On Capote

I went to see this brilliant film today. It is based on the true story of Truman Capote, author of the famous novels “Breakfast at Tiffanyâ??s” and “In Cold Blood”. The movie centers on the coming about of the latter novel which details Capote’s immense indulgence in a family murder which occurred in Kansas in 1959. His fascination with the story reaches new heights when he meets the killers who are awaiting their death sentence.

Capote’s interest is based more on his desire to take something completely non-fiction and make it sound as good as fiction in a novel. While in Kansas investigating his childhood friend Harper Lee comes along with him and as the movie describes she emerges from Capote’s shadows of obscurity and goes on to win fame of her own with my personally favorite novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Capote is drawn to the killers in his eagerness to write this book, particularly by the half Cherokee Perry Smith played by Clifton Collins Jr. Capote struggles through the movie to write this novel which begins to pick up fame before it is even finished, and before the most essential part of it is written: the murder itself. He also begins to struggle with his friendship with Perry Smith and even the audience I suppose does not know whether he is using him or whether he has actually grown to like him.

Philip Seymour Hoffman gives his best performance to date portraying Capote who is such a unique character; seen as at times cold and bitter and other times as affectionate and charismatic. He is likely to get some recognition for his acting next year during award season. Although Clifton Collins Jr. does a great job as well even though his part does not necessarily take center stage.

Bottom Line: 4/5