Capote (2005)

Synopsis: Truman Capote (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) is considered the best American author, ever. The reason why he's so famous is because of his famous book, In Cold Blood where he describes the killings of a Kanas family by Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. This film explores the intimate relationship Capote shared with these murderers and how that affected the way he viewed them and ultimately in the way they are portrayed in his book. This is a tale of perception as Capote not only has to deal with society breathing down his neck forcing him to portray these two men like monsters, but from his own personal struggle between writing a great novel, and writing a real novel.

Should You Watch It? I know why this is good. Or I know how why it's critically acclaimed which sometimes doesn't mean that it's very good. This subject matter almost has to be considered "good" cause no one wants to come out and say that this movie sucks because it's talking about some guy who's labeled as the best ever. But I'm going to come out and say it anyways. I didn't like this movie cause it was slow and it's more of a character study than anything else. Which is fine, cause that's what the movie is about but it was just too slow and too much talking for my liking.

Things to Watch Out For: Hoffman is brilliant in this film and he was very well recognized by taking home the Oscar for best male actor in a leading role. Just the fact that he was able to sustain Capote's high pitched voice for that long in that many scenes is a feat in itself. But God! was it ever annoying to listen to. He brings the personality to life and after the end of the film, I really felt like I knew this man on a personal level.

Things You Don't Expect: Catherine Keener is amazing this film as she plays Nelle Harper Lee. She is Capote's friend and colleague and her role is simple as someone Capote explains stuff to. But just the energy she brings on screen, contrasted with Capote's soft nature really works well in showing people the dynamic between not only those two characters but between Capote and the rest of the world.

Final Comments:
Story: 6.5 (Gerald Clark: book, Dan Futterman: screen play)
Direction: 7.0 (Bennett Miller)
Acting: 9.6
Cinematography: 7.2
Music/Sound: 5.5

Final Score: 6.8