Judi Dench Hasn’t Seen Her “Cats” Movie, But She Calls It ‘a Waste of All That Goodwill and Talent’ in New Memoir

Judi Dench Reflects on ’Cats’: An Actor’s Perspective on Film Failures

Judi Dench, the renowned actress, has openly shared her thoughts on the cinematic adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famed musical, ‘Cats’. Despite the film’s poor reception upon its release in 2019, Dench, who played the role of Old Deuteronomy, has stayed true to her belief that every creative endeavour offers lessons, no matter the outcome.

In an excerpt from her forthcoming memoir, ‘Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?’, Dench revealed a notable fact: she has yet to watch the final cut of ‘Cats’. More than six years on from its initial release, the 91-year-old actress confessed, “Oh God, I can’t bear it.” Her sentiments echo the widespread criticism that the film garnered, though she recognised that it represented a significant moment for Lloyd Webber, whose work had taken years to transition from stage to screen.

Dench, reflecting on the critical response to ‘Cats’, noted, “I understand the critics were rather hostile to the film.” Although she withheld judgment in part due to not viewing the finished product, she emphasised, “Nobody sets out to give a poor performance or make a bad film.” The actor highlighted that the efforts put into projects should not be overlooked, stating that artists contribute their best, hoping audiences will appreciate their work.

Despite her own discomfort with the film’s outcome, Dench conveyed a sense of understanding towards the challenges of filmmaking. She pointed out that in the arts, conditions can often go awry. “The timing’s wrong, the cast don’t gel, the elements don’t coalesce,” she described, underscoring the unpredictable nature of creative ventures. In her view, “People’s intentions are mostly honourable,” reinforcing the idea that no one involved in ‘Cats’ set out with the goal of failure.

In her memoir, Dench sought to dispel any notion of villainy in the creation of ‘Cats’. She put forward an optimistic perspective, stating, “There were no villains in the making of Cats. And if something isn’t a success, then there are always things you can say you’ve learnt.” This understanding reflects her vast experiences in the industry, showcasing the resilience required to navigate such challenges.

Dench also remembered her initial apprehensions about accepting the role, stating that she felt “ill at ease” from the outset. “I just didn’t feel right in the role,” she recalled, revealing that she spent considerable time in her trailer, waiting to be called for scenes. This confession sheds light on the inner struggles that accompany acting, even for established artists.

Her concerns extended to the dynamics among the cast as well. Dench expressed her dissatisfaction with how the younger performers were treated during production, noting that they would often be left waiting and exhausted at the end of takes. She believed that this might have impacted the overall morale on set.

Moreover, Dench’s comments on her character’s CGI-enhanced costume revealed her candidness about her experience. Describing the fur cloak she wore, she remarked that it made her feel like “a battered, mangy old cat,” which perhaps echoed her discontent with the creative choices made in the film. “A great big orange bruiser,” she quipped, highlighting the discrepancy between the intended portrayal and her personal experience.

As anticipation builds for the release of Dench’s memoir on November 3, fans and readers alike will have the opportunity to explore the actress’s insights into both her successes and setbacks. The book is already available for preorder and promises to offer an intimate glimpse into the life of a woman who has faced the complexities of the film and theatre industries with grace and resilience.

Dench’s reflections on ‘Cats’ serve as a reminder that, even in failure, there is potential for growth and understanding within the creative process. As the industry continues to evolve, her perspective remains relevant, encouraging artists and audiences alike to embrace the journey, regardless of its often unpredictable outcomes.