Capote

[Wol]

Didn't see a thread yet...

Saw it two nights ago. It's certainly better than most films out there, but it's a very small story, very insular, and told through a lot of tight close-ups. It feels like it could have been a play because it's a character piece that develops through conversations.

That said, they should probably engrave Philip Seymour Hoffman's Oscar now because it is a phenomenal performance. He captures all of Capote's distinctive physicality and manages to make him an interesting human being to watch. There's a major scene towards the end that's just some of the best film acting I've seen in a long time. I can forgive the director shooting all those close-ups because when actors are doing work that beautiful and subtle you can get away with that. The rest of the cast is terrific, especially Clifton Collins, Jr. as one of the killers (played in the In Cold Blood movie by Robert Blake, of all things). He's a young guy who's been around awhile doing great work, and this performance totally cements a lot of promise he's shown elsewhere.

After this screening they had a Q&A with the director, screenwriter, and cast members. They were all funny and bright and not in the least bit pretentious. The movie's quiet and takes itself quite seriously, so it was a fun contrast to see the filmmakers so upbeat and charming.

[marywebgirl]

Has anyone else seen this yet? I'm thinking about seeing it next weekend, but I wonder if I should read In Cold Blood before I see it, or just wait until after.

[Deleted]

In Cold Blood is a fantastic book and it's a quick read---a total page turner--if that helps. I got through it in about a week, reading it at lunch and before I went to sleep. I highly recommend it. That book is the main reason I want to see this movie. I'm glad to hear the movie is good.

[Mutagen]

The movie is great. It could have been so wrong in so many ways -- it gives me nightmares to think what hammier actors would have done with a character like Capote -- but Philip Seymour Hoffman knocks it out of the park, as you would expect from him. I highly recommend it.

[Deleted]

It is a great movie. I saw it a couple weeks ago and was absolutely floored by how good the acting is. Although not really knowing much about Truman Capote beforehand it took me a while to get used to the voice. But Philip Seymour Hoffman definitely deserves an Oscar if not at least a nomination. I might actually have to read In Cold Blood now.

[Deleted]

It covers the period he spent researching his book In Cold Blood, from when the murders took place in late 1959 to when the killers were executed in 1965.

[marywebgirl]

it's a very small story, very insular, and told through a lot of tight close-ups.

I saw this last night, and the above-statement is very astute. "Sparse" is a word that comes to my mind, too, in a good way. With the exception of hints of Harper Lee's story, there is very little extra to it. However, I would recommend NOT seeing a late showing if you're already tired, had a drink, and the theater has its heat cranked up to 95 degrees. The middle section is very quiet and my eyelids got awful heavy.

[orchidthief]

I still have to see it.

The reviews are great, and one of the more striking compliments is that the film attempts to depict the essence of Capote - as opposed to his life.

That's pretty refreshing to hear. 'Cause I'm kinda tired of filmmakers jamming one person's life into two hours.

[clementine74]

Yep--I saw this last night, and agree that it is definitely not a biography movie, which is great, because, well, *snooze*.
They used Captoe's life as a framework, and it just worked amazingly well.
PSH was astounding, and the actor who played "Perry" got it exactly right.
I was very, very impressed.

[borborygmus]

I saw this on Xmas eve -- many jokes about "the feel-good holiday movie" were cracked beforehand. It is a great movie. Fine acting by all, and it really captured the feel of the time. PSH should get many awards, but so should the set designers. My main impression of Truman Capote, from my childhood, is of a caricature of a man, who seemed a bit vague and pathetic (from the raging alcoholism, no doubt). It was fascinating to see him portrayed at the top of his game. After the movie, I wasn't sure who was the bigger sociopath: the killers, or Capote.

I've never read any of Capote's writing, but I definitely will now. I never liked the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's; maybe I'll like the book.