Halle Berry ‘Hated’ That ‘Catwoman’ Backlash ‘Got All Put On Me’ and ‘It’s My Failure’: ‘I Didn’t Make It Alone,’ but ‘I’ve Absolutely Carried It’

As a devoted cinema enthusiast who has followed Halle Berry‘s career with great interest, I cannot help but feel empathy and admiration for her reflections on the 20th anniversary of “Catwoman.” The way she carries herself, unapologetically owning up to the past, is truly inspiring.


Halle Berry recently shared her feelings with Entertainment Weekly on the occasion of “Catwoman” turning 20, expressing that she’s long disliked being the focus of criticism for the movie’s failure. The comic book adaptation didn’t perform well at the box office, and Berry received a Razzie Award for her acting. In an iconic moment, she attended the ceremony with her Oscar statuette to accept the worst performance accolade.

In an interview with the publication, Halle Berry expressed that she took on the responsibility for the situation, saying, “I felt as if I had failed, but I couldn’t have done it alone.” For many years, she had shouldered this burden all by herself.

The “Catwoman” movie, released on July 23, 2003, received unfavorable criticism from critics upon its theater debut. Directed by Pitof, Halle Berry starred as Patience Phillips, a timid cosmetics company employee who metamorphoses into Catwoman following her demise. Berry was initially intrigued by the project due to its promise of reimagining the Catwoman persona. However, she soon felt let down by the film’s narrative, which centers around Catwoman probing a dangerous cosmetics brand.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Berry shared her thoughts on Catwoman’s role in saving women from using harsh face creams: “I’ve always found that concept a bit gentle for a superhero like Catwoman. After all, other heroes protect the world, not just women with damaged complexions. I knew it was a less impactful mission for a superhero back then, but at that point in my career, I didn’t possess the confidence or influence to contest it, so I followed through.”

I had a seamless experience during production, as Berry put it. The shoot was fantastic for me, an unforgettable journey. I poured myself into portraying a cat in every way possible, mentally and physically, and it was a challenge I welcomed. At no point did I anticipate any problems; I merely thought that this project might not seem as grandiose as others due to its lower plot stakes.

The opposition against “Catwoman” started shifting when an image of Berry’s costume from the set was posted online, drawing criticism from comic book enthusiasts for its inaccuracy to the original design. In contrast to Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic catsuit portrayal in Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns,” the film opted for a more revealing outfit for the character.

In an interview with EW, producer Denise Di Novi explained, “That was the initial source of negativity. It was an early take we hadn’t fully refined yet. The look deviated significantly from what audiences were accustomed to in previous films. We aimed for a more edgy and uncovered appearance, inspired by Halle’s iconic bikini role in her Bond movie. People’s responses were overblown, almost comically so. Colleen Atwood, our renowned costume designer, was instrumental in this design. Halle played an active part in the process as well. I still believe it’s a fresh and contemporary choice.”

As a movie buff, I’d say it this way: “I understood why fans were disappointed with the new Catwoman suit. It was a departure from what we were used to. But in my opinion, if we’re going to keep making Catwoman movies, shouldn’t we take risks and offer something fresh? For me, the new design fit perfectly with my interpretation of her character, my physicality, and my personal style.”

The release of “Catwoman” at the cinemas failed to gain favor among viewers. Critics were harsh in their assessments, with EbMaster’s review stating: “Warner Bros. reached new depths of mindless entertainment with ‘Catwoman.’ This film, even by the standards of comic book adaptations, asks a lot from the audience’s willingness to suspend reality.”

In an interview with EW, Berry expressed that she didn’t enjoy the negative response. As a Black woman, she’s accustomed to dealing with adversity and overcoming obstacles. She’s no stranger to challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities for herself. A bit of unfavorable press about a film wasn’t enough to discourage or derail her from pursuing her passions.

“I disliked being shouldered with the blame back then, and I still don’t relish the fact that it’s considered my shortcoming to this day,” Berry continued. “However, I can handle it. My career has lasted for twenty years. It’s just a part of my history. I’ve dealt with other triumphs and setbacks. People will always have opinions, some more vocal than others. You simply need to keep advancing.”

Visit Entertainment Weekly’s website to find the complete “Catwoman” 20th anniversary oral history in an engaging and clear-cut manner.

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2024-07-19 02:46