This film details Truman Capote's life from late 1959 through early 1964, focusing on his research, writing and emotional attachment to what would become his most-famous and last book, In Cold Blood. The film begins the day that the Clutters are found murdered in their Kansas home. Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is immediately captured by the article in the New York newspaper and tells his editor (Bob Balaban) at The New Yorker magazine that he wants to do a story about it. He goes to Kansas with Harper Lee (Catherine Keener) as his research assistant/"bodyguard", and together, they ingratiate themselves with people involved with the case. It's only after the suspects are captured, and Capote becomes entranced by killer Perry Smith that the writer becomes completely obsessed with the case and the seemingly-vulnerable Smith.

It's fascinating to watch this film, which is basically an inside-out retelling of both the book and movie of In Cold Blood. Perry Smith was played by Robert Blake in the film, and this film just about turns into a love story after awhile. However, with both Capote trying to gain even more fame, and Harper Lee publishing To Kill a Mockingbird to great critical acclaim but no attention from Capote, the film remains quite complex throughout.

Hoffman should practice his Oscar acceptance speech because he nails all of Capote's mannerisms and vocal inflections while delivering a much-more human person than the Great Man ever let out in public. Keener is a quiet tower of strength who understands Capote more than he even does. The film is serious and sober, even though Capote always has a drink in his hand. The presentation is a tad low-key, but with a subject this dramatic, that's OK.

Grade: B

Writing from the summer of 06, Capote was a great movie. Hoffman nailed every mannerism and captured the voice almost perfectly. The movie was what movies created around historical characters are supposed to be. We were allowed to explore the contradictions and egocentrism that defined Capote as a man. The movie further revealed his exploitive nature, from exploiting the friendship he formed with Perry Smith to exploiting his own self. Much like "Jacko" he courted media attention. Films like Capote give me hope that Hollywood is still interested in making bold, insightful films, refusing to ignore the controversial facets of a person's character even at the risk of makinga few less dollars.

Thanks. I'm looking forward to seeing this, but there aren't any theaters around here that show it.

Philip Seymour Hoffman was on Conan earlier tonight, and they showed a clip from Capote. Capote said something in the gayest voice ever. I laughed for like ten minutes.