Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks and Amy Adams
‘A Captivating Con-Artist Classic’
Not many movie-stars in Hollywood that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Leonardo DiCaprio. Following stardom during the 1990’s, DiCaprio has proven to be one of the greatest actors in the film industry. DiCaprio’s greatest strength as an actor has always been his versatility. Whether it’s stories of star-crossed lovers on ships facing catastrophes, thieves investigating dreams or undercover cops under anxiety, DiCaprio has made memorable movies in nearly every genre. Through portraying a wide range of characters, DiCaprio has over time earned a huge fan following. His powerful commitment to playing various characters has made him a celebrated icon in entertainment. A marvellous movie-star with the abilities to transform into any character, DiCaprio has become a legendary actor whose timeless movies audiences treasure.
I’m a huge fan of Leonardo DiCaprio and adore the unforgettable movies he has made throughout his illustrious career. However, “Catch Me If You Can” remains my favourite film made by the actor. Released in 2002, Steven Spielberg’s movie offered a captivating portrait of a real-life con-artist that got away with committing acts of fraud. Boasting breathtaking production-design, sharp storytelling and phenomenal performances, it’s a captivating con-artist classic. At the centre of it all is Leonardo DiCaprio, who delivers a career-defining performance. DiCaprio pulls off the tricky feat of making a con-artist committing despicable crimes sympathetic. Ultimately, the film delivers a powerful message about the dangers posed by con-artists that resonates. An underrated gem in Leonardo DiCaprio’s illustrious career, it’s a classic that demands to be seen.
Based on a true story, “Catch Me If You Can” follows a clever con-artist getting away with crimes without a price to pay. Leonardo DiCaprio embodies Frank Abagnale, a clever young man with a gift for conning people. Following his family’s devastating divorce, Frank experiences remorse. In desperate need of money, Frank turns to a life of crime by committing forgeries. In order to make a living, Frank assumes multiple identities of doctors, teachers and pilots. However, Frank’s crimes soon have serious consequences catching the attention of FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks). Carl begins pursuing Frank across the country as he commits cons. As Frank faces prison time, he reflects on the dire consequences of his crime.
Steven Spielberg is a newcomer to stories of con-artists. Before making “Catch Me if You Can”, Spielberg was known for his historical dramas. His Oscar-winning movie “Schindler’s List” told the true story of a German businessman saving Jews in mass genocide tragedy. With “Catch Me If You Can”, however, Spielberg crafted his first con-artist biopic. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to dramatize the fascinating life story of a world-famous con-artist, but he succeeded. Through captivating cinematography, Spielberg captures a clever con-artist assuming multiple identities. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes as meticulous as crimes that Frank Abagnale seeks to organize. Spielberg effectively uses montages to capture a con-artist that commits acts of forgery. For instance, montages elevate the forgery scene. During this unforgettable scene, Frank Abagnale starts forging cheques in banks committing acts of fraud to earn a living. Through montages, Spielberg creates a compelling con-artist character audiences can relate to. Using breathtaking visuals, Spielberg honours a real-life con-artist whose crimes are shocking.
Another eye-catching aspect of “Catch Me if You Can” deserving appreciation is the production. For a movie made in the early 2000’s, the film has aged incredibly. Spielberg has always excelled at choosing costumes for his movies, and “Catch Me If You Can” is no exception. Spielberg effectively uses costumes to showcase a clever con-artist that assumes multiple identities. For instance, compelling costumes showcase Frank Abagnale’s identity in the pilot scene. During this unforgettable scene, Frank begins impersonating an airline pilot embarking on plane trips through shining clothes he is wearing. One admires dazzling costumes showcasing Frank’s airline pilot identity. Using these larger-than-life costumes, Spielberg creates a compelling portrait of a real-life con-artist. Moreover, another aspect of “Catch Me if You Can” I adore is the musical score. John Williams’ music is entertaining, gripping and suspenseful. It gives the film a nerve-wracking atmosphere. Through phenomenal production, Spielberg captures a con-artist on a mission.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Catch Me if You Can” is a classic film about con-artists that remains captivating. The film is beautifully written, and expertly uses flashbacks capturing a con-artist reflecting on his troubled past. Jeff Nathanson’s screenwriting strength is creating a sympathetic con-artist through flashbacks. The film deftly switches back and forth between two timelines: Frank’s miserable present-day life as a prisoner and memories of his joyous past as a con-artist. Whether it’s memories of his parents’ tragic divorce or his first ever crime as a con-artist, Frank often reflects on his traumatic past. Through clever flashbacks, Nathanson creates a sympathetic con-artist whose struggle audiences can easily relate to. Flashbacks are tricky techniques. James Cameron’s “Titanic” suggested flashbacks elevate historical epics. As Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” proved, flashbacks elevate literary adaptations. Nevertheless, it works. It’s a clever technique that allows viewers to empathize with a con-artist whose crimes are shocking. Through a spectacular screenplay, Spielberg honours a real-life con-artist today.
One admires astonishing performances. The film is elevated to another level by fantastic performances from two of Hollywood’s greatest actors.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers one of his greatest performances as Frank Abagnale. DiCaprio achieved appreciation for playing lovers aboard doomed ships. With “Catch Me if You Can”, however, the actor took on his first biopic role. It isn’t easy to embody a real-life con-artist committing deadly felonies but DiCaprio succeeded. It’s a role that allows DiCaprio to capitalize on strengths at playing characters with larger-than-life personalities. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures angst, intelligence and determination of a con-artist facing repercussions. A phenomenal performance from one of the world’s most beloved movie-stars today.
Tom Hanks is terrific as a panic-stricken FBI agent seeking to catch a con-artist committing crimes that are horrific. While DiCaprio gets the showier role, Hanks is equally excellent as an FBI agent that strives to keep his emotions under control. As Carl Hanratty, Hanks excels at portraying an FBI agent through his commanding voice. Whether he’s silently advising Frank about the dangerous consequences of crimes he’s committing or loudly barking orders at his guards, Hanks excels at capturing an FBI agent with authority through his powerful voice. It’s a fantastic performance from an actor that has always shined in Steven Spielberg’s movies.
The final noteworthy standout in the cast is Christopher Walken. As Frank’s conflicted father, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Catch Me if You Can” will catch everyone’s appreciation for its sympathetic depiction of con-artists facing a rough patch. Unlike most movies about real-life con-artists, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. It discusses powerful themes including identity, divorce and consequences which everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of con-artist movies to appreciate it. The film delivers a powerful message which would resonate with everyone that has ever witnessed a broken marriage at an early age. Therefore, “Catch Me if You Can” is one of those movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Leonardo DiCaprio will definitely enjoy “Catch Me if You Can” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment.
Nearly 30 years following the release of an iconic film that blew movie-goers away by capturing clever con-artists committing crimes with a price to pay, it’s a captivating reminder of a timeless movie-star that has gained a titanic fan following through his abilities to play diverse characters in a wide range of genres throughout an illustrious career whose memorable movies definitely without a doubt deserve to be celebrated today.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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