Vic's Place: Capote (2005 film)

Capote (2005 film)

I have been a fan of Truman Capote since I first saw “Breakfast at Tiffanys” as a child. It’s become one of the few times when I like both the film and the source material even though they differ. I like them for different reasons, so it works out. However, my favorite work of Capote is “In Cold Blood.” I have academically studied both the book and 1967 film. It opened an interest in abnormal psychology and the strange bends in the human mind. The 2005 film “Capote” (starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman) focuses on the small segment of Truman’s life when he was researching and writing the book.

The movie is wonderful. The late Phillip Seymour Hoffman truly loses himself in the character that was Truman Capote. He masters the look, mannerisms, and vocal idiosyncrasy of his character. He isn’t a caricature but a mirror of the man. I am often amazed by this actor’s talent and ability. The yin to Hoffman’s yang is Catherine Keeper who shows immense talent herself as Capote’s old friend and “To Kill a Mocking Bird” author Harper Lee. Her minimalist personality is a great compliment to Capote’s flamboyance. This along with their shared background makes it understandable why they were life-long friends.

In addition to these two superstars, the cast includes Chris Cooper as Inspector Alvin Dewey who leads the Cutter family murder investigation. Clifton Collins Jr. portrays the murderer Perry Smith with a believability and false vulnerably which surpasses Robert Blake’s portrayal in the 1967 “In Cold Blood” film. Bruce Greenwood plays Jack Dunphy – longtime Capote companion – with his usual expertise.

This file offers a glimpse into Capote’s motivations, fears, and methods. It also shows the audience a slice of American history when the Cutter family murder was the “murder of the century” (before the next one came along).

I found this movie to be well acted, well written, well directed, and well filmed. Excellent movie.