Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Brief Intro

🎬 Directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 2002, Catch Me If You Can is a thrilling biographical drama that follows the incredible real-life exploits of Frank Abagnale Jr. Played by Leonardo DiCaprio, Frank is a master of deception who forges millions of dollars’ worth of checks while posing as a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a legal prosecutor—all before his 19th birthday. The film also stars Tom Hanks as Carl Hanratty, the dogged FBI agent on Frank’s trail.

Literary Devices Used in Catch Me If You Can

In Catch Me If You Can, various literary devices enhance the storytelling and depth of the characters. Here are ten prominent devices with specific examples from the movie.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Frank’s first escape from his parents’ house	Dramatic irony: The audience knows Frank’s intentions, but his parents do not.
Frank posing as a doctor	Situational irony: A high school dropout successfully performs medical duties.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Frank’s father losing his business	Foreshadows Frank’s life of crime, showing the instability that influences his actions.
Carl’s gift of a wallet to his daughter	Foreshadows Carl’s deepening obsession with catching Frank.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Frank’s pilot uniform	Symbolizes freedom and escape from his problems.
The checkbook	Represents Frank’s ingenuity and deception.

Flashbacks

Movie Scene	Device Example
Frank’s memories of his parents dancing	Provides insight into his motivations and longing for his family.
Carl’s reminiscences about his daughter	Deepens the audience’s understanding of Carl’s character.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Frank running away	Recurrent motif of escape highlights his transient lifestyle.
Fake identities	Motif of deception and identity explores the theme of self-invention.

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Frank’s many fake careers	Exaggerates the ease with which he assumes new identities.
Carl’s relentless pursuit	Highlights his almost obsessive determination to catch Frank.

Satire

Movie Scene	Device Example
Frank’s interactions with banks	Critique of the banking system’s gullibility.
Media portrayal of Frank as a folk hero	Satirizes society’s fascination with outlaws.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Frank’s luxurious lifestyle vs. his inner turmoil	Highlights the contrast between appearance and reality.
Carl’s methodical work ethic vs. Frank’s spontaneity	Emphasizes their differing approaches to life.

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Frank as a chameleon	Represents his ability to adapt and change identities.
The cat-and-mouse game between Frank and Carl	Metaphor for their ongoing pursuit and evasion.

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Frank’s use of James Bond persona	Alludes to popular culture, enhancing his charm and bravado.
References to classic films and songs	Deepens the period setting and cultural context.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Frank Abagnale Jr.

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Frank’s various uniforms (pilot, doctor) symbolize his desire for identity and belonging.
Flashbacks	His memories of a happier family life provide motivation for his actions.

Carl Hanratty

Device	Explanation
Irony	Carl’s serious demeanor contrasts with the absurdity of Frank’s schemes.
Metaphor	The “cat-and-mouse” game between Carl and Frank highlights their dynamic relationship.

Character Dynamics

The relationship between Frank and Carl is central to the narrative. Frank’s cunning and charm juxtaposed with Carl’s dogged persistence creates a compelling dynamic. Their interactions drive the plot, illustrating themes of pursuit and redemption.

Thematic Analysis

Deception

Device	Explanation
Motif	The recurring theme of fake identities underscores the theme of deception.
Satire	Frank’s success in fooling various institutions critiques societal gullibility.

Identity

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Frank’s ever-changing uniforms symbolize his search for identity.
Metaphor	The chameleon metaphor highlights his adaptability and identity shifts.

Pursuit

Device	Explanation
Irony	The relentless pursuit by Carl contrasts with Frank’s carefree evasion.
Flashbacks	Carl’s memories of his family life add depth to his character’s motivations.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Irony	Visual contrast	Juxtaposition of Frank’s luxurious lifestyle with his criminal activities.
Symbolism	Color palette	Use of specific colors to symbolize themes, such as blue for Frank’s loneliness.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. Frank’s First Escape
   • YouTube Link: Frank’s First Escape
   • Breakdown: This scene combines irony and suspense, showing Frank’s resourcefulness in evading capture.
2. Christmas Phone Call
   • YouTube Link: Christmas Phone Call
   • Breakdown: This scene highlights the emotional connection between Frank and Carl, using dialogue and pacing to build tension.
3. Airport Chase
   • YouTube Link: Airport Chase
   • Breakdown: A thrilling blend of visual and sound techniques to heighten the drama and underscore the film’s themes of pursuit and escape.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. What device is used when Frank dons various uniforms?
   • A. Metaphor
   • B. Symbolism
   • C. Juxtaposition
   • D. Irony
2. Which character dynamic drives the film’s narrative?
   • A. Frank and his father
   • B. Carl and his boss
   • C. Frank and Carl
   • D. Carl and his daughter
3. What theme is highlighted by Frank’s multiple fake careers?
   • A. Love
   • B. Deception
   • C. Friendship
   • D. Courage

Answers:

1. B. Symbolism
2. C. Frank and Carl
3. B. Deception