Good bio-pic

Rating: 8/10 (3 August 2007)

"Capote" is about six years of author Truman Capote's life during the time he wrote "In Cold Blood".
This film is the antithesis to bombastic, mind-numbing Hollywood dreck aimed at teen age boys. "Capote" is played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who more than earned his Oscar for his portrayal. His portrayal reminded me of Dustin Hoffman's portrayal in "Rain Man" -- Phillip puts his whole mind and body into the role. A very difficult role, and very intelligently played. I was especially impressed with the acting towards the end of the film, where Truman says goodbye to Perry Smith.
The other actors are also terrific, and I especially liked Chris Cooper as the Kansas agent who brings the criminals to justice, but I'm sorry he wasn't seen more time on the screen.
The visuals are stunning -- wide open fields of Kansas, sun drenched Spain, and early 1960's New York City. I wonder how they got rid of buildings that were built since the early sixties. CGI, I suppose.
The music is understated, and sets the emotional tone of the film. Gentle piano and strings, it is poignant and underscores the tragedy of Truman and his relationships.
Truman Capote was a brilliant author, yet an alcoholic, so he was not above manipulating and lying to get what he wanted. My only negative critique of this film is that it left me wanting to know more -- what was Capote like before 1959, when he was already famous from writing "Breakfast at Tiffany's"? What was he like after 1965? I remember reading he threw "the party of the century" sometime in the later 1960's.
"Capote" is well worth the time, if you want to see something besides car chases and big explosions set to loud rock music and edited in three second shots.