Fairly interesting, but no match for Brooks's "In Cold Blood"

Rating: 7/10 (25 December 2007)

How much you enjoy this film may depend in part on whether or not you've already seen Richard Brooks's 1967 adaptation of "In Cold Blood". Sure, there are some fine performances here, particularly from Hoffman, Cooper & Keener, and while Clifton Collins Jr. is no match for Robert Blake as Perry Smith that isn't a major detraction since the killers aren't given the central role that they deserve. Therein lies my main problem with the picture: I find that the story suffers from a lack of focus, or rather a case of misplaced focus. Frankly, I didn't care about Capote's relationship with these men, partly because the film-makers didn't convince me that I *should* care. Instead, I kept asking myself, "Why shift the focus to Capote when the really compelling characters are the killers, particularly Perry Smith?" If that's the angle that appeals to you then I urge you to seek out "In Cold Blood". If, however, you are looking for a peek into Capote's life and creations, then you may appreciate this film more than I have.