Capote

Movie Review: Capote

Year of Release: 2005
Country of Origin: Canada/USA
Director: Bennett Miller
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener

Plot outline: Truman Capote, during his research for his book In Cold Blood, an account of the murder of a Kansas family, develops a close relationship with Perry Smith, one of the killers (IMDb).

The film tells a fragment of celebrated writer Truman Capote's life story during his research for his book "In Cold Blood", an account of the slaying of Herbert Clutter, his wife and their two children in 1959 in Holcomb, Kansas. With the intention to get a full, impartial story of the killers (Smith and Hickock), Capote begins visiting them at the prison. He's in particular fascinated by Smith whom he finds sensitive, guilt-ridden and remorseful. He spends years visiting Smith regularly and learning about his life. His fascination somehow turns into a friendship, which later turns into an attachment. But Smith refuses to say anything about the night of the killing, which very much upsets him. Getting closer to the execution date, Smith eventually confesses to him in great detail. After the execution he completes the book and it becomes a reflection of the need for a redemption even when circumstances are very grave.

Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance as Capote is outstanding. Catherine Keener's as Capote's fellow writer Nelle Harper Lee is a match. If it weren't for good script and directing, this kind of story (a story of a writer) would easily become boring.

My judgement: *** out of 4 stars.