The Book I was Always Meant to Write

Rating: 9/10 (20 October 2005)

Greetings again from the darkness. This is a powerful, mesmerizing, disquieting film. It is the fascinating story of a fascinating story. For those of us old enough to remember Truman Capote, it is chilling to see his reincarnation through Phillip Seymour Hoffman. For those of us who have read Capote's book "In Cold Blood", it is gut-wrenching to witness some of what brought the book to life. For lovers of film, this one is a must see.
Hoffman has spent years building an impressive resume in Hollywood, ranging from exceptional support work ("Scent of a Woman" "Twister") to underrated indie leads ("Owning Mahoney" "Love Liza"). He is a craftsman and artist, an actor's actor. His turn as Capote transcends anything he has ever done. This is no impersonation. While watching the movie, we forget he is an actor. He is Capote as we become lost in the story.
The essence of the film is Capote's bizarre attraction to one of the two men accused of the brutal slaying of a rural Kansas family. Much speculation has occurred over Capote's relationship with Perry Smith, but make no mistake, it led to his most important work and probably his lost soul.
Director Bennett Miller does a nice job of letting the character and story speak. No fancy camera stuff. Capote poses and alternates between the torn character visiting Smith in prison and the master celebrity holding court with the "in" New York crowd.
Catherine Keener turns in some fine support work as Nelle Harper Lee, Capote's childhood friend and the writer of "To Kill a Mockingbird". Ms. Lee's story could make a fine film as her life as a recluse rivals that of J.D. Salinger. One must wonder of the collaborative efforts of Lee and Capote.
Not a film for everyone, but it is definitely for those who enjoy the highest quality acting within a remarkable story line.