Catch Me if You Can (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
Steven Spielberg has never before been as effervescent in his directing style as he is with 'Catch Me If You Can'. The film tells a (mostly) true story about Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) who, before the age of 19, successfully conned millions of dollars in fraudulent checks as a Pan Am pilot, a pediatrician, a history professor, & a legal prosecutor. We first meet Frank as a high schooler in the early 1960's. Frank idolizes his father (Christopher Walken); despite realizing that dad's in trouble with the IRS. When his parents separate, a devastated Frank runs away to Manhattan with a mere $25 in his account. There, he hopes to regain his father's losses & get his parents back together. But just 1 yr. into his life of crime, Frank finds himself being pursued by FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks). For years, they engage in an adventurous and humorous cat-&-mouse game, with Carl always a few frustrating steps behind Frank.
While Carl drudges on in his pursuit, Frank continues to re-invent himself; usually to escape capture, often to make more money, & usually ... because he is just bored! That said, success and $$ are not everything to him. Frank deeply loves & respects his father. And when the plan to get his dad & mom (Nathalie Baye) back together fails (she runs off with another man), Frank's main focus shifts to making his dad both proud, & monetarily comfortable. That focus wavers however when a lonely Frank meets the sweet Brenda (an adorable Amy Adams) while posing as a doctor. She loves him to bits. And he genuinely loves her, as well. But when Carl (and the rest of the FBI) closes in, Frank is forced to run again. And it is in France where Carl finally does 'catch' Frank. Prison awaits him. However, his luck eventually changes for the better when Carl sees Frank as a viable asset to the FBI as an authority on corporate security. Quite the story, huh?
'Catch Me If You Can' is just a joy to watch. From its 60's-retro opening credits, to its lightness of tone, to the funny material, to its handling of the serious material, to its charismatic performances ... the film is a great success. The comedy comes in the form of watching Frank maneuver his way in & out of precarious situations. And the dramatic scenes (usually involving Frank & his father) are deeply affecting. Spielberg balances the 2 tones perfectly. Speaking of Spielberg, how awesome is that man? Who else could produce 2 incredible, yet completely different films in one year other than him? And to do it TWICE (1993's Jurassic Park & Schindler's List, and 2002's sci-fi hit, Minority Report, and this film). Truly, a magnificent feat.
It helps to have such versatile actors as Leo DiCaprio & Tom Hanks aboard who can parley btwn. comedy & drama as easily as they can. Frank is a con artist. That type of role is not usually likeable, but as the film's protagonist, Leo pulls it off wonderfully. Watching Frank become enraptured by the complexity of his own scams is something to see. And the nuances he brings to Frank, particularly in any emotional scene are played extremely well. He never goes over-the-top. Tom Hanks' accent goes in & out. But his Carl is extremely commendable. Though we don't get a look inside his personal life very much, I really enjoyed the bond he forms with Frank. And Christopher Walken's role resonates, as well. It's a small part (as the downtrodden dad), but we never forget his presence, even when he's off screen. It's a performance that may be in the mix for a Best Supporting Actor nomination.
The 1960's period detail is impeccable. The colors pop, the lighting is warm, the costumes sparkle, the set designs impress, & the characterizations are spot on within the time period. On a technical level, John Williams' whimsical music score is inspired, the editing is crisp, & the script is chock full of charming subplots. Everything coalesces. Now, 'Catch Me If You Can' tells a 'true story', but not everything can be believed. Also, because he is who he is, Frank Abagnale Jr. is a bit of an enigma; making him sort of distancing. And at 140 minutes, it really goes on a good 15 minutes too long. The pacing of the film is great until the somewhat obvious & protracted conclusion; just runs out of some steam. Still, 'Catch Me ...' is a very nice film to experience this Holiday season.
While Carl drudges on in his pursuit, Frank continues to re-invent himself; usually to escape capture, often to make more money, & usually ... because he is just bored! That said, success and $$ are not everything to him. Frank deeply loves & respects his father. And when the plan to get his dad & mom (Nathalie Baye) back together fails (she runs off with another man), Frank's main focus shifts to making his dad both proud, & monetarily comfortable. That focus wavers however when a lonely Frank meets the sweet Brenda (an adorable Amy Adams) while posing as a doctor. She loves him to bits. And he genuinely loves her, as well. But when Carl (and the rest of the FBI) closes in, Frank is forced to run again. And it is in France where Carl finally does 'catch' Frank. Prison awaits him. However, his luck eventually changes for the better when Carl sees Frank as a viable asset to the FBI as an authority on corporate security. Quite the story, huh?
'Catch Me If You Can' is just a joy to watch. From its 60's-retro opening credits, to its lightness of tone, to the funny material, to its handling of the serious material, to its charismatic performances ... the film is a great success. The comedy comes in the form of watching Frank maneuver his way in & out of precarious situations. And the dramatic scenes (usually involving Frank & his father) are deeply affecting. Spielberg balances the 2 tones perfectly. Speaking of Spielberg, how awesome is that man? Who else could produce 2 incredible, yet completely different films in one year other than him? And to do it TWICE (1993's Jurassic Park & Schindler's List, and 2002's sci-fi hit, Minority Report, and this film). Truly, a magnificent feat.
It helps to have such versatile actors as Leo DiCaprio & Tom Hanks aboard who can parley btwn. comedy & drama as easily as they can. Frank is a con artist. That type of role is not usually likeable, but as the film's protagonist, Leo pulls it off wonderfully. Watching Frank become enraptured by the complexity of his own scams is something to see. And the nuances he brings to Frank, particularly in any emotional scene are played extremely well. He never goes over-the-top. Tom Hanks' accent goes in & out. But his Carl is extremely commendable. Though we don't get a look inside his personal life very much, I really enjoyed the bond he forms with Frank. And Christopher Walken's role resonates, as well. It's a small part (as the downtrodden dad), but we never forget his presence, even when he's off screen. It's a performance that may be in the mix for a Best Supporting Actor nomination.
The 1960's period detail is impeccable. The colors pop, the lighting is warm, the costumes sparkle, the set designs impress, & the characterizations are spot on within the time period. On a technical level, John Williams' whimsical music score is inspired, the editing is crisp, & the script is chock full of charming subplots. Everything coalesces. Now, 'Catch Me If You Can' tells a 'true story', but not everything can be believed. Also, because he is who he is, Frank Abagnale Jr. is a bit of an enigma; making him sort of distancing. And at 140 minutes, it really goes on a good 15 minutes too long. The pacing of the film is great until the somewhat obvious & protracted conclusion; just runs out of some steam. Still, 'Catch Me ...' is a very nice film to experience this Holiday season.