Klimt (2006)

by Mark Murton and Linda Kay

Directed by: Raúl Ruiz

Synopsis: A profile of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt (John Malkovich), whose prolific and sexual paintings symbolized the art nouveau style of the late 19th and early 20th century, told as a series of flashbacks as Klimt lies on his death bed.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): The first cat scene comes when a black cat is running across sheets of paper featuring Klimt’s sketches strewn across the floor of his studio where he is entertaining Midi (Veronica Ferres).

Klimt - black cat running across sketches

They are soon joined by Serena (Sandra Ceccarelli) who, to a chorus of cries from unseen cats, tells Midi of the importance of cats to Klimt’s work and how, “He lets his cats piss on his works; he claims that cat’s piss is the best fixative.” During this conversation, Klimt picks up and cuddles the black cat. This scene was cut from the shortened version of the film which is a shame since it sets up Klimt’s relationship with kitties.

Klimt - John Malkovich holding black cat with Midi Veronica Ferres and Serena Sandra Ceccarelli

The black cat is seen again when Klimt is in his studio working with gold leaf. Midi enters and starts a conversation during which Klimt holds the cat and they are reflected in a glass table top, until Klimt places the cat on the table and the kitty walks off across it.

Klimt - John Malkovich holding black cat over gold leaf artwork

Klimt - John Malkovich holding black cat over gold leaf artwork on mirrored table animated gif

As she leaves, Midi deliberately slams the door to create a draught that sends the gold leaf flying around the room. As it settles Klimt calls to the cat which can be heard crying. The cries stop and Klimt turns to see the secretary (Stephen Dillane) in the doorway holding the cat.

Klimt - secretary Stephen Dillane holding black cat

After a brief conversation with Klimt he plonks the cat on a table and leaves.

Kitty Cameos: The final cat scene is near the end of the film and the end of Klimt’s life when Klimt enters his studio (declaring “Death is all around us”) and various cat cries are heard before he sits on his bed and leans back to reveal a none-too-happy looking brown tabby cat also lying on the bed.

Klimt - John Malkovich lying on bed with brown tabby cat

As Klimt rises and walks to the door a second cat can be partially seen further back on the bed.

Klimt - John Malkovich walking away from bed with two brown tabby cats

Faux Cats: Several cats feature in the next surreal scene but these all appear to be sculptures and stuffed or fake cats. The animals in the film were trained and supplied by Ingeborg Animals (aka Aurelia Hornung).

Klimt - John Malkovich walking into room full of cat statues and stuffed cats

Klimt was indeed a cat lover (just as he did believe cat urine to be the best fixative) but incredibly he never included felines in his paintings. This did not stop other artists from creating cat paintings in Klimt’s style and these prints are very popular today.

Klimt - artist Gustav Klimt outside studio with tabby and white cat Katze — **Gustav Klimt posing with his cat named Katze outside his studio for photographer Moriz Naehr. Circa 1912.**

Klimt - cat paintings inspired by Gustav Klimt — **Examples of cat paintings done in the style of Gustav Klimt. Artist unknown.**

Klimt’s love of kitties also inspired the children’s book Klimt and His Cat, written by Bérénice Capatti and illustrated by Octavia Monaco, which tells the story of the artist through his cat Katze’s eyes.