# Catch Me If You Can

> 2002 film by Steven Spielberg

**Wikidata**: [Q208108](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q208108)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_Me_If_You_Can)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/catch-me-if-you-can

## Summary
*Catch Me If You Can* is a 2002 biographical crime film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a young con artist who successfully impersonated a Pan American World Airways pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer before his 19th birthday. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Abagnale, Tom Hanks as the FBI agent pursuing him, and Christopher Walken as Abagnale's father. It blends elements of drama, crime, and comedy, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: Premiered on December 16, 2002 (USA), with subsequent releases in other countries (e.g., December 25, 2002; January 1, 2003; January 9, 2003).
- **Director**: Steven Spielberg.
- **Production Companies**: DreamWorks (founded 1994) and Amblin Entertainment (founded 1981).
- **Genre**: Biographical crime film, drama, comedy.
- **Cast**: Leonardo DiCaprio (Frank Abagnale Jr.), Tom Hanks (Carl Hanratty), Christopher Walken (Frank Abagnale Sr.).
- **Runtime**: 135 minutes.
- **Budget**: $52 million.
- **Box Office**: Grossed $352,114,312 worldwide.
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.9/10.
- **Metacritic Score**: 75/100.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 96%.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q264309.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0264464.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/01flv_.
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: no2003009205.
- **GND ID**: 4818806-2.
- **BNF ID**: b0074g3y.
- **Sitelink Count**: 76 Wikipedia language editions.
- **Website**: [Official DreamWorks page](http://www.dreamworks.com/catchthem/jump2.html).

## FAQs
### What is *Catch Me If You Can* about?
The film is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a teenage con artist who impersonated a pilot, doctor, and lawyer while evading FBI agent Carl Hanratty. It explores themes of identity, family, and deception.

### Who directed *Catch Me If You Can*?
Steven Spielberg directed the film, bringing his signature blend of drama and suspense to the biographical crime genre.

### What awards did *Catch Me If You Can* receive?
The film was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for Christopher Walken and Best Original Score) and won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor (Walken).

### How did the film perform at the box office?
*Catch Me If You Can* grossed over $352 million worldwide against a $52 million budget, making it a commercial success.

### What genres does *Catch Me If You Can* belong to?
The film is classified as a biographical crime drama with comedic elements, blending real-life events with Spielberg’s cinematic style.

### Who are the main actors in *Catch Me If You Can*?
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Frank Abagnale Jr., Tom Hanks as FBI agent Carl Hanratty, and Christopher Walken as Abagnale’s father.

### What production companies were involved?
DreamWorks and Amblin Entertainment produced the film, both of which are major players in Hollywood.

### How long is *Catch Me If You Can*?
The runtime is 135 minutes.

### What is the critical reception of *Catch Me If You Can*?
The film holds a 7.9/10 on IMDb, a 75/100 on Metacritic, and a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

### Is *Catch Me If You Can* based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on the autobiography of Frank Abagnale Jr., who successfully impersonated multiple professions as a teenager.

## Why It Matters
*Catch Me If You Can* is significant for its masterful blend of true crime, drama, and comedy, showcasing Spielberg’s ability to craft engaging narratives from real-life events. The film’s exploration of deception and identity resonates with audiences, while its performances—particularly by DiCaprio, Hanks, and Walken—have left a lasting impact on cinema. As a commercial and critical success, it solidified Spielberg’s reputation as a versatile director capable of handling both historical dramas and lighter, character-driven stories. The film also highlights the cultural fascination with con artists and the cat-and-mouse dynamics between criminals and law enforcement.

## Notable For
- **Acclaimed Performances**: Christopher Walken’s role earned him an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA win.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed over $352 million worldwide.
- **Critical Acclaim**: High ratings on IMDb (7.9/10), Metacritic (75/100), and Rotten Tomatoes (96%).
- **True Story Adaptation**: Based on the autobiography of Frank Abagnale Jr.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Features Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, and Christopher Walken.
- **Steven Spielberg’s Direction**: A standout in his filmography, blending drama and suspense.
- **Multiple Genre Appeal**: Combines crime, drama, and comedy effectively.
- **Cultural Impact**: Inspired discussions about identity, deception, and law enforcement.
- **Production Pedigree**: Produced by DreamWorks and Amblin Entertainment.
- **Widespread Recognition**: Covered in 76 Wikipedia language editions.

## Body

### Overview
*Catch Me If You Can* is a 2002 biographical crime film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a young con artist who impersonated a pilot, doctor, and lawyer before turning 19. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Abagnale, Tom Hanks as FBI agent Carl Hanratty, and Christopher Walken as Abagnale’s father. It is a blend of drama, crime, and comedy, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.

### Production and Release
The film was produced by **DreamWorks** (founded 1994) and **Amblin Entertainment** (founded 1981), both major players in Hollywood. It premiered in the United States on **December 16, 2002**, with subsequent releases in other countries, including **December 25, 2002**, **January 1, 2003**, and **January 9, 2003**. The production budget was **$52 million**, and it grossed **$352,114,312 worldwide**, making it a financial success.

### Cast and Crew
- **Leonardo DiCaprio** plays Frank Abagnale Jr., the young con artist.
- **Tom Hanks** portrays Carl Hanratty, the FBI agent pursuing Abagnale.
- **Christopher Walken** stars as Frank Abagnale Sr., Abagnale’s father, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA win.
- **Steven Spielberg** directed the film, bringing his signature style to the biographical crime genre.

### Critical Reception
*Catch Me If You Can* received widespread acclaim:
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.9/10.
- **Metacritic Score**: 75/100.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 96%.
The film was praised for its performances, direction, and engaging storyline.

### Genre and Themes
The film is classified as a **biographical crime drama** with **comedic elements**. It explores themes of **identity, deception, family, and law enforcement**, making it a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.

### Awards and Nominations
- **Academy Awards**: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Christopher Walken) and Best Original Score.
- **BAFTA Awards**: Won Best Supporting Actor (Christopher Walken).
- **Other Nominations**: Received recognition from various film festivals and critics' associations.

### Cultural Impact
*Catch Me If You Can* has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring discussions about con artists, identity theft, and the cat-and-mouse dynamics between criminals and law enforcement. The film’s success also solidified Spielberg’s reputation as a director capable of handling both serious historical dramas and lighter, character-driven stories.

### Related Entities
- **DreamWorks**: American film studio founded in 1994, known for producing major motion pictures.
- **Amblin Entertainment**: American film production company founded in 1981, associated with Steven Spielberg.
- **Christopher Walken**: American actor known for his distinctive voice and intense performances, with a career spanning over seven decades.
- **United States**: Country of origin for the film, with a rich history in cinema and entertainment.

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 135 minutes.
- **Budget**: $52 million.
- **Box Office Gross**: $352,114,312.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0264464.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q264309.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/01flv_.
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: no2003009205.
- **GND ID**: 4818806-2.
- **BNF ID**: b0074g3y.

### Legacy
*Catch Me If You Can* remains a standout film in Spielberg’s filmography and a notable entry in the biographical crime genre. Its blend of true crime, drama, and comedy, along with its acclaimed performances, ensures its place in cinematic history. The film’s success also highlights the enduring appeal of stories about deception and the pursuit of justice.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Catch-Me-if-You-Can)
2. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264464/)
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7. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=35973.html)
8. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film264309.html)
9. [Source](http://www.metacritic.com/movie/catch-me-if-you-can)
10. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264464/fullcredits)
11. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
12. [Source](http://www.virtual-history.com/movie/film/238/catch-me-if-you-can)
13. The Movie Database
14. Catch Me if You Can. Rotten Tomatoes
15. Freebase Data Dumps
16. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264464/releaseinfo)
17. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264464/releaseinfo)
18. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0264464/)
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21. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/catch-me-if-you-can/)
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27. [Source](https://jmkextern.bmb.gv.at/app/detail.aspx?FILID=16195)
28. Bechdel Test Movie List
29. mymovies.it
30. Catch Me If You Can
31. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/8E57-0D3B-5F01-A9B2-0172-H)
32. Danish Film Database
33. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Catch_Me_If_You_Can-G9VAD)
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38. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute