Capote was the movie that motivated me to read In Cold Blood, the iconic novel by Truman Capote, and now that I’ve read the celebrated ‘non-fiction novel’, I felt the urge to check out how the movie now stood up in my that-much-more-informed eyes; suffice it to say, it didn’t just stand, it soared. Based on the author’s experience of writing the book (believe it or not, it took him seven years to do so!), the movie gives us as much a peek into the creation of one of the great masterpieces of 20th century literature, as it gives into the incredibly complex persona of the author – a cynical, pompous braggart, but ultimately a brilliant writer. And in Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s astonishing and devastating performance, Capote’s public veneer as well his personal self have been captured in all the nuances, shades and layers. Hoffman’s performance is so breathtaking, that it is easy not to notice that the acting of his co-stars, too, are very good. The exceptional script and perfect narrative pacing managed to make this one of the most compelling character studies and biopics in recent memory. The film is incessantly dark and disturbing, in keeping with the sensational if bleak subject matter, and the kind of moral dilemma presented by the proceedings is kept in a leash tight enough to make one ponder without spoiling the film’s ability to keep one engaged right till the last frame. And yes, the photography is brilliant too, and completes the moody tone and atmosphere of the film exceptionally well.
Director: Bennett Miller
Genre: Drama/Psychological Drama/Biopic
Language: English
Country: US
