Brilliant Performance by Hoffman!

Rating: 9/10 (3 April 2012)

Truman Capote is the subject of this film about his time investigating and writing about the Clutter murders in Holcomb, Kansas. He befriends the murderers, Perry Smith and Richard Hickcock in order to write his book, "In Cold Blood." Catherine Keener does a fabulous job in playing Nelle Harper Lee (author of "To Kill a Mockingbird). Keener does a brilliant job in playing the actual woman. Surprisingly she's still alive but reclusive to give interviews for decades. In many ways, Truman and Nelle were opposites who were both writers. Truman isn't a very likable character in my opinion. He is as shallow at times as the people he writes about. He loved a good party and he needed to be the center of attention. I believe this film shows Truman's inner demons as well. His alcoholism would kill him but he was haunted by his conscience and his relationship with the two murderers. The film director does a fantastic job in recreating life in 1959. The actors who play Smith and Hickcock do a fantastic job. Chris Cooper does a great job in playing Alvin. Bruce Greenwood's performance of Jack Dunphy is adequate as well. The film's cast and crew do a first rate but in all honesty, I didn't care much for Truman Capote. I could see why he was popular but I see right through his pretension to see his corrupt soul.