Wait, is this really—
"Catch Me If You Can" kicks off with a delightful little surprise.
Steven Spielberg actually created a retro TV show, unfolding the story with a mischievous and satirical touch, like a caricature.
It's quite the eye-catcher.
"Contestant number one, what's your name?"
"My name is Frank William Abagnale."
"And contestant number two?"
"My name is Frank William Abagnale."
"Contestant number three!"
"My name is Frank William Abagnale."
"My name is Frank William Abagnale."
The second contestant, Anson Wood, is actually the true protagonist of the film.
"In twenty-six countries outside the United States and fifty states within, I forged checks and cashed in about four million dollars, all before my nineteenth birthday."
So, isn't this a spoiler?
In an era where everyone shuns spoilers, treating them like a cardinal sin, film companies go to great lengths to protect the plot. However, "Catch Me If You Can" does the opposite, spoiling itself upfront.
This might be the clearest and most memorable introduction to a film protagonist ever, and the movie has barely begun, less than three minutes in.
The camera sweeps over the three contestants like a TV show, focusing on Anson's angelic, innocent face. It's hard to fathom how Anson could have committed those crimes, the thoughts racing through your mind.
The imagery is a bit comical.
So, how will the movie unfold from here?
Yet, the film proceeds to earnestly create a retro show seeking the truth, the unintended humor naturally leaking out, making you chuckle.
The TV host's voice continues.
Curiosity is piqued.
More importantly, you're intrigued.
"From 1964 to 1967, I successfully impersonated a Pan Am pilot, flying for free over two million miles. During that time, I also served as a pediatric intern supervisor at a hospital in Georgia and an assistant attorney general in Louisiana."
Shocking, jarring—
Unexpectedly, the spoiler seems to be intentional because the host goes further to reveal more of the story. It's absolutely surprising.
A bit of a spoiler, yet it displays this character's legendary journey, not disappointing but creating a clickbait effect, grabbing your attention instantly and making you look forward to it.
Oh, forgot—it's not Anson, but Frank William Abagnale.
Clearly, every viewer in the cinema knows:
TV Host: "So, for the first time ever, he's going to tell the truth. First question by Katie."
"When I was arrested, I was considered the youngest and boldest conman in American history."
Katie, a middle-aged female guest in a floral dress, asks, "Thank you. Contestant number one, with your smarts—you must be a clever guy—why didn't you pursue a legitimate career?"
Contestant One, Frank, responds calmly, "It's a matter of dollars and cents. When I was young, I needed money and thought this was the easiest way to earn it."
Katie's voice comes from off-screen as the camera quietly pans to Anson, "I see. Contestant number two, I find this fascinating. So, who eventually caught you?"
Contestant Two, Frank, looks at the camera and smiles slightly, "His name was Carl Hanratty."
One second, transition.
"Han. Rat. Ty."
Pouring rain.
Close-up, Tom Hanks' familiar face appears seamlessly, shifting from fiction to reality, pulling the audience into the story like a roller coaster.
Indeed, Steven is Steven; he always knows how to make an impact.
From Anson to Tom, from Frank to Carl, the camera transition brings a shift in protagonist, from fiction to reality, from the criminal to the pursuer, presenting the story from a completely different perspective.
And another spoiler.
Just as it spoiled Frank's criminal history, it now spoils the hero who cracked the case and caught the criminal. The tension between the criminal and the law enforcer instantly fills the screen.
The reporters instantly get it—
"Catch Me If You Can," the movie title itself is a spoiler. Apart from the original biography, the film focuses on Frank and Carl, a brilliant conman and a relentless detective.
See, that's narrative efficiency.
In less than three minutes, Steven has already dangled the bait, capturing the audience's focus. Before realizing it, everyone is engrossed.
Impressive!
"Han! Rat! Ty!"
In the rain, Carl has to repeat his surname amid a language barrier.
"Rat, Ty?"
From the accent, it's clear these people standing in front of Carl are French.
Wait, how did the story shift from America to France?
One suspense, one switch—although seemingly confusing, Steven skillfully handles the pacing. Before plunging into chaos, he gradually reveals the answers.
"Carl Hanratty?"
"Yes!"
"Huh?"
"I am. Carl. Hanratty. I represent the FBI. I have official permission to see that American prisoner, Abagnale."
France, Marseille, 1969, Christmas Eve.
Buzz, buzz, buzz.
A commotion in the theater.
Because the film didn't let the confusion and suspense linger too long, before further descending into disorder, everything is laid out plainly.
And the film breaks the fourth wall, connecting 1969's Christmas Eve to 2022's Christmas Eve. Now it's clear why DreamWorks chose to premiere in Los Angeles tonight.
The movie blends into reality.
Moreover, the fictional TV show was just an introduction, not only spoiling Frank and Carl's relationship but also cutting open a gateway into the story.
So, it wasn't Carl who caught Frank but the Marseille police?
Now, Carl is here in Marseille to extradite Frank back to the U.S.?
Despite some effort, Carl finally sees Frank—
Layer upon layer, Frank is confined in the deepest part of a heavily guarded prison.
Meanwhile, the Marseille police remain on full alert, pointing at the iron door of the cell and setting a stool in front of it.
"You sit here. Do not open this door, and do not hand him anything through this slit."
They open a small window on the right side of the iron door, a rectangular slot similar to a mail slot, covered tightly with wire mesh.
Carl puts down his briefcase and umbrella, takes a seat, and peers through the small window into the cell. Despite being mentally prepared, he can't help but exclaim.
"Jesus Christ."
Cough, cough.
Cough, cough!
Inside, a frail figure covers themselves with a filthy gray blanket, coughing violently as if they might cough out their lungs. Clutching the blanket tightly, they toss and turn, trying to find a comfortable position, failing miserably, curling up in the corner, shivering uncontrollably.
A tangled mess of dirty, sandy-brown hair barely reveals that pale, lifeless face, trembling all over.
It's hard to imagine that… is Anson.