Capote (2005)

Synopsis: The account of the process of writing of the book "In Cold Blood", centering on the relationship between the writer and one of the killers.
Appraisal: This can be thought of as a companion to "In Cold Blood" itself. The leading player delivers a powerful performance, that considerably enlivens the narrative. It is a fascinating story, although I wouldn't be so positive in calling it a fascinating film. In fact, even admitting to the film's obvious merits, I think it is rather conventional, as many based-on-true-events stories tend to be. The theme of the film is rather obvious, having to do with how the storyteller becomes part of the story it tells; it sometimes disturbs the events it portrays, and sometimes is disturbed by them; often both happen simultaneously. Of course, this can only apply to so-called realism, or, in its new form presented here, 'new journalism'. In fact it applies to all journalism, and it is a phenomenon as old as the press itself. What might put this story in a particular category is the personality of this writer; the film hints to that, but there is only so much one can do with two hours of straightforward realistic narrative.
Rating: 68