Thursday, August 20, 2009

Infamous: The other Truman Capote movie

“Infamous” had the unfortunate luck of being released a few months after "Capote" and was overshadowed by that film and Philip Seymour Hoffman's Oscar-winning performance. Unfortunate because I actually prefer this film. For me, “Infamous” feels more personal and offers a better glimpse into the workings of Truman Capote’s mind. For one thing, Toby Jones’s physical presence is more like the writer’s. And Jones does an amazing job demonstrating how this odd little man from the big city cajoled his way into the lives of straight-laced Kansans to get the "In Cold Blood" story. This is especially evident at an awkward Holiday dinner as Capote discovers he can win over his hosts with his insider celebrity gossip. It’s not long after that he becomes the toast of the town. “Infamous” also dives into how attached Capote became to condemned killer Perry Smith, played by Daniel Craig (yes, James Bond), and the effect of their professional/personal relationship. The supporting cast that includes Jeff Daniels as Kansas Bureau of Investigation detective Alvin Dewey and Sandra Bullock as writer Nelle Harper Lee is very good. My review from Twitter: "Capote" may have gotten an Oscar. But this film, also about the writer's "In Cold Blood" experience, reveals a truer Truman. 8.5 (out of 10)

"Infamous"

Released: 2006

Rating: R

Length: 118 minutes

Cast: Toby Jones, Sandra Bullock, Daniel Craig, Peter Bogdanovich

Director: Douglas McGrath

Genre(s): Drama, Adaptation, Period

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