Halle Berry recalls Catwoman’s disastrous box office run
Twenty years later, Halle Berry is reflecting on Catwoman’s underwhelming box office success and how it continues to affect her personally.
In an oral history interview with Entertainment Weekly, Berry,57, acknowledged that she «didn’t love the backlash,» even though she was «used to defying stereotypes and making a way out of no way.»
The interview was conducted with the film’s director Pitof, producer Denise Di Novi, and writer John Brancato.
That does not mean, however, that she gave in to it. «I didn’t want to be casual about it, but I went and collected that Razzie, laughed at myself, and kept it moving,» Berry stated.
«It didn’t derail me because I’ve fought as a Black woman my whole life.»
«A little negative press for a film? Even if I didn’t love it, it wasn’t going to end the world or prevent me from doing what I love,» she went on.
The Academy Award winner described the criticism as something she «hated that it got all put on me,» adding that it was still her fault, citing her «innate resilience» as a Black woman.
«I’m sure I can handle it. Twenty years later, my career still exists. Just a small portion of my tale,» Berry remarked.
That’s alright, I’ve carried past setbacks and victories. Individuals have opinions, some of which are more vocal than others. All you have to do is keep going.»
Pitof told EW that despite the negative reviews, Catwoman was «ahead of its time» since «people weren’t ready for that kind of movie because she was the first Black female superhero [of the era].»
The director went on, «We have more diversity and inclusivity now, after some significant movements.» «Younger audiences are far more receptive and have different perspectives.
Because Batman wasn’t in the movie, comic book enthusiasts at the time detested it; nowadays, this isn’t a big deal.»
