Figueroa - Cats Seducing Bats

Cats Seducing Bats

Tim Burton’s vision of Catwoman provides an interesting twist to the standard Batman storyline. Her presence in the film not only changes the story completely but also turns it upside-down. Her neutral stance in the battle between Batman and Penguin allows her to play both sides. Her sexual attraction to Batman is further deepens when she discovers his true identity, Bruce Wayne. Catwoman has a strong control over men in this film, which allows her manipulate men into doing her wishes. Her transformation also says something about how trauma can affect the human psyche. Before her incident with Mr. Shreck, she was the stereotypical secretary. But her kind, sweet, and gentle nature later turned into an angry, vengeful, and seductive attitude. In a way she has more free will as Catwoman than she did as Selina. Before her transformation her life was dictated by society’s ideas of what a woman should be. She should have a husband, kids, and a place to call home. As Catwoman she is more powerful and independent than what society is used to, therefore alienating her from the “normal” world. She is also conflicted in her attraction to both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Her attraction is slit down the middle in relation to both her and Bruce’s split personalities. She seems like a better fit for Bruce as they both have similar pasts and split personalities. Vicky seemed lost and hopeless in Batman’s world when compared to Selina’s understanding and partaking in Bruce’s lifestyle. Her mentality and unstable motives could also lead to an unhealthy relationship between her and Batman. She seems more dominate in the relationship compared to when Vicky was dating Bruce. Catwoman is manipulative and could eventually turn on Batman to get what she wants. I loved Burton’s take on Catwoman and her character provided the film with an interesting twist in story.