The Cat's Meow (2001)

An interesting look at a Hollywood mystery
We'll never know what happened that mysterious weekend, and Bogdanovich gives us one viewpoint as to what happened. The cast is superb, as are the sets and score. For film fans, this is a treat. If you don't agree with the synopsis, that's okay. This is a great tale of what COULD have been.

Delightful, fun...'cruise' of a tale
Really enjoyed screening Peter Bogdonovich's 'A Cat's Meow' which was certainly not a disappointment. This inventive story/script that was cleverly based on Hollywood myth/legend of a presumed love affair Charlie Chaplin had with William Randolph Heart's mistress, Marion Davies and had my interest fully. I was happy with the performances - namely Eddie Izzard as the dashing and flamboyant Chaplin - and worthy direction but was hoping there could have been shots other than on the yacht...i.e. at the studio or the castle/ranch; that would have been a real treat. But for the twist they presented, I guess it served it's purpose - hence the title of course. A terrible habit I got into during the film was comparing it similarities to Robert Altman of how uses a numerous characters and intertwining story-lines yet at times can lead to disarray and inconsistencies (i.e. 'Ready to Wear', Shortcuts') while Bogdonovich's surpasses the challenge of an ensemble cast to generate and substantiate both the scene to scene intrigue and well-performed drama as well as focusing of the proposed love triangle. This film would be a delight for Caine/Welles enthusiasts and happy to see Bogdonovich triumph with a great film.

Enlightening
If you think OJ invented getting away with it, watch this piece of history. It seems, there have always been a different set of rules for the affluent.