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6.5/10
Archivist John
Senior Editor
A definitive 6.5/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. It's the Cats remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Short answer: It's the Cats is a charming and often entertaining animated short, but its format and pacing may not satisfy all viewers. It works best for those who appreciate unique and experimental animation, and for those who enjoy the Fleischer brothers' style of humor and visual gags. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more conventional animated film or a deep, character-driven narrative.
This film works because it successfully captures the spirit of live theater through its animated performances. The Fleischer brothers expertly blend the charm of their characters with the whimsical skits and acts, creating a delightful and engaging experience for both the performers and the audience. The visual gags and the interaction between the cats and the performers are cleverly designed and executed, providing a sense of humor that is both accessible and delightful.
For example, in one scene, the cats perform a high-diving act, with the camera capturing the moment just as a cat is about to jump. The anticipation and the subsequent fall are captured with perfect timing and precision, creating a moment of pure visual humor that is both unexpected and satisfying. This kind of visual storytelling is a hallmark of the Fleischer brothers' work and is a key element that makes It's the Cats so engaging.
This film fails because it struggles to fully capitalize on the potential of its premise. While the idea of neighborhood cats watching a live theater performance is inherently charming, the film often feels like it's constrained by its format. The short runtime and the need to fit multiple acts into a limited space can result in a sense of pacing that feels rushed, and the focus on visual gags sometimes overshadows the narrative potential of the story.
For instance, one of the skits involves a cat performing a tableaux vivant, where the cat remains perfectly still and silent, mimicking a statue. While this is a clever and visually appealing moment, it doesn't provide much in the way of character development or narrative depth. The film's reliance on visual humor and its inability to delve deeper into the characters' motivations and backgrounds can make it feel somewhat surface-level, even if it's still entertaining to watch.
You should watch It's the Cats if you are a fan of experimental animation, enjoy the Fleischer brothers' style of humor, and appreciate the blend of live theater and animated characters. It's a delightful and engaging experience for those who enjoy visual storytelling and clever gags, and it provides a unique perspective on the world of live theater. However, if you are looking for a deep, character-driven narrative or a more conventional animated film, you may find It's the Cats to be a bit too short and focused on its visual elements.
The acting in It's the Cats is primarily done through the visual gags and the performances of the animated cats. While the characters themselves are not fleshed out in any meaningful way, the Fleischer brothers excel at creating a sense of humor and personality through the actions and expressions of the cats. The cat characters are often seen reacting to the performances, with some cats looking intrigued, others looking bored, and a few even participating in the skits. This interaction between the cats and the performers creates a sense of engagement that is both humorous and engaging.
For example, in one scene, a cat is seen sitting in the audience, looking bored and disinterested. As the skit progresses, the cat begins to pay attention, and its expression changes from boredom to interest. This change in the cat's reaction is a simple but effective way of highlighting the performances and creating a sense of engagement with the audience. However, the lack of character development means that the cats remain one-dimensional, and their reactions are often used more as a way of highlighting the skits rather than as a means of character development.
The directing and visuals in It's the Cats are a standout feature of the film. The Fleischer brothers use a combination of hand-drawn animation and stop-motion techniques to create a unique and engaging visual style. The animation is fluid and smooth, with a sense of movement and energy that is characteristic of the Fleischer brothers' work. The use of color and lighting is also effective, with each scene being designed to enhance the mood and the humor of the skits.
For instance, in one scene, the cats perform a dance routine set to a lively and upbeat song. The use of vibrant colors and dynamic lighting helps to create a sense of energy and excitement, making the scene both visually appealing and engaging. The Fleischer brothers also excel at using the space and the camera to enhance the visual storytelling. In one scene, the camera pans across the audience of cats, showing their reactions as the skit progresses. This use of the camera to highlight the audience's engagement adds a layer of interactivity to the performance and creates a sense of shared experience between the audience and the performers.
The cinematography and pacing in It's the Cats are well-crafted, but they also contribute to the film's limitations. The film uses a combination of handheld and fixed camera shots to capture the action and the performances. The handheld shots add a sense of energy and immediacy to the scenes, while the fixed shots provide a more stable and controlled view of the action. The pacing of the film is fast and energetic, with each skit being designed to keep the audience engaged and entertained. However, the fast-paced editing and the limited runtime can result in a sense of rushing, and the film sometimes feels like it's trying to fit too much into a short space.
For example, in one scene, the cats perform a series of acrobatic acts, including a high dive and a trapeze routine. The fast-paced editing helps to create a sense of excitement and energy, but the rapid succession of scenes can make it feel like the skits are being presented one after the other without much room for breath. This can result in a sense of pacing that feels rushed and can detract from the overall experience of the film.
The soundtrack and music in It's the Cats are a key element of the film's overall style and tone. The music is lively and energetic, with a sense of humor and playfulness that matches the visual gags and the skits. The score is well-composed, with a mix of original music and sound effects that help to enhance the mood and the humor of the scenes. The use of music and sound effects also helps to create a sense of atmosphere and to heighten the visual storytelling.
For instance, in one scene, the cats perform a tableaux vivant, and the music plays a key role in creating the sense of stillness and the anticipation. The music builds gradually, and the crescendo just before the cat jumps is perfectly timed, creating a moment of pure visual and auditory humor. The music and sound effects are a key element of the visual storytelling, and they help to enhance the overall experience of the film.
It works. But it’s flawed. It's the Cats is a charming and often entertaining animated short, but its format and pacing may not satisfy all viewers. It's a delightful and engaging experience for those who appreciate unique and experimental animation, and for those who enjoy the Fleischer brothers' style of humor and visual gags. However, if you are looking for a deep, character-driven narrative or a more conventional animated film, you may find It's the Cats to be a bit too short and focused on its visual elements.
It's the Cats is a delightful and engaging animated short that offers a unique blend of live theater and animated characters. While it may not be the best choice for all viewers, it is still a charming and entertaining experience for those who appreciate the Fleischer brothers' style of animation and humor. Whether you are a fan of experimental animation or simply looking for a fun and engaging short film, It's the Cats is definitely worth a watch.
IMDb —
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