It brought together a collection of recognizable faces from the acting world, all ready to put their own spin on this unique tale. The story, in a way, tried to explore what happens when someone quite ordinary gets swept into an extraordinary existence, suddenly finding themselves with abilities beyond typical human limits.

The movie, which hit screens in July of that year, was a big release from Warner Bros. Pictures, you know, a major studio. It was, shall we say, a rather ambitious project, hoping to capture the imagination of moviegoers with its blend of action and a sort of mystical twist. The creative team behind it, including the director and the folks who wrote the script, worked to craft a narrative that, at its heart, was about a woman finding her voice and, well, her claws, after a truly shocking event. It was, in some respects, a story of transformation, both personal and, perhaps, a little bit supernatural.

As it turned out, the movie sparked a lot of conversation, not always for the reasons the filmmakers might have hoped. It became a point of discussion among both people who watch movies for fun and those who write about them for a living. Yet, despite its reception, the film holds a place in the history of comic book adaptations, offering a distinct chapter in how these beloved characters are brought to the big screen. It’s a film that, actually, many people still talk about when discussing superhero movies from that time.

Table of Contents

The Story Behind Catwoman 2004 - What Happened?

The tale of Catwoman 2004 centers on a person named Patience Phillips. She's introduced as someone who is a bit quiet and, well, rather reserved. Patience works as an artist, or a graphic designer, for a company that makes beauty products. Her everyday existence seems pretty ordinary, just like many people's, you know? She's doing her job, keeping to herself, and generally living a rather calm life. One morning, the story tells us, she sees a cat right outside her window, which, in a way, hints at the changes that are about to happen to her. This seemingly small moment turns out to be a bit of a foreshadowing for what’s coming next for Patience.

Things take a very unexpected turn for Patience when she accidentally stumbles upon a rather dark secret her employer is trying to keep hidden. This secret involves a new product the cosmetics company is developing, and it's something they definitely don't want anyone to know about. When Patience finds out, she is, unfortunately, attacked and, you know, she doesn't survive this encounter. It's a truly shocking moment in the story, marking a complete shift from her quiet life. This event, however, is not the end of her story, but rather a very dramatic beginning to something quite different.

Patience Phillips' Unexpected Transformation in Catwoman 2004

Following her untimely demise, Patience is brought back to life, but not in the way you might expect. An Egyptian Mau cat, which apparently owes a debt to her, plays a part in her return. When she comes back, she is no longer the shy, timid person she was before. Instead, she finds herself with some truly amazing new abilities. She's got the quickness, the sharp movements, and the keen awareness that you'd associate with a feline creature. These new traits essentially change her whole being, giving her a completely different outlook on things, you know, a new perspective on the world around her.

With these newfound cat-like skills, Patience decides to use them for a specific purpose. She becomes a sort of protector, someone who takes matters into her own hands. This means she starts walking a fine line, almost like a tightrope, between being someone who breaks rules and someone who helps others. She's a vigilante, seeking to get even with the corrupt beauty corporation that was responsible for her initial predicament. A detective, meanwhile, is quite interested in her, pursuing her with a good deal of determination, fascinated by both the quiet woman she was and the mysterious figure she has become. It’s a bit of a chase, really, with him trying to figure out just who this new person is.

Who Brought Catwoman 2004 to Life?

The people who made Catwoman 2004 happen included a variety of creative talents. The film was put together under the guidance of a director named Pitof. The story itself, the foundational idea, came from Theresa Rebeck, John Brancato, and Michael Ferris. Then, the actual script, the words the actors would speak, was written by John Rogers, John Brancato, and Michael Ferris. So, you can see there was a collaborative effort to shape the narrative. The music that set the mood for the movie was created by Klaus Badelt, which, you know, helps to give a film its overall feel.

When it comes to the people we see on screen, the movie featured some familiar faces. The person who took on the main role, the character of Catwoman herself, was Halle Berry. She was joined by Benjamin Bratt, who played the detective pursuing her, and Lambert Wilson, who was also a part of the cast. Sharon Stone had a role in the film too, adding another layer to the story's characters. Other actors like Frances Conroy and Alex Borstein also appeared, helping to fill out the world of the movie. It was, basically, a pretty well-known ensemble that they put together for this project.

Halle Berry's Portrayal in Catwoman 2004

In the 2004 movie Catwoman, Halle Berry stepped into the well-known role of Selina Kyle, who is, of course, also recognized as Catwoman. The film actually starts by showing us Patience Phillips, played by Berry, as a rather timid graphic designer working for a company that makes beauty products. As the story gets going, Patience, without meaning to, finds out a big secret about the company's new line of items. This discovery, you know, sets everything in motion for her character.

Halle Berry's performance aimed to show this journey of Patience from a quiet, somewhat overlooked individual to a confident, vengeful figure with feline-like qualities. She had to portray someone who was, at first, very much a regular person, and then transform into this powerful and agile character. It was, in some respects, a challenging part, requiring her to embody both the vulnerability of Patience and the strength of her transformed persona. The film really focuses on her character's change, how she adapts to her new reality and uses her abilities.

Halle Berry - Personal Details and Biography

Halle Maria Berry, the person who played the central character in Catwoman 2004, was born on August 14, 1966. Her birth name was Maria Halle Berry. She came into the world in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in a place called Oakwood, which is also in Ohio. Her family background includes her mother, Judith Ann Berry, who worked as a psychiatric nurse. Her father was Jerome Jesse Berry, and he was a hospital attendant. So, you can see she came from a pretty regular family background, you know, before her acting career took off.

Full NameHalle Maria Berry
BornAugust 14, 1966
BirthplaceCleveland, Ohio, USA
Raised InOakwood, Ohio, USA
Mother's NameJudith Ann Berry (née Hawkins)
Mother's OccupationPsychiatric Nurse
Father's NameJerome Jesse Berry
Father's OccupationHospital Attendant

How Did Catwoman 2004 Fare with Audiences?

When Catwoman 2004 was released, it faced a bit of a rough time, honestly. The film was not particularly well-received by those who write reviews for movies, nor by the general public who went to see it. It's a situation where, you know, the feedback was pretty consistent across the board. This kind of reception can be tough for any film, especially one based on such a popular character. It meant that the movie didn't quite hit the mark with people's expectations, apparently.

Financially, the movie also struggled quite a bit. It ended up being what people call a "box office bomb." This means that the money it brought in from ticket sales was significantly less than the money it cost to make the film. The movie earned about $82 million, but its budget was around $100 million. So, you can see, it didn't even make back what was spent on it, which is, obviously, not what a studio hopes for. This financial outcome, in a way, reflected the general sentiment about the movie.

Critical Reception for Catwoman 2004

The critical response to Catwoman 2004 was, to put it simply, not very positive. The film was widely criticized by professional movie reviewers. It even ended up receiving some rather unwanted awards. It won four Golden Raspberry Awards, which are given out to acknowledge what are considered to be the worst films of the year. One of these awards was for "Worst Picture," which is, you know, a pretty clear indication of how it was viewed by many.

People who follow movies and their reviews often look at sites that collect these opinions. For Catwoman 2004, if you were to check out places like Rotten Tomatoes, you would see a lot of reviews and ratings that reflect this negative sentiment. Both the professional critics and the general audience scores on such platforms tend to be quite low. This indicates a pretty widespread agreement on the film's quality, or lack thereof, according to many viewers. It's a film that, basically, didn't resonate with its intended audience, or at least a good portion of it.

Where Can You Watch Catwoman 2004 Today?

Even though Catwoman 2004 had a challenging time when it first came out, people can still find ways to watch it if they're curious. These days, there are many different options for viewing movies from home. You can often find places that let you stream films instantly, or even download them so you can watch them offline later. This means that if you want to experience Halle Berry's portrayal of Catwoman for yourself, you have several avenues open to you, which is pretty convenient, really.

For example, if you're looking to see Catwoman 2004, you might check out services that allow you to purchase movies digitally. This lets you own a copy of the film without needing a physical disc. There are also rental services where you can watch the movie for a set period, which is a good option if you just want to see it once. These platforms make it quite easy to immerse yourself in the movie's story from the comfort of your own home, you know, whenever you feel like it.

Finding Catwoman 2004 for Viewing

To figure out exactly where to watch Catwoman 2004, you can often use movie information websites. These sites usually list showtimes, offer reviews, and provide details on where a film might be available for streaming or purchase. For instance, if you visit a site like Moviefone, you can often discover all the different places you can find Catwoman 2004. They typically show you options for streaming, renting, and buying the movie. This helps you to stay updated with all the possible ways to view the film.

Such resources are pretty helpful for anyone who wants to explore the cast details or learn more about the film's background. They can also give you information on whether the movie is available in different formats, like 4K, or if there are any free viewing options, which is always nice, isn't it? So, whether you're looking to watch it online, find rental services, or check out purchase links, these kinds of platforms make it quite straightforward to locate Catwoman 2004 and decide how you want to experience it.

What's the Legacy of Catwoman 2004?

Even though Catwoman 2004 didn't receive a warm welcome upon its release, it still holds a spot in the broader story of superhero movies. Every film, regardless of its reception, contributes to the ongoing conversation about how these comic book characters are brought to life on screen. This movie, in a way, serves as a point of reference for discussions about adaptations and how they sometimes stray from source material or try new approaches. It’s a film that, you know, gets brought up when people talk about the history of this particular genre.

The film's existence also highlights the challenges involved in translating popular comic book figures into cinematic experiences. It shows that even with a big star and a well-known character, success isn't always guaranteed. It's a reminder that making a movie, especially one based on beloved material, is a very complex undertaking. The discussions around Catwoman 2004, even years later, contribute to how we think about superhero cinema as a whole, what works, and perhaps, what doesn't, in some respects.

The Lasting Impression of Catwoman 2004

The lasting impression of Catwoman 2004 is, quite frankly, a mixed one. For some, it's a curious piece of superhero movie history, an example of a creative choice that didn't quite land. For others, it might be a film they remember for its unique take on the character, or for Halle Berry's effort in the role. It certainly sparked a lot of conversation, and that conversation, you know, continues to some extent even now. It shows how a single movie can leave a very distinct mark, even if that mark isn't universally positive.

The film's story of Patience Phillips, a meek woman killed by her ruthless cosmetic company bosses, only to be revived by a mystical cat and become a vigilante, is a pretty memorable premise. This specific origin story, and her quest for revenge against the corrupt beauty corporation, remains a central part of what Catwoman 2004 is about. It's a film that, basically, tells a complete narrative of transformation and seeking justice, all while featuring a well-known character from the comic book world.

So, that's a look back at Catwoman 2004, a film starring Halle Berry, Benjamin Bratt, and Sharon Stone, which presented a unique take on the DC Comics character. It followed Patience Phillips' journey from a shy artist to a feline-powered vigilante after uncovering a corporate secret. Despite being released by Warner Bros. Pictures in 2004, the movie faced harsh criticism and struggled at the box office, even earning several Golden Raspberry Awards. Yet, it remains a part of cinematic history, available for viewing on various digital platforms, offering a distinct chapter in the story of superhero adaptations.

Catwoman (2004) - Release info - IMDb

Catwoman (2004) - Release info - IMDb

Catwoman Batman Returns Poster

Catwoman Batman Returns Poster

Catwoman by robertmarzullo on DeviantArt

Catwoman by robertmarzullo on DeviantArt

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