In her forthcoming memoir, the esteemed actress reflects on the disastrous adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical
Category: Arts & Culture
Dame Judi Dench, renowned for her illustrious career in film and theater, has described the 2019 film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's *Cats* as a "waste of goodwill and talent." In her upcoming memoir, *Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?*, Dench shares her reflections on the universally panned film, which she has never seen, and expresses regret over the project's outcome.
Released on December 20, 2019, *Cats* was directed by Tom Hooper and featured a star-studded cast, including Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, and James Corden. The film, which aimed to bring the beloved musical to the big screen, was met with harsh criticism and is often cited as a commercial failure. Dench played the role of Old Deuteronomy, a character she describes as a challenging fit for her.
In her memoir, Dench writes, "Oh God, I can’t bear it – and [Lloyd Webber] had waited so long for it to be made. What a waste of all that goodwill and talent." She acknowledges that critics were hostile to the film, a sentiment echoed by many who felt the adaptation did not do justice to the original stage production. Dench has stated, "I never saw the final cut so I can’t judge. All I’ll say is nobody sets out to give a poor performance or make a bad film. You do your best, offer something up and hope that people will get on board and join the party."
The film adaptation of *Cats* was a highly anticipated project, coming nearly four decades after the original musical debuted in London in 1981. The stage version, based on T.S. Eliot's *Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats*, ran for 21 years and became a cultural phenomenon. Dench was initially offered roles in the original production but suffered an injury that prevented her from participating.
When the film was finally produced, it was met with a 19% score on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting its failure to resonate with both audiences and critics alike. Dench reflects on the challenges of filmmaking, stating, "It’s a miracle that anything is ever made – films, plays, TV – let alone turn out to be a success, because there are so many moving parts." This perspective sheds light on the complexity of bringing a production to life, particularly one with such high expectations.
Dench's experiences on set were mixed; she expressed discomfort in her role and was troubled by how young dancers were treated during filming. "I just didn’t feel right in the role," she noted, adding that young performers were often left exhausted at the end of takes without acknowledgment. Nevertheless, she found joy in small moments, such as discovering her physical capabilities and sharing time with co-stars like Taylor Swift.
Dench's memoir, *Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?*, is set to be released on November 3, 2026, and promises to provide a more in-depth look at her career and reflections on various projects, including *Cats*. The book is expected to detail her experiences in the film industry and her broader thoughts on artistic endeavors.
As for the legacy of *Cats*, it continues to serve as a cautionary tale in the film industry about the challenges of adaptation and the unpredictability of audience reception. Dench emphasizes that there are no villains in the making of *Cats*, stating, "Sometimes things just don’t work out: the timing’s wrong, the cast don’t gel, the elements don’t coalesce. But people’s intentions are mostly honorable." This acknowledgment of the effort behind the film contrasts sharply with its reception, illustrating the often-unforgiving nature of artistic endeavors.
Dench's reflections resonate with her own experiences and with many artists who have faced similar challenges. The film's failure, she suggests, is not a reflection of the talent involved but rather a confluence of factors that can lead to disappointing outcomes. As she prepares to share her story with the world, audiences await the insights she will provide into her storied career and the lessons learned from *Cats*.
In a light-hearted moment, Dench also noted her nomination for a Razzie award for Worst Supporting Actress due to her performance in the film, joking about it during an interview: "Oh, am I? That would be good. As far as I know, that’s a first!" This ability to find humor in the situation exemplifies her resilience and enduring spirit in the face of adversity.