“Capote” (Sony Pictures Classics)
And The Oscar Goes To………
Phillip Seymour Hoffman gives the performance of a lifetime in the title role of “Capote.” This film takes a look at the small man with the weird voice and paints a full picture of who he was and why he was. Catherine Keener, Chris Cooper and Clifton Collins give strong support but it is Hoffman’s movie by a mile.
The movie covers the period in Capote’s life when he is researching a heinous crime committed in Kansas. He goes to that state accompanied by his childhood friend and fellow novelist Harper Lee (Keener). While there he interviews one of the accused killers in the case named Perry Smith (Collins). The two begin an odd friendship that stretches over many years. All the while Smith is filing appeals to try to get his conviction overturned, and Capote is waiting for Smith to be executed so he can finish his book IN COLD BLOOD.
The eccentricities of Capote as well as his love/hate relationship with Smith are fully covered in this fascinating story. This is a view of the man that is not all flattering. You see how talented he was, but you also glimpse his pettiness. Even in his relationship with his good friend Harper Lee, professional jealousy rears its head.
Hoffman is amazing as Capote. He never lets a false note come into his performance. He is letter perfect all the way. He has the high-pitched voice, the overly accentuated movements, the sometime almost vacant stare; every tick, every nuance, every posturing that Capote did, Hoffman also does.
Years from now this performance will be studied by acting students. It is a textbook in and of itself concerning how to be absorbed by a role. Hoffman has been good in the past but he has never excelled with any part like he does this one.
The movie itself is good. It holds the audience’s attention by playing on the strange relationship between Capote and Smith. You think you have these two men figured out but then they change and start on a new avenue in their relationship.
The film is rated R for profanity and violence.
In real life Truman Capote was the genius who wrote BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S and IN COLD BLOOD. These two books are as different as day and night but then so was Capote. He had distinct facets to his personality and they came out in his writing.
As a character study “Capote” can’t be beat. It delves into the heart and soul of this bizarre genius and fascinates the audience by doing so.
I scored “Capote” a cold-blooded 8 out of 10.
