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Spielberg Screens 14 Minutes of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN and Talks!

Published at:  Nov 27, 2002 6:33:47 AM CST

Hey folks, Harry here... Last time Spielberg set out to direct an out and out comedy, he came up with 1941 - the biggest bomb of his career. I know for a fact that Steven is a huge fan of vintage comedies. The work of folks like Billy Wilder and Preston Sturges. Steven has made some laughable films, and movies with some laughs in them, but an out and out comedy? Well, I can't wait to see it for myself, because I happen to love 1941. Sure it is chaotic, but that's what a madcap comedy is supposed to be. Besides... Belushi is a god in that thing! And how awesome is the DUMBO scene? And Williams' score for 1941 is one of my all time favorite John Williams scores. These advance looks have me anxious to see this one. After ABOUT SCHMIDT I could use a good strong pick-me-up!




Hullo Harry.

I had the pleasure of seeing Steven Spielberg give a lecture at the Lincoln Center last night. What a genius! We watched clips from various films he has made, most importantly: "Catch me if you can".

SPOILERS!

The clip we watched began with Leo DiCaprio (Frank Abagnale Jr.) at his wedding party, walking among guests. He exudes confidence, and looks as if he owns the world. He kisses his bride and then excuses himself to go to the bathroom. Enter Tom Hanks as Carl Hanratty. Tom Hanks has the absolute look of an FBI agent in his snappy suit and tie. This role is great for him. Leo is on his way up the stairs when he turns and sees men in black suits standing in the front doorway. Tom Hanks shows his FBI badge to a guest, who motions the Agents outside. Leo runs up the stairs to a bedroom.

His wife Brenda (played by Amy Adams) follows him up the stairs with wedding gifts in her arms. Cut to Martin Sheen walking up to Tom Hanks (the audience let out a hiss of joy at the sight of Sheen). The two converse, Martin Sheen asks his wife where Frank and Brenda went, and she points upstairs. Carl walks into the house alone, and creeps up the stairs, his gun drawn.

Frank and his wife are in a bedroom, as Frank desperately pulls suitcases out from above a canopy bed. He tells Brenda that he needs to leave and he admits to not being a medical student, not telling her his real name, and not being a Lutheran (the wife stands shocked and says "you're not a Lutheran??"-very funny.) He opens one of the suitcases and its chock full of money, as is the other one. He runs to the window with the suitcases and tells his wife to meet him at the Florida airport in 2 days.

Carl walks up to the door and pauses as a 20 dollar bill blows out from under a crack in the door and drifts past his head-Spielberg gets the comedy goin' here-Tom Hanks expression is great. Carl opens the door to find the window open, money blowing around the room, and Frank's wife pressed against a wall with money clutched in her hand.

Cut to Frank pulling up to the airport. He sees Brenda standing on the curb, and he gets out of the car, but upon close examination of Brenda he sees she is extremely nervous. He looks around carefully and sees tons of FBI agents in everyday clothes swarming the place. He gets back in the car and drives away. Carl does a lot of walking around barking orders to other FBI agents.

Cut to Frank at a girl’s school. He tells them he is looking for a few girls to join him as stewardesses on a two month trip. The next series of shots are of various girls being interviewed by Frank-funny stuff. Frank names a few girls, each of whom stand up like they’ve won an Oscar.

Next we see Frank at the airport again, in a pilot’s suit, surrounded by about 7 beautiful stewardesses. The FBI’s attention is entirely diverted to the girls surrounding Frank, and Frank makes his way past numerous agents easily.

Carl gets a phone call and turns just as Frank walks past him. The phone call says that the agents think they’ve found Frank. Running ensues. All of the FBI force runs out onto the curb and surrounds a car, guns drawn. A boy in the car gets out with his hands up and tells Carl that somebody paid him to sit in the car and wait for someone. When Carl asks who, the boy holds up a sign that says, “Hanratty”. The last shot shows Carl looking up at the sky as a plane flies overhead, and Frank makes his escape.

Overall this film looks to be funny and very entertaining. The audience was laughing quite hard for most of the 14 minutes we got to see. Everyone was enjoying themselves thoroughly. “Catch me if you can” brought back memories of the older films of Hollywood. Spielberg has created an engaging, comedic film, that I can’t wait to see in theaters.

Call me Samaragorn

next we have Caleb, who describes what he sees as being very Tom & Jerry-esque... Hmmmm... what is this thing?





Hey all,

Second time submitting since seeing bits of Dogma
years back.

I just got back from seeing Speilberg speak at Lincoln
Center in NYC. The man is amazing. The tickets to
this were the best birthday present my sister ever got
me. I was lucky enough to see 14 minutes of Catch Me
if You Can. I'm not sure if many people have seen
much from this or not; here's my take on what was I
saw.

Speilberg is still in top storytelling form. Although
the sequence we were shown was well into the movie,
the relationship between Leo and Hanks was quite
clear. Tom and Jerry all the way, but the relentless
pacing made it more like Tom and Jerry on cinematic
crack. The small taste we were given made me yearn
for more. I couldn't help but be reminded of the
kinetic pacing of Scorcese's Goodfellas. The camera
was in constant motion, helping sweep me up in the
leading character's whirlwind lifestyle. The story
made very giant yet smart leaps in a very short period
of time, forcing the audience to forget plausability
and just hang on for the ride. I'm not one for
spoiling, so all I'll say is that Leonardo DiCaprio's
Frank can pack my bags for me anytime. He knows how
to leave an unsavory situation in a hurry ... with
nothing but the bare essentials. Along with Gangs of
New York it looks like we are all going to have a very
Leo Christmas this year.

I'm Caleb.


And here's a little bit about what Spielberg had to say...





Hey Harry,

Mindseye here again.

Went to see Steven Spielberg speak tonight as presented by Lincoln Center Film Society. He spoke and had clips shown from his movies for about 2 hours and change. Many of the stories he told I had heard were from his great interviewon Actor's Studio. This interview was fairly inept. Highlights:

A comment was made that he should include commentaries on his DVDs but he did not directly respond to it.

He told agreat story about how he hooked with Janusz. He found him after watching a MOTW on Lifetime channel. When he hired him to go to Poland, he had no idea he was actually Polish.

He told about how he tried to duck tape a power drill to his camera as he shot the Omaha beach seen to get the shaky effect.

He was asked if he was still interested in Memoirs of a Geisha. He said he wanted to see the movie but he would not do it. He also said he currently was not working on anything.

He was asked how recent current events might affect his film making. Spielberg said that the first good movie about Viet Nam was made 8 years after it was all said and done with and he expected the same to be true here.

They showed 14 minutes of Catch Me If You Can. This is a tight movie. It was thrilling how much story was crammed into the 14 minutes they showed. If the whole movie has this seemless and breathless pace, it is going to be quite a ride. Leo is charming as shit and Hanks is rock solid. The portion of film score heard was fun and snappy as hell.

Best,

Mindseye




    + Expand All

    Readers Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 6:46:56 AM CST

    SPIELBERG'S THE F*CKING MAN! Thank GOD there's someone out there

    by chuckrussel

    'nuff said!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 6:53:26 AM CST

    Say what you want about 1941

    by silvio dante

    They don't make 'em like that anymore. Guilty pleasure it may be,but still a pleasure. I can see how people hate it, hell it annoys me too from time to time but it really is an example of kinda moviemaking that doesn't exist anymore.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 6:54:19 AM CST

    A Welcome Return To Form

    by thedarkknight

    First Minority report and now this. Is the Spielberg we all know and love back? Lets hope so. Here is a link to the new
    one-sheet (I preferred the other one).
    http://www.uip-netherlands.nl/catchmeifyoucan.html

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 7:22:06 AM CST

    What is an MOTW?

    by slaterc3

    This allows me to address a developing trend on coolnews: the clumsy, excessive, and incorrect use of acronyms. Who says, "L,O,T,R"? Believe me, "rings" or even "fellowship" is easier to write, read, and understand. Also, "clones" vs.
    "ATOC", you decide.

    When this movie comes out, please write "Catch Me" or just "Catch" so everybody knows what the hell you mean. Write CMIYC, and not only will people not be able to figure out what it is without getting a headache, it will take you longer to write!

    Word of thumb: if it doesn't sound cool when you say it out loud (either as one word, or the letters pronounced seperately) don't use it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 7:22:11 AM CST

    hanks

    by iron_monkey

    I am so fucking sick of Tom Hanks. What a complete bastard.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 7:22:22 AM CST

    Can't wait

    by edhairless

    THis movie looks quite interesting. I love the look and the sixties sets and wardrobes are cool. I hope Spielberg doesn't play things too much for laughs because I think that's always been the weakpoint of many of his films--It made certain scenes in JUrassic part dumb when they should have been scary, won't even talk about the LOst WOrld etc... In the past four years, however, I think he has proven that he is still one of the most interesting filmakers we have out there. Perhaps they're all not masterpieces, but he keeps trying new things. It will be interesting to see what kind of an audience it reaches, what with every nerd, geek, hacker, techie, goth, punk, dirtbag, scumbag, metalhead, dweeb, dickhead, homo, hetero, whore, cunt, clit, slut, priss, jock, jerkoff, Jew, Gentile, redneck,
    blueblood, dopehead, crackhead, cokefiend, boozer, rapist, murderer and hemophiliac lining up to see that little movie directed by Mr. Jackson.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 7:28:38 AM CST

    Movie of the Week!

    by slaterc3

    "Diabolique" on TCM -- Saturday, Nov. 30, 4AM, EST!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 8:15:56 AM CST

    1941

    by aronld scazziger

    I don't get this 1941 bashing either. It's such a fun flick. Not full with fake cgi action and not such a boring crap like Mr. Spielberg's doin nowadays. All his latest film were so overloaded with his pathetic mumbo-jumbo ... A N N O Y I N G ... W A S T E O F M O N E Y. And I'll probably PASS on CMIYC ... perhaps I'll leech it down from KaZaA when it hits the net ... and just to see how Christopher Walken is doin' in a mainstram flick.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 8:27:26 AM CST

    Hell yeah!

    by monkey lover

    Spielberg is the ultimate movie maker, nobody comes close to his awesome power and majesty. You will all be astounded as you were this summertime with Spielberg's filmmaking prowess, and you will witness an astonishing triumph of goodness and genius. Hurrah for Spielberg! Hurrah for DiCaprio! Hurrah for Hanks! God Bless America.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 9:46:53 AM CST

    Dicrapio Blows

    by labowski

    I'm sorry, is Dicrapio supposed to play an adult in this film? Because,
    I'm an adult, and Dicrapio is a kid.
    My suspension of disbelief is not so strong as to believe him playing an adult. Where's Britney??? On top of that, he's dumb as wood. Anyway, I won't be seeing this, but have a good time. I do love 1941 though.........

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 10:02:45 AM CST

    Jennifer Garner Taco

    by christopher3

    You will need: Jennifer Garner. Directions: remove Jennifer Garner's knickers. Enjoy! Serves one, by which I mean me.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 10:09:31 AM CST

    I can't wait!

    by cooldan989

  • Nov 27, 2002 10:29:25 AM CST

    Looking good....

    by chilli kramer

    I mean the trailer is great, and Minority Report was great, so why shouldn't this be? DiCaprio is playing a young man in this film, so no troubles with the age thing. I sorta wonder though if it's more in spirit with the content of this film to sneak in to see it, rather than honest payment!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 11:45:12 AM CST

    Why yes, slaterr3. You are a pedantic ass.

    by minderbinder

  • Nov 27, 2002 12:00:14 PM CST

    You daft prick, labowski

    by monkey lover

    DiCaprio is playing a 17-year old in this movie. Young enough for you? Personally, I was worried he'd look too old for the part, but he is a terrific actor who will no doubt give a fine performance. Check out the trailer and be amazed by everything you see.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 1:31:20 PM CST

    Minority Report

    by theopholy

    I don't really understand the appeal of this film. I really did like it but I hear a lot of people talk about it like it's absolutely amazing. I wasn't amazed, I just thought it was a good film. I think I had a problem with it because not only did it have quite a few plot holes, which you can only overlook so much, but it also had strange shifts in tone. Like when Cruise drops his eyeballs and goes chasing after them as they roll down the hallway. That just felt misplaced to me. And if you dropped an eyeball wouldn't it just plop on the ground? No, Cruise's eyeballs go flying down the hallway at 70 mph, popping up into the air at every little inconsistency the ground afforded. And instead of being a challenging film, as you would think the subject matter was ripe for, Speilberg and his team turned it into a simple Hollywood blockbuster popcorn flick. Once again, I liked it, but I don't see what it's so amazing. It was simply good entertainment in my eyes.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 2:19:12 PM CST

    Mad, Bad and Glad to know........

    by labowski

    My badge of honor, being called a prick on the talk back board, go figure. Honestly, I thought Leonardo
    was playing an adult, so I guess he isn't miscast, however, I just don't like him. Have you seen The Man In the Iron Mask, gawd he was wretched.
    At any rate, I can only compare him to other young actors like River Phoenix and he comes up way short, hell, Haley Joel Osment is a better actor. Oh well, personally I think he's doomed with the Scott Baio Teen Beat affliction, I do however, wish him a speedy recovery.

    Reply to Talkback

  • oh yeahh! i`m soooo anticipating. first of i was just shocked that steven made a movie with leo. but now....i`m happy. it looks like he (and tom hanks anyhow) would be perfect to play the abagnale role. let`s just hope steven won`t dissapoint! i could imagine a better birthday present as well caleb!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 5:19:54 PM CST

    Fuck all you haters. Spielberg's having fun again!!

    by cash bailey

    And I'd give my left nut to see Hanks in a bust-a-gut comedy. He's one funny motherfucker when he wants to be.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 5:23:32 PM CST

    What Vietnam flick is he talking about?

    by gheorghe zamfir

    Just out of curiousity?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 6:30:58 PM CST

    Never again make a classic film?

    by mattmanreturns

    That's the dumbest complaint I've heard on AICN... and that's no easy task. Practically every film Spielberg makes is an instant classic. And I, along with the majority of people, happen to love the combination of people he uses. John Williams is the best there is. I don't think Spielberg needs your advice, he seems to be doing just fine on his own.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 7:25:57 PM CST

    I like to call him "Steven"

    by god shamgodd

    When Steven was over for coffee the other day, I said, "My goodness, Steven, have you lost weight? You look fabulous!" Well, Steven chuckled and said that actually he had gained a few pounds, but had finally gotten rid of the beard. And he had! I hadn't noticed! Struggling to recover quickly, I said, "You don't mean Kate, do you, Steven?" And of course Steven and I laughed until we cried. I have such fun with Steven.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 7:31:52 PM CST

    Vietnam Movies

    by billy talent

    Coming Home and The Deer Hunter were '78. Apocalypse Now was '79. When did Spielberg think the war ended?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 8:28:16 PM CST

    Labowski

    by pandora7

    You're not only a prick, you're a dumb prick. DiCaprio is a mega-talent. Spielberg thinks so and so does Scorsese who just directed him in GONY and will be directing him next in Aviator. DiCaprio is the cream of the crop and he rocks in Catch Me!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 9:11:20 PM CST

    Watching Leo is like being sodomized by a horse

    by moosehead1867

    Leo DiCaprio is going the way Backstreet boys and N'Sync. His horny teenage fans have grown up and grown out of him. His last movie The Beach was a bomb and given that Spielberg can't do comedies (1942 anyone?) this one will bomb too.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 9:33:15 PM CST

    And you know what else "Labowski"?

    by chasesequence

    (1) DiCaprio is playing a teenager in this movie, and (2) you spelled your own nickname wrong.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 27, 2002 9:47:29 PM CST

    hehe

    by imageburn13

    dude spelled his own nickmane wrong...hahaha!

    Ok, I had faith in Leo in Baskteball Diaries, and Speilberg has such a slick style this movie probably wont be that bad. But I eagerly await Gangs, Daniel Day looks wild. But I hope it doesnt crap out the ending. Seiously!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2002 12:03:50 AM CST

    Spielberg not working on anything? WHAT?

    by pablojakaffo

    I don't understand. Isn't Steven Spielberg going to direct the next Indiana Jones film? Why hasn't Frank Darabont signed to be the screenwriter? This news has even been confirmed throughout Star Wars Insider, which gets pretty much official news not rumors, as much as the official Star Wars website. Did this one reporter who saw Spielberg speak after showing "Catch Me If You Can" footage mean Spielberg isn't actually directing a film at the moment? Could this mean that Indy 4 is just in the development stages and not even in pre-production?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2002 1:51:04 AM CST

    huh?

    by imageburn13

    why is my post like, up there when it should be
    down here? look at the post time?
    huh?
    whatupwitdat?
    Update the site!
    Harry change the graphic already!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2002 5:46:30 AM CST

    Spielberg's last truly great movie was...

    by workshed

    Close Encounters of the Third Kind. For me, everything since has been devoid of the magic and invention of his early career (Duel/Jaws/1941). The Indy films have their moments but are essentially carbon-copies of the Saturday matinee classics (without the suspense of having to wait a week for the next instalment)and based upon Phillip Kaufman's draft.
    Since 1941 bombed I don't believe SS has taken any real risks. Schindler's List backs down from facing the reality of why people are driven to hatred and didn't deserve the plaudits it received. Shoah affected me far greater - and it didn't have Raiph Fiennes in it either. I could go on for hours about the most over-rated 'film- maker' in the biz. This also applies to Lucas.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2002 12:34:28 PM CST

    Congratulations, Nosferatu Jones...

    by iamjacksuserid

    For making the most idiotic post I have ever seen in my life. You sir are a moron.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2002 9:00:14 PM CST

    Moosehead1867

    by jimmylegs

    Brilliant post! A million monkeys hunched before a million computers couldn't have put it any better. Bravo. Keep it up! Spielberg has earned the right (and financial power) to do whatever he wants whenever he wants. Personally, I don't mind Leo. As far as Spielberg attempting another flat out comedy, I'm trusting Tom Hanks on this one. Peace.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2002 9:30:47 PM CST

    Any further news on THE WAR OF THE WORLDS?

    by kingkrypton

    After all, Spielberg has been linked to direct it (and he and Tom Cruise have been talking about working together again.) You'd think there'd be some word on whether or not he's going to go ahead with it. As for Spielberg "needing" to ditch Michael Kahn, Janusz Kaminski, and John Williams...uh, hold on a minute. In addition to being some of his best friends, these guys are three of the most respected and celebrated people in the film industry. Most filmmakers would kill to get these guys on their squad. Why should Spielberg ditch them when they've proven to be a winning team? Personally, I hope these guys accompany Spielberg if/when WOTW rolls around. They're more than up to the task.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2002 11:41:48 AM CST

    Labowski

    by weedymcsmokey

    Hey, I hate to join the ranks of people shitting all over you - but, when in Rome.... It's clear you don't like Dicaprio, but comparing his career to the tic-tac length careers of that of boy bands isn't appropriate or correct - I could take or leave the guy too, but I have heard more than a few people who's opinions demand respect that he is a quality actor and a serious talent that will be around for a long time - look at the people that have choosen to work with him - not exactly filmmakers who get pushed around by studios. The Beach was a pendatic mess, Titanic - I never saw (badge of honor, purposefully done) but his work in What's Eating Gilbert Grape is good - now he's hooked up with Woody Allen, Spielberg, and Scorcese. I think if these people like him, you should perhaps re-evaluate your rationale for not liking him.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2002 1:40:01 PM CST

    Duck tape

    by mrcere

    Duck tape? Have you ever taped a duck? How about a duct?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2002 2:50:48 PM CST

    Catch Me if you Can

    by glass

    I'm sorry, I don't think this movie looks good at all. It looks like glorified corn dogs. The story is an amazing one, but the film looks ridiculous. For example, in the trailer, when the girls all turn over on their beach chairs at the same time to the same music...puhlease. And isn't Leo looking a little old to be playing a high school kid? Maybe he's not a kid in the whole movie, but if he is, it's ridiculous. He's looking bloated, like a corpse just pulled out of the water. Garbage.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2002 2:52:45 PM CST

    Weedy McSmokey

    by glass

    By the way, I completely agree with you about Dicaprio. He is a formidable talent, and he's done some top notch films. I just think he's sort of miscast in this debacle, and it's not really his fault that the writing seems like crap. But what do I know?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2002 6:25:18 PM CST

    Glass...

    by fraggles_rock!

    ...you're right. What do you know? All together now...NOTHING!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2002 6:30:41 PM CST

    Fraggles_rock

    by glass

    I do know one thing: you are a zero. A piece of dog dung. A waste of space. I'd rather watch DiCaprio taking a shit while passing a stone than read one more of your posts.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2002 9:42:20 PM CST

    Glass

    by pandora7

    "He's looking bloated, like a corpse just pulled out of the water" ...

    What in the hell are you on? Blind in one eye and can't see out of the other meds? DiCaprio is slim as a rail and his face is as chiseled and handsome as it was in Titanic. He looks older but still young enough to play a teen who by definition looked a lot older than his age ... old enough, in fact, to make people believe he was a doctor, a lawyer, a pilot, etc. And the trailer is without a doubt one of the best I've seen in ages. I've seen nothing so far to suggest that Spielberg hasn't put together a totally quality product with a fantastic and wholly appropriate cast. Oh and did I forget to add ... DiCaprio looks great ... devastatingly handsome, utterly charming, and purrrfect for the part of Frankie boy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2002 11:51:30 PM CST

    Ohm'gawd! Spielberg's "first great Vietnam movie" is...

    by heywood jablomie

    ............HAMBURGER HILL??? Or...UNCOMMON VALOR?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 30, 2002 5:56:28 PM CST

    Oh no Glass!

    by fraggles_rock!

    Hitting me where it hurts - my literary skills! But seriously dude, if you wanna watch Leo take a shit thats entirely up to you. Whatever floats your boat mate. Me, I'll just settle for watching Spielberg work his magic.

    Reply to Talkback

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