Review of Infamous (2006) by Keng — 26 Oct 2006

Unlike some others, I was very interested in seeing this to see to see how it compared to "Capote", which I liked a lot. Each movie is very good, but each does certain things better then the other.

While Jones gives a strong performance as Truman Capote, he is not quite as memorable as Hoffman. Jones gives the somewhat better physical impersonation of Truman Capote, in terms of voice, mannerisms, and perhaps, outwards personality, but he doesn't get under the skin of the character to quite the degree that Hoffman did.

There is a quiet intensity to Hoffman's performance, that isn't quite there to the same degree in Jone's. That makes Hoffman's Capote the more poignant, and haunting figure. To sum it up, I think Hoffman was the clear choice for last year's best actor Oscar.

While Jones also gives a strong performance, I don't know if I would call it the best of the year. "Capote" was the more emotionally complex story. There is a very effective ambiguity as to the nature of the relationship between Capote and Perry, and also as to why Capote becomes so tormented.

Is it because he has fallen in love with Perry, or just that he feels guilty of exploiting him, others, and a terrible crime, to benefit himself? Or is a combination of all these things? "Infamous" leaves no doubt that the nature of the Capote-Perry relationship is a romantic one, and that Capote becomes tormented because he is in love with Perry.

In both cases this comes across as the more simplistic take on "Infamous's" part. On the other hand, "Infamous" gives the more comprehensive view of the story, and along with good work by Jones, also has strong performances by Daniel Craig, and Sandra Bullock.

It also does the better job of bringing Capote's New York "world" to life. Overall, I would give the nod to "Capote" as the better movie, but "Infamous" is also well worthwhile.