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Wednesday, September 26, 2007

 

Film Review: Capote


Capote.

So after reading the book, which I'm glad I did first, I thought I would rent this movie. This movie is all about Truman Capote reading about the Clutter murders, and going to Kansas to write his last novel, In Cold Blood.

This movie took on another perspective than the book, and I enjoyed this different viewpoint. You got to see the author digging and finding his story. You got to see a little of the backstory of the chain of events leading up to the murder, but most of this took place after the fact. Phillip Seymour Hoffman portrayed Capote and earned an Oscar for his amazing work. I really loved his work here as it was nothing short of brilliant. This movie gave great insight to his struggles and life. Also, as this was a period piece, everything was revelant to the time period, the late 1950's and early 60's. More importantly, we got to see Perry and Dick.

The relationship between Perry and Capote was amazing. Capote was quite two-faced in his investigation. He made Perry believe that he really cared about him, when in truth, he did not. This was something I didn't really pick up from the book. I found it creey how Capote was only after his story, and not their welfare. We got to view their meetings from the trial, up until Perry took his final drop.

There were some very interesting struggles also. Capote and Dewey, and Capote's novel and the final outcome. First, Dewey's heart sided with the Clutters, while Capote was more interested in his book. Capote kept trying to find new lawyers to keep their case alive in order to write his book, while Dewey wanted the killers dead for their crimes. Dewey had a great line in saying, "If they get off, I'll personally come to New York and hunt you down." Indeed, a conflict of interest. Also, Capote was struggling with his final part to the book. He couldn't write the ending unless Perry gave him the details of the killings. Once Capote had this, he finished his book, but realized that he could do nothing to save Perry, even if he had wanted to.

All in all, this was a great movie. It helped give image to the book and flush out other story lines not covered there. My opinion, read the book first, as in most cases, the book is better.

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