Review of Capote (2005) by Rev.rikard — 05 Feb 2006

I rarely rate a film with a 10, since that score implies perfection. However, if not for a few minor issues this film would merit a 10. Hoffman embodied the enigmatic personality of Capote. Capote was in public an arrogant author, in awe of his own work, actually paying individuals to boast about his literary brilliance and cultural relevance.

In private he struggled to understand the "piece of work" named "Truman;" a man that would have loved to purchase the words he needed to say to doomed killer Perry Smith. The feelings he typed on the page flowed with ease and clarity; the contradictory, personal feelings that doused his heart in chaos plunged him into depression.

The man that could snub his nose at those who had no use for his "alternate lifestyle" in the 1950s, could not ignore what a death row inmante thought of him. Hoffman captures these contrasts and contradictions so masterfully that I feel totally safe in claiming this is going to the one work that best defines his acting career.

He may act as well later, but never better. The only shortcoming of this film was an issue over which Bennett had no control. The viewer could not fully grasp the wonder of this film and Hoffman's performance without reading "In Cold Blood" or seeing the movie.

Endowed with this prior perspective of Capote made this movie far more powerful than when viewed without it. This movie was that cold January blast of wind that awakens us to the ecstacy and torment experienced by great artists.