Capote (2005)
Moderate violence, Infrequent coarse language
In November, 1959, the shocking murder of a smalltown Kansas family captures the imagination of Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman), famed author of "Breakfast at Tiffany's". With his childhood friend Harper Lee (Catherine Keener), writer of the soon-to-be published "To Kill a Mockingbird", Capote sets out to investigate, winning over the locals despite his flamboyant appearance and style.
When he forms a bond with the killers and their execution date nears, the writing of "In Cold Blood", a book that will change the course of American Literature, takes a drastic toll on Capote, changing him in ways he never imagined.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 114mins |
| Origin: | CANADA |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (107)
107 Member
Reviews
le goret
says
Phenomenal acting by Philip Seymour Hoffman. A very, very good movie.
says
This is a relatively slow but absorbing movie. Philip Seymour Hoffman is outstanding as Capote, and Catherine Keener an excellent choice for Harper Lee. While the movie has a brutal murder at its core, it's actually Capote who presents as chilling through his deliberate decision to manipulate a condemned inmate so that he can further his fame & writing career. He is by turns devious, coercive, cowardly and plain untruthful. He claims to "befriend" Perry, but his egomania renders him unable to see Perry as a real human being, he can only see his name in lights. An example of this is his petulance when Perry wins another reprive, complaining about the impact on his book of another execution delay. Some friend! He is a total narcissist, and only able to relate to events from how they impact on him. Harper Lee, in contrast, retains her dignity and humanity.
Belinda
says
Having also seen Infamous, which was made around the same time and the same story, I do prefer Infamous, but this is perhaps a more realistic portrayal of Capote, the 'real' man and is more in line with what I habe read about him. I've also read and watched In Cold Blood....it fascinated me as such a pointless and brutal crime...
Richard Palmer
says
My wife and I could not hear Capote; affected speech and our ears!
Kev
says
Boring and tedious - Capote's diction and elocution was enough to hit the STOP button!!!!
lindy Ratcliffe
says
Well acted and interesting but slow moving.
L C
says
I would describe this film as 'old-school', fascinatingly disturbing, and extraordinary. Much of the story is told between the lines - and many things that appear simple or subdued are in fact very much the opposite. There is a brilliant shot, for example, of Perry listening to Capote in the cell. For the most part we see Perry Smith through Capote's eyes, portrayed in sympathetic light. But just as we think Capote has completely overlooked it, we subtly but clearly glimpse Smith's dark side. So too the scenes of Capote witnessing the bandaged head in the coffin, or downplaying his feelings for Perry. It's a real exploration of the cycle of horrors relating to detachment. P.S. - Watching the special features further enhances appreciation both of the general look of the film and of Hoffman's excellent performance.
Helene
says
Interesting
Brian M.
says
Now that I've revisited this film on DVD, I'm still not sure which I think is the better "Capote" film. Both this and "Infamous" released in the same year cover the same territory. Both are brilliant.
This one appears to stick more closely to the facts. This Perry Smith is much more like the real killer than Daniel Craig (brilliant though he was) in "Infamous". Both Seymour-Hoffman and Toby Jones are terrific as Capote. Seymour-Hoffman deserved his Oscar as, in reality, he is nothing like the real Truman. See both and compare. Five stars.
Sarah
says
Great movie - didn't know much about the author Capote, and this was an intriguing insight into the writing of his book, In Cold Blood. It's heartbreaking really, watching him battle his personal demons...and Philip Seymour Hoffman plays it beautifully.
Peter D.D.
says
didnt like anything about it so gave it away after about 30 min
J
says
Liked the story the criminal actors were good. Hoffman as a homosexual, I could not see him as this writer almost over acting the part. I did not know too much about Capote prior to the film, maybe he was doing him accurately ,A stronger support cast pulled him through. I still like the story.
Chris P.
says
An outstanding performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman, for which he won the Best Actor Oscar. The film focuses on the events surrounding Truman Capote's research for his "non-fiction novel" In Cold Blood, in particular, his interviews with murderer Perry Smith. It's a fascinating (true) story that when combined with Seymour Hoffman's portrayal of the flamboyant and eccentric Capote makes for an engrossing movie.
Jeanette M.
says
Phillip Seymour Hoffman doing a fabulous job in a really interesting movie: watch all of the extras, there is lots of interviews and info which really add to the experience.
Deborah
says
A very engaging movie. Philip Seymour Hoffman is outstanding as Truman Capote and you can see why he won the Best Actor Oscar for this performance.
Suzanne
says
A bit slow for me
Tina H.
says
Every aspect of this film was so perfectly executed. The acting, as expected, was phenomenal. It was fascinating, you could feel the way Capote empathised with Perry, the main subject of his 'non-fiction novel', you could see that he felt that he could have been Perry. "Sometimes I feel like Perry and I were brought up in the same house, only I walked out the front door and he walked out the back". Loved it!!
Stuart R.
says
Wow Philip Seymour Hoffman delivers a excellent performance. Great movie, I will now read the book In Cold Blood.
Uncle Ron
says
It helps if you have read the book (In Cold Blood) that Capote wrote about the murders which this film revolves around, but it is not absolutely necessary. The subject matter is more concerned with Capote himself and what sacrifices he is willing to make, what ends to go to, how low to stoop, to be a successful author.
An absolutely riveting piece of cinema which necessitates complete concentration and a quiet dark room without any outside interruptions.
Ann-Mason F.
says
A grim tale of the dissolution of a writer obsessively attached to the subject of his current writing project. Brilliant acting. Highly recommended.
Sue B.
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Ruth C.
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Sandra B.
says
WONDERFUL MOVIE, VERY MOVING - MAKES YOU WANT TO GO OUT AND READ THE BOOK "IN COLD BLOOD". REALLY WELL CAST AND ALTHOUGH HOFFMANS CHARACTER IS AT FIRST IRRITATING IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE ANYONE ELSE PLAYING THE ROLE.
Georgie T.
says
excellent movie with great acting
JM
says
Good story if you can get over the weirdo primary character
Alan J.
says
Beautifully made film, full of subtlety, intelligence and beauty.
Teresa L.
says
Intelligent, thought provoking film, though rather grim subject matter.
Bradley W.
says
I know this film won awards and critical acclaim but Infamous tells the same story better.
Elizabeth D.
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Zoe R.
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Alison S.
says
Outstanding acting by Seymour Hoffman. Altho i had never heard of him b4 this movie, i will def look for other movies he has been in!!
Tracy Y.
says
Paul H.
says
Great acting, empty, boring story! Why bother making this film? Nothing happens.
John B.
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John M.
says
What was driving Capote with an irritating voice at a funeral pace?
Anna V.
says
Interesting movie. Great acting and worth watching
Tania P.
says
I loved this movie and I shouldn't have waited so long to see it. Great for literary buffs and anyone that likes Capote's work. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is fantastic as usual.
PS. The genre that Capote pioneered with In Cold Blood was True Crime (as it is known today).
Kevin D.
says
A brittle interpretation of incredible violence visited upon incredible isolation
Colin Y.
says
This is an actor's movie, so avoid if you are not into watching acting performances. Otherwise, a decent movie, albeit slow paced.
Hilton S.
says
Complex story - support cast fantastic. Not your typical Hollywood movie.
Yvonne C.
says
Marguerite H.
says
I found the film very enjoyable. An interesting look at an eccentric character with an addictive personality.
Jennifer O.
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Jennifer O.
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Michael J.
says
It seemed to me that this movie portrayed Capote as an unsympathetic, self obsessed man willing to justify the ends with any means. I found the character compelling and disturbing. The special features show Capote himself, and reinforce how brilliant Hoffman is in this role.
Mary V.
says
It was long drawn, and the actor who played the central character began to play on my nerves
Jessica D.
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Lynlea R.
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Anthony B.
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Alexandra G.
says
A little slow but riveting always wandering how the book will end
Josh O.
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Tim Q.
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lakme
says
Probably one of the best biographical movies I have seen in a long time. Philip Seymour Hoffman was outstanding as Capote... he had the look, the talk, the walk and every flamboyant gesture down pat. An Oscar well deserved. Highly recommended. And if anyone is interested in seeing the real Truman Capote in a movie role, watch "Murder by Death". You'll see how well Hoffman played his character.
margaret king
says
Had no intention of seeing this movie when it was on in the cinemas, not even after the academy awards, but I actually found it very good and now I will look for the book. Well acted, a little slow, but the wardrobe department excelled themselves with everything from clothing, furniture, cars and buildings, all of the era the movie was set in.
Ivonne
says
Sharron H.
says
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
Samantha C.
says
Eccentric, unusual, disturbing, brilliant acting
Carol C.
says
Phillip Hoffman Seymour is amazing! His performance alone makes the film worth watching.
Carol C.
says
Brilliant, but you would have to have read the book and/or seen the movie "In Cold Blood" to fully appreciate the story line.
Marianne G.
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Charles T.
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Colin R. J.
says
Foine acting...
Foine story...
Foine production...
Foine, foine, foine!!!
Shelley G.
says
Deserved best actor,
Very good viewing
Guy T.
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Terence B.
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Jim M.
says
Great movie, true story and excellent acting.
Bernadette B.
says
Philip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal of the brilliant but narcissistic Truman Capote would have been easy to overdo but Hoffman is clearly a better actor than he's been given credit for in the past. His understated performance gives a real insight into the lengths Capote was willing to go to to obtain the adoration of an audience.
When a movie tells a story that everyone knows it is hard to maintain suspense and interest but Capote maintained my interest through to the last frame.
Bruce Z.
says
Betsy F.
says
Excellent performances, creepy subject!
Camille H.
says
One of the best movies i've seen this year! Philip Seymour Hoffman is AMAZING in this role. I enjoyed learning the story of Capote, didn't know much about him. The movie unfolds beautifully to show how the relationship with Perry affected Capote. Catherine Keener shines as Harper Lee and all the supporting cast are terrific. Don't miss!
Shannon M.
says
A brilliant stoy but the film was very slow which made it a little boring.
Janet B.
says
Awesome performances and a compelling tale. It's not action-packed, but as a psychological drama it's unbeatable.
Susan D.
says
enjoyed his interpretation of the character
Catherine W.
says
Depends if you're a fan of Capote or not. Not a very lovable guy.
Linda R.
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Nicole P.
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Shannon M.
says
A brilliant story but the film was very slow which made it a little boring.
Shaun O.
says
chilling insight into a disturbed mind - excellent performances
Michael M.
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Katinka V.
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Sue M.
says
Although the volume needed to be up on full to hear what Hoffman was saying, it was still a riveting, allbeit a very slow, movie. Hoffman certainly deserved his oscar for the role. Certainly makes you want to go & read the book!!!
Nathan C.
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Inze
says
Very interesting movie with brilliant acting by Hoffman. I felt that Capote was more comfortable "playing" an extrovert to cover the sensitive side of his nature as a shield against being hurt or relating to his bad childhood. His development of a relationship with Perry bought this to the surface, so much so it affected his ability to write another book after In Cold Blood-what a shame.
Graham S.
says
fell asleep
Diane H.
says
Wasn't my sort of movie a bit hard to get into.
Judy W.
says
I found it a bit strange and hard to get into at first, but found it kept my attention the whole way through. Its not the sort of movie I would normally watch but did find it worth watching
Judy W.
says
I found it a bit strange and hard to get into at first, but found it kept my attention the whole way through. Its not the sort of movie I would normally watch but did find it worth watching
Kerrie B.
says
It was sometimes difficult to concentrate on the dialogue as Capote's voice was often an irritating mumble. Otherwise, an intriguing portrayal of an egocentric user!
Laurie P.
says
Apparently this is an accurate portrayal of how Capote was as a person, so that was satisfying, but I was puzzled as to how he and his fellow writers made enough money to support their expensive lifestyles. especially in this case, where writing this book took up four years of his life with nothing much else seeming to be going on;well acted,but couldn't/wouldn't watch it a second time. Will probably read "In Cold Blood" as a result. The portrayal of the real-life-inspired characters of "To kill a mockingbird" was interesting.
Barbara S.
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Barbara S.
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Barbara S.
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Di H.
says
Maybe Truman Capote did mumble - but much of the dialogue in this film was lost to us because we couldn't understand what Phillip Seymour Hoffman was saying. DICTION IS IMPORTANT!
Jo
says
Great film.Very thought provoking.Worth watching more than once.
Gail N.
says
excelent performances
Interesting look at In Cold Blood and the way in which that title applies to the author, Capote, as well as the criminals.
captures the time and the person
Christopher H.
says
Chillingly and hauntingly beautiful. Savage in a gentle , insidious fashion.
Jennifer S.
says
Once you get used to actor Philip Seymour Hoffman's voice (you might need to turn up the volume to catch all he says to begin with) this becomes a very moving and thought provoking film. If you want to watch a movie that makes you feel your mind and soul shift a little, watch this.
Mark K.
says
Although this film seems to start slowly it certainly picks up. The interaction between Capote's bizarre personality and the murderer is incredible. The effect of the project on his life and career astounding. Seymour Hoffman's performance - riveting.
Paul C.
says
I can see why he won the Oscar but the movie was too slow and tried too hard to be moody.
Craig Hill
says
A little slow at times but overall not bad
Rob
says
A powerhouse performance by Phillip Seymour Hoffman - he thoroughly deserved his Oscar. A totally believable portrayal of Truman Capote.
Ann-Marie .
says
Didn;t really enjoy this, I found it quite slow.
Berniebear
says
I terminated this movie about 15 minutes from the start. The pace was so slow and I thought the lead character had modeled the way he spoke on a character from "South Park". To say I was unimpressed would be an under statement!!
Carla R.
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Geoffrey W.
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William S.
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