Capote

The Film Club saw Capote at the Varsity on Friday November 4. Phillip Seymour Hoffman turns in an uncanny performance of writer Truman Capote - definitely Oscar-worthy - but if you're craving action or had a long day at work, don't see this film. I want my family to see it because it was filmed in Winnipeg. Hints include: the Old Dutch chips in the 50's style corner store, the prison shots of Stoney Mountain Penetentiary in the blistering winter sun, the St-Charles Hotel in the Exchange District downtown. Here's a piece of MM trivia: Dr and Mrs Hrushovetz had their wedding reception there in 1962 - I don't think the place looked as gritty then.

Ultimately, I found the film engrossing. It was probably a very accurate portrayal of this self-absorbed egotist who couldn't even be happy for his friend Nell Harper Lee when Capote attended the movie premiere of her book To Kill a Mockingbird. (Who knew that author Harper Lee was a woman? Catherine Keener turns in a note-perfect, low-key performance). Capote was also a master manipulator. The scenes in the prison when he keeps returning to talk to the accused murderer Perry are haunting. As the centre of attention at the cocktail parties in his circle, Capote repeatedly talks about honesty and truth, but he strings Perry along with lies that he's hardly written a word. All this so he can get him to reveal the events of the night of the murder. Strange that Capote never completed another book after In Cold Blood. Maybe I'll suggest it for book club. MMMm