Review of Infamous (2006) by Randy H — 25 Nov 2007

One can't help but compare Infamous to the better (though not great) Capote. The latter movie tops this one in almost every area except for the performance of the lead, where Toby Jones gives about as fine a potrayal of Truman Capote as Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Though slightly inferior Infamous is not without its charm, if one can make it through the uneven opening half. McGrath's direction falters here in his inability to settle on a consistent tone, varying from serious candid documentary interviews to whimsical period shenanigans complete with music straight from a Woody Allen comedy.

Once McGrath settles down and we are freed from Bullock's atrocious southern accent, the movie picks up and almost outdoes Capote in sheer emotional impact. Craig, though seemingly miscast, turns in a fine portrayal of Perry Smith, although all I could keep thinking was how I wished he had been chosen to play Johnny Cash in Walk the Line instead of Joaquin Phoenix.