*Catch Me If You Can*

*Catch Me If You Can*
Name	Catch Me If You Can
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Steven Spielberg
Producer	Steven Spielberg, Walter F. Parkes
Screenplay	Jeff Nathanson
Based on	Catch Me If You Can, Frank Abagnale, Stan Redding
Starring	Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Amy Adams, Martin Sheen, Nathalie Baye
Music	John Williams
Cinematography	Janusz Kamiński
Editing	Michael Kahn
Studio	Amblin Entertainment, Parkes/MacDonald Productions
Distributor	DreamWorks Pictures
Released	2002, 12, 16, New York City, 2002, 12, 25, United States
Runtime	141 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$52 million
Gross	$352.1 million

*Catch Me If You Can* is a 2002 American biographical crime film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. The screenplay by Jeff Nathanson is based on the 1980 autobiography of Frank Abagnale, who, before his 19th birthday, successfully performed cons worth millions of dollars by posing as a Pan Am pilot, a Georgia doctor, and a Louisiana parish prosecutor. The film chronicles Abagnale's cat-and-mouse pursuit by FBI agent Carl Hanratty and explores themes of identity, family, and redemption against the stylish backdrop of the 1960s.

Plot

In the mid-1960s, teenage forger Frank Abagnale Jr. runs away from home after his parents' divorce, embarking on a spree of fraudulent check-writing. He impersonates a Pan Am co-pilot to cash fake payroll checks, later posing as a supervising resident at a Georgia hospital and an assistant attorney general in Louisiana. He is doggedly pursued by FBI bank fraud agent Carl Hanratty, who tracks him across the United States and Europe. After being captured in France and extradited, Abagnale is recruited by the FBI to work in their financial crimes unit, leveraging his unique expertise to help catch other forgers.

Cast

Leonardo DiCaprio portrays the charming young con artist Frank Abagnale Jr., while Tom Hanks plays the determined but weary FBI agent Carl Hanratty. Christopher Walken received an Academy Award nomination for his role as Frank Abagnale Sr., and Amy Adams appears as Brenda Strong, a naive nurse Abagnale romances. The supporting ensemble includes Martin Sheen as Roger Strong, Nathalie Baye as Paula Abagnale, James Brolin as Jack Barnes, and Brian Howe as Earl Amdursky. Jennifer Garner and Ellen Pompeo also feature in early-career roles.

Production

Development began when producer Walter F. Parkes purchased the rights to the autobiography. David Fincher, Gore Verbinski, and Miloš Forman were among the directors considered before Steven Spielberg committed to the project following the completion of *Minority Report*. Filming took place over 52 days in various locations, including Los Angeles, New York City, Quebec City, and Montreal, with Janusz Kamiński providing the cinematography. The score was composed by longtime Spielberg collaborator John Williams, and the period-accurate costume design was by Mary Zophres.

Release

The film had its world premiere on December 16, 2002, at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City. It was released wide in North America on December 25, 2002, by DreamWorks Pictures, strategically positioned for the awards season. The marketing campaign highlighted the duel between its two major stars, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, and the film's blend of crime drama and lighthearted adventure.

Reception

The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $352 million worldwide against a $52 million budget. Critics praised the performances, particularly those of Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, and Christopher Walken, as well as Steven Spielberg's deft direction and the film's nostalgic tone. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Score for John Williams and Best Supporting Actor for Christopher Walken. The film also received nominations from the BAFTAs and the Golden Globe Awards.

Adaptations and legacy

The film inspired a Broadway musical of the same name, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, which opened in 2011 and was nominated for four Tony Awards. The story has been featured in numerous television documentaries, including episodes of *American Greed* and *The Con*. Frank Abagnale's life and the film's depiction of his crimes have cemented his story in popular culture, influencing later series about con artists like *White Collar* and serving as a frequent reference in discussions of fraud and forensic accounting.

Category:2002 films Category:American biographical films Category:Steven Spielberg films