A Mixed Blessing

Rating: 7/10 (6 December 2005)

This biographical work, though well acted, draws on material from Capote's life that puts an ultimately unsatisfying and simplistic cap on the life of a writer who was complex and compelling. For starters, having been produced by the star of the film reveals quite a bit about the nature of the work. It is filled with moments for Mr. Hoffman to portray his work. And while his portrayal of Mr. Capote is stunning, there's something about the screen moments that are all about the acting and not so much about the character of Truman Capote.
There is, also, an annoying reverent tone about the unmasking of Capote's inner ambitions and how they manage to destroy him. This is where the movie completely collapses as a biopic. To imply that Capote's life was destroyed by his writing of IN COLD BLOOD is to ignore a million other possible reasons for him not to be able to complete another book. The ending is unacceptable, tacked on, formulaic and endemic the art film biopic.