Cold-hearted? (Capote (DVD))

Member Name: cyberem78

Product:	Capote (DVD)
Date:	22/09/09 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Compelling lead performance.

Disadvantages: Feels like a long film.

This 2005 movie is directed by Bennett Miller and is based on the events surrounding the writing and publishing of real life author Truman Capote's seminal novel 'In Cold Blood'. The events in the movie lends from the autobiography of Capote penned by Gerald Clarke and also uses artistic lisence to reinvent certain events to heighten the dramatic qualities of the story. Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays the hungry-for-success and glory writer whose life forever changes when he undertakes the construction of a novel based on the real life slaughter of a family of four people. Capote's subsequent relationship with the men responsible for the killings is at the heart of the movie.

Hoffman's performance is spellbinding and I feel he manages to portray all the charisma, charm, intelligence and complexity that was inherent in the real Truman Capote. The character of Capote literally seeps through Hoffman's skin and the actor truly deserves all of the prestigeous acting awards he recieved for playing this part. Every gesture be it magnified or remote, every comment Hoffman delivers, every non-chalant moment on screen where the character is seemingly unobserved by others but in reality is being so tightly honed by Hoffman - well, the guy just had me glued to my seat! It's not a mimic of the real Capote though, it's a pure realisation of what and who this character is.

The supporting cast are all excellent too. The character of renowned author Harper Lee (author of a classic novel of the American literary canon, 'To Kill a Mockingbird') is played by Catherine Keener who creates a poise and calm presence that offset's the grandiose beats of the protagonist. The relationship between the authors is at first endearing and amusing. Capote enjoys having the glory of his occupation to basque in whilst his pal is a struggling unknown although his pride is considered as a mere jest. When Lee's crucial novel is eventually published we see a huge change in her status in the couple's relationship and how the pair respond to one another. This is another intruiging layer of this story.

Clifton Collins is also very good in his role as criminal Perry Smith. Smith is played as handsome and articulate and his intelligent is clearly a highly unusual trait amongst law-breakers. Collins manages to make Smith likeable and worth of pity but never lets us forget that this is a man who has committed horrific acts of evil. There are a few secrets and surprises connected to this character too which are pitiful revelations. Mark Pellegrino as Richard Hickock is Smith's partner in crime and is portrayed as a dumb and shifty bully whose ignorance was a motivating factor in their crime. However, as the story progresses we are challenged to rethink Smith and Hickock's relationship and where to apportion blame for the murders.

The story eventually becomes one of Capote's intention to publish his novel. Essentially, Capote wants a sensational ending to his book but can't get it whilst his subjects keep getting reprieves from Death Row. When I fully realised the extent of Capote's ambition and obsession I began to feel very agitated and uncomfortable. There are a million dark threads - arguments, reasonings, questions about the human condition, of the heart and soul - that are tangled together in the telling of this story. It is one of the most thought provoking films I've ever seen. The end of the film left me feeling quite stunned and cold. This film does what all art should do though - that is make us feel and discover more about humanity and consider why men make the personal decisions they do throughout life.

The DVD contains several extra features. These include a short documentary about the real Truman Capote, his life, works and friends. It also contains archive interview footage of the man himself. If you've never seen Capote on screen before then make sure you take a look at this. It's amazing how Hoffman has managed to embody Capote's spirit in his performance. There is also two 'making of' featurettes which have a few cast interviews but mainly focuses on the views of the screenwriters and behind-the-camera crew. In addition to this there are audio commentaries by director and lead actor and the cinematographer Adam Kimmel whose amazing eye for detail shouldn't go unmentioned.

This intelligent and composed film is certainly not for everyone's taste and if you like action or prefer light-hearted scripts then avoid this. Otherwise, sit down and prepare to be stunned by Hoffman's captivating performance.

Summary: A brilliantly acted drama.