Sometimes not showing is better and in this case, the original was superior, but what's here is still solid. It takes the erotic level up a notch and the gore yet another, but somehow loses something when compared to the classic version. Some great scenery and gonzo performance from McDowell, but Kinski sometimes loses it. Liked it, but didn't love it.

Tenuously based on the same DeWitt Bodeen story as the classic Val Lewton/Jacques Tourneur movie but very different indeed in its treatment, it's development and in the story itself. In fact for most of its running time all this has in common with the earlier movie is the title, (though it does keep the swimming pool sequence). The plot may be silly, (the plots of most horror films usually are), but director Paul Schrader embues it with considerable atmosphere and, with its New Orleans setting, it looks terrific, (once again Ferdinando Scarfiotti is credited as 'visual consultant').Here Nastassja Kinski is the young woman who turns into a black panther, Malcom McDowell is her brother who does the same with very nasty results and John Heard is the zoo-keeper who falls for Kinski. Being Schrader this is much more concerned with sexuality of one kind or another than the original but it is hardly convincing and the performances are mostly terrible. Still, it rattles along in its crazy way and remains, perhaps, one of the most underrated films in the Schrader canon.

Cat People (1982) *** (out of 4) Irena Gallier (Nastassja Kinski) arrives in New Orleans to visit her brother Paul (Malcolm McDowell) but soon falls for a man (John Heard) she meets at the local zoo. It doesn't take long for the young woman to realize that there's something not quite right with her or her brother and soon her sexual design brings something else out in her.Paul Schrader's remake of the 1942 film really doesn't have too much in common with that Val Lewton production. I think Schrader and screenwriter Alan Ormsby made the right decision in not trying to just remake that film and instead taking on a different approach. That approach was like several other remakes from the 1980s in that it added up a notch of sexuality. CAT PEOPLE didn't get too much credit when it was released outside the full frontal Kinski but that's really too bad because the film itself is quite good.I think Schrader did a very good job with the material and I thought he managed to milk the sexuality for everything it's worth as well as create a very interesting lead character. I thought the film did an extremely good job at the psychological stuff as the lead character is constantly wondering who she really is and the very also questions what we're actually seeing. The director managed to build up the psychological drama as well as the sexuality in the material. Some have argued that there weren't enough horror elements, which I can understand them saying that but even the original played with your mind more than actually showing you anything.A major reason for the film's success is the performance of Kinski who is simply wonderful in the lead role. The film works because you can believe her as this sweet and innocent woman that we meet at the start of the film. She plays a virgin here and the actress makes you believe that as the innocence just leaps off the screen but she also handles the character once she begins to change. The supporting cast is also great with McDowell is especially believable in the role of the creepy brother. Both Heard and Annette O'Toole offer excellent support as does Ruby Dee and Ed Begley, Jr. in their small roles.The sexuality of the film is certainly something that sets it apart as is the full frontal nudity from the lead actress. I'd argue that the film runs a bit too long as some editing might have helped but there are still plenty of effective scenes. Even the start inside the hotel room with the leopard was quite intense. Schrader's CAT PEOPLE has never really gotten the credit it deserves but it's a nice little gem.

A young woman's sexual awakening brings horror when she discovers her urges transform her into a monstrous black leopard.Something went wrong with this film. The director is a hugely talented man, and has made some great films. Even here, the film looks beautiful and has an incredible color palette. But it drags in spots, seems to switch gears without warning, and just never hits the high notes.The film infamously has been said to have "more skin than blood", and that is quite true. For anyone looking to see Nastassja Kinski naked for long periods of time, this is the film for you. But if you want suspense, go for the original. This one has more gore, which is welcome, but that does not make up for the weak plot.