The Exploitation of an Egomaniac

Rating: 10/10 (15 January 2006)

An excellent film. Every aspect of this film is masterful. Hoffman's performance as Capote is nothing short of brilliant, and all the supporting actors and actresses do an equally incredible job. The direction and cinematography are also extraordinary, but what I think made the film is the story and screenplay. The storyline, plot and dialogue were Capote's greatest strength. The film, especially the early parts, are dominated with blues and yellows- a technique that greatly contributed to the grim and dark tone of the film. The film moves a little slow for the average moviegoer, but will capture the intrigue of cinephiles. From the stunning imagery, to the camera-work, to the superb acting and the wonderful plot and dialogue, this film captures the ego-maniacal essence of Truman Capote as good as any biographical film is able to catch the essence of it's subject.
Now that I have that out of the way I would like to discuss the story. It tells of how Truman Capote, author of Breakfast at Tiffany's, revolutionized American non-fiction writing by dedicating his time to researching his subjects in depth before even writing a sentence. His book In Cold Blood, the product of this story, would go on to be considered one of the great American literary masterpieces.
It tells how Truman Capote, working as a journalist for the New Yorker magazine, happened upon a story of murder in a small Kansas town called Holcombe, and decided to turn the story of that small town- that was rocked by the gruesome murders- into a book. A book like no other American author had previously written. One that would enter the minds of, not only, the townspeople that were affected by this event, but also, into the minds of the killers themselves.
When the killers are captured in Nevada and extradited back to Kansas, Capote uses his charm and manipulation to gain unfettered access to the two criminals, Perry and Richard. He forms an especially close bond with the quiet and well spoken Perry, as he empathizes and feels sorry for the man. Capote feels that he even loves Perry, but in reality, for him, it is merely a relationship based on exploitation. The only reason he even pretends to care about the men- such as getting them a better lawyer, a number of appeals and stays- is to prolong the amount of time the two men, condemned to death, would be alive, so that he could get more information from Perry. Mainly information about what really happened the night that the family was horrifically murdered by the hands of the men...
From early on it seems that Richard and Perry are trying to exploit Truman as well, as they attempt to ruse Capote into writing a book in favour of them and their case. But Capote is no gullible fool. He knows why he was there, and the power that he held over Perry. He utilized this power to control the situation completely. He would constantly keep information, or flat out lie, to Perry in order to secure his cooperation with hopes of getting the information he desired, and in fact needed to successfully complete his book.
We see as Capote is transformed from a concerned friend and confidant of Perry, to an egotistical self interested writer willing to do (or not do) whatever is necessary to shape the events (or wait for them to occur) precisely as he desired them to. When it seems the two men will get off on appeal, Capote delves into a state of depression, as he feels that he will be unable to finish his book- as he will be without an ending to the story. I feel that the true relationship Capote had with Perry is epitomized in the scene of Capote and the two mens final meeting prior to their execution. Capote begins to ball, not because he is sad that the men- especially Pery whom he has grown close to- are going to die, but rather because he knew that he completely exploited them, and is at least partially responsible for sealing their fate. This scene is shot with a hand-held camera which shows the tension and unease that is evident in this final confrontation, in which Perry asks Truman to view his execution- as a friend.
This film definitely deserves all the praise that it has been receiving. Bennett Miller and Adam Kimmel are successful in creating an intriguing and visually stimulating film. Hoffman and the entire cast give one of, if not the, most magnificent performances of the year. Hoffman definitely deserves recognition for his role as Capote- a character that seemed quite difficult to emulate. He really did become Capote. The writing in the film also deserves recognition as the story and dialogue, especially when combined with such great performances, were absolutely incredible. This is an all-around excellent film that accurately portrays the exploitation of an egomaniac. It will satisfy a number of your cinematic needs and desires. Definitely recommended. 10 out 10.