Cats

The film Cats is a 1998 direct-to-tape musical production that offers a recorded stage experience of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical of the same name. Directed by David Mallet, this record-breaking West End and Broadway musical is a lyrical and auditory exploration into the imaginative world of feline society, based on the poetry collection 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' by T.S. Eliot. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Elaine Paige, John Mills, and Ken Page.

The storyline of Cats deftly weaves the tales of various characters within a larger overarching narrative of a feline tribe known as the Jellicle Cats who gather for the Jellicle Ball. This annual event sees the community come together to choose which of them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life. The ensemble cast introduces us to these cats, each with their own unique personalities, histories, and vivid characteristics. From mischievous troublemakers and glamourous divas to wistful has-beens, the tribe is a mesmerizing collective, and the audience is invited to witness their stories.

Elaine Paige reprises her role as Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, delivering the iconic musical number "Memory", which remains as hauntingly powerful and emotionally stirring. John Mills exhibits a remarkable performance as Gus, the Theatre Cat, a once bravely heroic actor now in his twilight years, remembering his days of glory. Ken Page, performing as Old Deuteronomy, serves as the patriarchal figure and benevolent leader of the Jellicle Cats, guiding them through the Jellicle Ball.

The film’s strength lies in its powerful performances, captivating choreography, and remarkable production design. The production perfectly renders the fantastical world of the Jellicle Cats, situating the performances in a larger-than-life junkyard adorned with oversized everyday items contributing to the illusion of small-sized feline characters.

The choreography, spearheaded by the talented Gillian Lynne, is another strong suit of the production. It combines ballet, jazz, and modern dance elements creating a riveting spectacle that complements the music and encapsulates the feline grace and agility of the characters. Complementing these dance numbers is Andrew Lloyd Webber's eclectic musical score that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.

The musical sequences are varied and rich, ranging from the playful duet of mischievous duo Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, a performance that embodies mischief and chaos, to the sultry and jazzy ode to the seductive Bombalurina, portrayed by Rosemarie Ford. Other notable performances include Jacob Brent's portrayal of Mister Mistoffelees, the magical cat whose acrobatic finesse and captivating performance livens up the show and the charismatic and vivacious Rum Tum Tugger, played by John Partridge, who becomes a rebellious crowd favorite.

The visual effects of the film also deserve noteworthy commendation. The characters' makeup and costumes are intensely detailed, transforming the human performers into startlingly authentic cat-wide spectrum of feline forms and personalities.

Cats 1998 is both an homage to the original stage production and an opportunity for those unable to see the show live to experience the magic of one of the longest-running musicals in Broadway and West End history. Its depth and flavor are beautifully preserved even outside of the live theatre environment. This is a must-watch for fans of musical theatre, rich narrative storytelling, and lyrical escapism into the dazzlingly imaginative nocturnal world of our familiar yet enigmatic feline friends.