Catwoman (2004) is a superhero action film directed by Pitof and loosely based on the DC Comics character. The movie stars Halle Berry as Patience Phillips, a timid graphic designer working for a cosmetics company. Patience stumbles upon a sinister secret involving her employer, Hedare Beauty, which plans to release a revolutionary anti-aging cream with harmful side effects. When her discovery puts her life in danger, she is killed but resurrected by a mystical Egyptian cat that grants her enhanced abilities, agility, and cat-like reflexes.
Transformed into the enigmatic Catwoman, Patience begins a journey of self-discovery, balancing her dual identities as she seeks justice against the company and its ruthless CEO, Laurel Hedare (Sharon Stone). Laurel, a former model who uses the toxic beauty cream to maintain her youthful appearance, emerges as the film’s antagonist, engaging in a deadly showdown with Catwoman.
The film attempts to reimagine the iconic anti-hero, setting her apart from her traditional comic book origins and Gotham City backdrop. It incorporates themes of empowerment, identity, and revenge but strays significantly from the established DC lore. The costume design and Halle Berry’s physical performance highlight the film, showcasing Catwoman’s feline traits and athletic prowess.
However, Catwoman received overwhelmingly negative reviews for its disjointed storyline, weak character development, over-reliance on CGI, and lack of fidelity to the source material. Critics also panned the dialogue and inconsistent tone, with the film becoming a symbol of failed superhero adaptations. Despite these criticisms, Halle Berry’s performance earned her both a Razzie Award for Worst Actress and a degree of admiration for embracing the role with enthusiasm.
Though a box office disappointment, grossing $82 million against a $100 million budget, Catwoman has since gained a campy cult status among fans of so-bad-itโs-good cinema. It remains a cautionary tale in the realm of superhero filmmaking, illustrating the importance of respecting source material and delivering cohesive storytelling.