Requires patience, but a truly fantastic piece of work

Rating: 10/10 (4 February 2006)

What can I say, I expected a lot going into this film. My European history teacher, of all people, recommended this movie to me. I decided to give it a shot and brought along a friend that I felt would at least sit through a movie that did not have explosions or breast exposing sex scenes. Needless to say I was captivated by 'Capote'.
The acting- Phillip Seymour Hoffman does a brilliant job as Truman Capote and I believe he will be the man to beat for Best Actor in a Motion Picture. He also provided the only 'comdeic' moments in a somber and quite depressing film. As far as Catherine Keener is concerned, she might as well grab an Oscar too as Harper Lee. It's truly funny to see her smiling at people who don't remember the title of her newly published book (To Kill a Mockingbird). Of course everyone else is fantastic, but these two really took the cake.
The Plot- Well its really the story of Truman's obsession with Perry Smith, who along with his partner brutally murdered a family of 4 with a shotgun. The scene in which Perry explains the night of the murders is one truly gripping scene if not nauseating. The murders were truly 'In Cold Blood' as Capote's title of his book infers. Unfortunately, the film drags in a few places towards the end because you know that Perry is going to tell his story of that night but you keep waiting waiting and waiting. But when it comes that particular scene was worth it.
The Film-It looks beautiful and the cinematography is haunting and somewhat beautiful.
This film is a solid 8 and a strong contender for the Oscars. I wish it good luck and would not be disappointed to see it win.