Catch Me if You Can (2002)

Based on actual events, Catch Me if You Can (2002), tells the story of how Frank Abagnale Jr. stole millions of dollars, while still a teenager, by posing as a Pan Am pilot, doctor and lawyer. With an incredible cast (Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken and Nathalie Baye) at his disposal, Steven Spielberg has directed a light movie that is simply irresistible.

Set in the glamorous and fashionable 1960’s, Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a bright teenager whose father (Christopher Walken) goes into debt. Soon after, Frank’s mother (Nathalie Baye) has an affair with his father’s friend and his parents divorce. Scared by his new reality, Frank runs away from home and begins to forge checks in order to get by. Pretty quickly, he realizes that a pilot’s uniform and a trusting smile is all he needs in order to lead a luxurious lifestyle. Everything progresses smoothly until FBI agent, Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) starts to track Frank… and so the chase begins. Every time Agent Hanratty gets close, Frank manages to dupe him and escape in the nick of time. All the while, Frank also cons his way into receiving prestigious jobs and even gets engaged, but since nothing is based in reality it never lasts. Being chased all the time denies Frank the ability to settle and enjoy the benefits of his deceptions. Instead, it makes him realize just how alone he is. The only other person to see through his facade is Agent Hanratty. Throughout the movie, the two form a bond, and although, the chase never ceases, Frank comes to view Hanratty as a father figure.

Frank Abagnale Jr. as a Pan Am Pilot

All audiences, no matter how young, will immediately be drawn in by the costumes worn by the cast. Every character’s outfit, from the background extras to Frank himself, takes the audience back to the 60’s. The Pan Am flight attendant uniforms ooze style and femininity. What’s even more interesting is how Frank himself is influenced by a 1960’s movie character. After seeing how sharp Sean Connery looked in James Bond, Frank uses money he stole to purchase tailored made suits that are replicas of the “Bond suit.” Essentially, like Bond, Frank is cool, daring and doesn’t (really) get caught. This lends a somewhat unrealistic feel to the movie, so viewers who are only intrigued by the biographical aspect of the film should not get overly excited. By the same token, Spielberg tries to make Frank a more believable character by capturing his intense emotions during certain points in the film. For instance, when his parents divorce, Frank breaks down and decides to run away.

In terms of the photography, all camera angles are simple and straightforward. Sometimes the lighting is perfect while at other times it is flat. This does not necessarily detract from the film because it serves to accentuate the fact that it takes place in the 60’s.

On that note, Catch Me if You Can is a period piece, thriller, comedy and drama all wrapped up into one. It will also appeal to an audience that likes crime movies and to an audience that likes semi-biographical films. It is about a teenager who is way ahead of his time and therefore, manages to fool the trusting people he encounters. Viewers will likely find themselves entertained by the fast paced and exaggerated cons that Frank manages to pull off while still appearing “cool as a cucumber.” All in all, Catch Me if You Can is sure to be a crowd pleaser. If you are looking for a movie to enjoy together with friends who have a variety of tastes, this movie will fit the bill.