Cats (2019 film)

Cats (2019 film)
source
Name	Cats
Director	Tom Hooper
Producer	Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward
Based on	Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber, T. S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
Starring	Jennifer Hudson, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Idris Elba, Taylor Swift, Francesca Hayward, Rebel Wilson, Jason Derulo, James Corden, Rex Harrison (archive)
Music	Andrew Lloyd Webber
Cinematography	Christopher Ross
Editing	Melanie Oliver
Studio	Working Title Films, Monumental Pictures
Distributor	Universal Pictures
Released	December 20, 2019
Runtime	110 minutes
Country	United Kingdom, United States
Language	English
Budget	$95–100 million
Gross	$73.8 million

Cats (2019 film) is a 2019 musical fantasy film directed by Tom Hooper, adapted from the stage musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, itself based on T. S. Eliot's poetry collection Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. The film stars an ensemble cast including Jennifer Hudson, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Idris Elba, Taylor Swift, and Francesca Hayward, and features visual effects that blend live-action performance with computer-generated imagery. Released by Universal Pictures, the film received widespread critical attention for its production design, choreography, casting, and digital fur technology.

Plot

Set during a single night in an urban junkyard, the story follows a tribe of Jellicle cats competing for the chance to be reborn into the Heaviside Layer, overseen by the elder cat Old Deuteronomy. The plot introduces characters such as Grizabella, a fallen Glamour Cat seeking acceptance, and her interactions with other Jellicles including Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, and Macavity. As musical numbers progress, histories and rivalries among the tribe emerge, culminating in a selection that offers one cat a new life. Themes echo elements of redemption and belonging found in Eliot's poetry and Lloyd Webber's stage adaptation, while set pieces recall choreography traditions from West End and Broadway productions.

Cast

The ensemble cast features performers from film, theatre, and music industries: Jennifer Hudson portrays Grizabella; Judi Dench appears as Old Deuteronomy; Idris Elba plays Macavity; Ian McKellen is Gus the Theatre Cat; Taylor Swift is Bombalurina; Francesca Hayward debuts as Victoria; Rebel Wilson is Jennyanydots; Jason Derulo portrays Rum Tum Tugger; James Corden plays Bustopher Jones. Supporting performers include Dara Ó Briain, Ian McKellen's peers from West End traditions, and dancers drawn from companies associated with the Royal Ballet and Alvin Ailey. The film's casting mixes established film actors linked to franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Marvel Studios with stage veterans from productions on the West End and Broadway, reflecting crossovers among entertainment institutions such as the Royal Opera House and the Lincoln Center.

Production

Development began when Working Title Films executives partnered with Andrew Lloyd Webber to adapt the stage show for the screen, engaging director Tom Hooper after his work on Les Misérables and The King's Speech. Principal photography took place at Shepperton Studios with additional location shoots influenced by urban settings featured in British cinema and New York theatrical tradition. The production employed motion-capture techniques and digital fur rendering developed by visual effects vendors with pipelines tested on franchises like Planet of the Apes and The Jungle Book. Choreography integrated influences from Broadway choreographers associated with revival productions, while costume and makeup departments coordinated with prosthetics teams experienced on period films and fantasy projects. Producers managed budgeting and scheduling constraints typical of high-profile studio musicals distributed by Universal Pictures and overseen by producers with credits including films financed by Working Title and StudioCanal.

Music

The score comprises compositions by Andrew Lloyd Webber adapted from the original stage orchestrations, arranged for film sequences and vocal performances. Musical supervision drew on talent with experience in West End and Broadway productions, and featured orchestral recordings in studios equipped for film soundtracks, similar to sessions used for film musicals like Chicago and Moulin Rouge!. Lead vocal performances by Hudson, Swift, and others were recorded with contemporary production techniques, while choreography sequences were mixed to balance live singing with pre-recorded tracks. The film includes iconic numbers such as "Memory", connecting back to Lloyd Webber's award-winning compositions associated with Olivier Awards and Tony Awards across multiple productions.

Release

Universal Pictures released the film in December 2019 in wide theatrical distribution across markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, scheduling the premiere in the holiday season alongside other studio releases. Marketing campaigns included trailers broadcast during major events and publicity appearances on platforms associated with late-night television, awards circuits, and press junkets in London and New York. The release strategy mirrored patterns used for other tentpole musicals and franchise installments aiming for seasonal box office performance and awards consideration.

Reception

Critical response was predominantly negative, with reviewers from major outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter criticizing the film's visual effects, narrative cohesion, and adaptation choices. Commentary highlighted the digital fur technology and uncanny valley concerns compared to previous visual effects milestones like Avatar and CGI work praised in Oscar-winning films. Some praise was directed at individual performances by Francesca Hayward and Jennifer Hudson's vocal rendition. The film provoked extensive discussion across social media platforms and late-night comedy programs, and prompted analysis in film studies circles comparing adaptation practices from stage to screen, referencing precedents including Baz Luhrmann's adaptations and Rob Marshall's film musicals.

Box office and awards

The film underperformed at the box office, grossing approximately $73.8 million worldwide against a production budget reported at $95–100 million, making it one of the year’s notable commercial disappointments alongside other high-profile releases. Awards recognition included nominations and wins in technical categories at ceremonies where musicals are often acknowledged, while also receiving Golden Raspberry nominations linked to critical reception. The box office performance and awards response generated industry analysis about franchise risk, adaptation strategies, and the financial calculus of large-scale musical films from studios such as Universal Pictures and Working Title.

Category:2019 filmsCategory:Musical filmsCategory:Films based on plays