"We're not so different as you might think."
CAPOTE
by Shawn Snead / November 11th, 2005
"In Cold Blood" is considered by many as one of the greatest books of all-time. This is a film that explores Truman Capote (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman), the author of "In Cold Blood", and his time in Kansas, researching the murder of a local family. The rest, they say, is history.
Truman Capote was an extraordinary man. An undeniable talent and intellectual, he was also a very eccentric man. His trademark childlike voice, fey mannerisms, and unique sense of style, he was one of a kind. Philip Seymour Hoffman, an undeniable talent in his own right, captures all of Truman. Not just in mannerism, but in personality. An extraordinary Oscar-worthy performance full of range and emotion. Hoffman has been a marvelous actor for several years now, and it's great to see him finally breakthrough into mainstream with a performance that will have him present at several award shows this season.
Unlike most biopics, Capote doesn't open it's doors to all of Truman's life. The film focuses solely on Truman and his time with this story. From reading the small article in the New York Times, to travelling out to Kansas, from meeting accused killer Perry Smith, to sitting in convicted killer Perry Smith's cell. It isn't about the life span of a man, it's about what defines that man's life. And, for Truman Capote, it was "In Cold Blood." It was the odd relationship that bloomed between Truman and Perry Smith. Certainly Truman saw Perry Smith as a story, he knew what he had in his hands. Capote wasn't always the most likable guy, in fact at times, he was downright selfish in pursuit of this. This story consumed him. He compromised so many things for this, and after it was all over, Truman never fully recovered. He couldn't have expected the profound connection that he had with Perry. The film does a fine, ambiguous job illustrating the relationship between the two men, but what it does an even better job at is displaying the effect that Perry had on Truman, one that stayed until Truman's passing.
The work of director Bennett Miller is very impressive here. He held the picture in focus, even if cutting it up a bit much. The middle of the film lingers, but as a whole, it's completely enthralling. The film's atmosphere is haunting. Aided by the ominously beautiful original music of Mychael Danna, and photography of Adam Kimmel. Some of the best technical work of the year is on display here. It isn't very complicated, for that matter, neither is the film. However, the textured, multi-layered work of all involved is something to write about.
Provocative, captivating, and powerful, Capote is outstanding.
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Sony Pictures Classics
Running Time: 1 Hour, 38 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Rated R for some violent images and brief strong language.
Release Date: Friday, September 30th, 2005 (limited, wide on Nov. 11th)
Viewed: Friday, November 11th, 2005
Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman (Truman Capote), Catherine Keener (Nelle Harper Lee), Clifton Collons, Jr. (Perry Smith), Chris Cooper (Alvin Dewey), Bruce Greenwood (Jack Dunphy), Bob Balaban (William Shawn), Amy Ryan (Marie Dewey), Mark Pellegrino (Richard Hickock)
Produced By Caroline Baron, Michael Ohoven, William Vince
Written By Dan Futterman (Based on the book by Gerald Clarke)
Directed By Bennett Miller
posted by Shawn Snead @ 11/12/2005 02:31:00 AM
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