Viewed "Capote" last night and thought it brilliant. I have a layman's knowledge of Truman,
familiar with his late-night stints on Carson and his flamboyant personality and all. I know,
practically a useless description of him since by all personal accounts he was neon
flamboyant. Whatever that is. However outrageous he got later on isn't visible in this
interpretation, because he's entirely focused on finishing his latest book, "In Cold Blood".
I didn't even think this movie would be about the writing of "In Cold Blood". I didn't even
realize it was his last realized book, and that much of the remainder of his life was largely
that of jetsetting celebrity, almost a guy famous for once being famous for ... something.
Above and beyond his personality and how it works for and against his ultimate goal, the
film gives us a glimpse into his work ethic, and how circumstances relating to the trial and
research tactics nearly derail his concentration.
The screenplay toys with what dynamics may have been in motion between Perry and Capote,
and it's that twisted relationship that nearly costs Capote his book. Twisted, because we're
pretty sure he's not on Perry's side, but there's more than a hint of empathy ( compassion? )
for Perry by Capote as both men endured unhappy childhoods. Still, Truman recognizes that
alone is no excuse to throw one's life away as Perry has.
There's another movie that's remarkably similar to this one you all know, "Infamous", that has
its own take on the events portrayed here, but I've not seen that yet. It would be interesting
to compare the two, as it seems the leads are neck-and-neck in competition for capturing
the essence of Capote the writer.
Thanks Rick, great recommendation! I should have guessed the storyline since you suggested
in the "Docs and Recreations" thread. Dumb me. I read "In Cold Blood" many years ago and
found it utterly chilling. It's hard today to understand what a bombshell it was back when it was
published, what with the myriad of crime novels and case histories released since. Capote did
get it right when he wrote it all those years ago: putting the human touch on a horrific crime.
familiar with his late-night stints on Carson and his flamboyant personality and all. I know,
practically a useless description of him since by all personal accounts he was neon
flamboyant. Whatever that is. However outrageous he got later on isn't visible in this
interpretation, because he's entirely focused on finishing his latest book, "In Cold Blood".
I didn't even think this movie would be about the writing of "In Cold Blood". I didn't even
realize it was his last realized book, and that much of the remainder of his life was largely
that of jetsetting celebrity, almost a guy famous for once being famous for ... something.
Above and beyond his personality and how it works for and against his ultimate goal, the
film gives us a glimpse into his work ethic, and how circumstances relating to the trial and
research tactics nearly derail his concentration.
The screenplay toys with what dynamics may have been in motion between Perry and Capote,
and it's that twisted relationship that nearly costs Capote his book. Twisted, because we're
pretty sure he's not on Perry's side, but there's more than a hint of empathy ( compassion? )
for Perry by Capote as both men endured unhappy childhoods. Still, Truman recognizes that
alone is no excuse to throw one's life away as Perry has.
There's another movie that's remarkably similar to this one you all know, "Infamous", that has
its own take on the events portrayed here, but I've not seen that yet. It would be interesting
to compare the two, as it seems the leads are neck-and-neck in competition for capturing
the essence of Capote the writer.
Thanks Rick, great recommendation! I should have guessed the storyline since you suggested
in the "Docs and Recreations" thread. Dumb me. I read "In Cold Blood" many years ago and
found it utterly chilling. It's hard today to understand what a bombshell it was back when it was
published, what with the myriad of crime novels and case histories released since. Capote did
get it right when he wrote it all those years ago: putting the human touch on a horrific crime.
