Infamous Reviews

Truman Capote again

‘Infamous’ is about the American author Truman Capote and his obsession with the murder of a farming family in Kansas in 1959 which became the inspiration for his masterpiece ‘In Cold Blood’. Does this sound familiar? It was also the subject-matter of the 2005 film ‘Capote’.

It is impossible to watch one without comparing it to the other, but there are differences between the two which make ‘Infamous’ worth watching. ‘Capote’ was realistic and wholly believable. Based on Gerald Clarke’s acclaimed biography, it portrayed Truman Capote as a self-centred and determined man manipulating the killers to gain their trust and therefore the material necessary to write his book. ‘Infamous’ is an altogether lighter and more glamorous affair. It is based on ‘Truman Capote’ by George Plimpton and contains fictional scenes and characters and a sprinkling of humour. Truman is portrayed as a softer and more likeable character who becomes emotionally drawn to one of the killers (Daniel Craig) - including a lingering kiss in his jail cell. Toby Jones gives a strong performance as Capote, complete with high-pitched voice, but the film doesn’t allow him to bring quite the depth of character to the role as Philip Seymour Hoffman was allowed in ‘Capote’. Sandra Bullock is a suitably restrained Nelle Harper Lee, but if you are a Gwynneth Paltrow fan be warned that all she does is sing a song.

Fantastic

I started watching every Daniel Craig film he ever made, after seeing him in Casino Royale, just because he was so good looking but after each film I have become more and more impressed with him as an actor. In every role you believe he is that person and this film is no different. It takes a little while to kick in, giving the background to Trumans life, but it is still very interesting and you are captivated throughout. The relationship between Truman and Perry is very powerful, the kiss touching and believable. You find yourself torn, Perry deserves to be punished but you want him to live. The last few scences are emotive, I was moved to tears. Superbly acted by the whole cast but especially Craig, Jones and Bullock. A must see film. I will be watching it again and again.

Absolutely awful

With an amazing cast like that - I truly expected something different but what a waste of time!! I normally enjoy movies like this...but certainly wouldnt recommend this one!!!! YAWN...

[Highly rated reviewer]

NOT AS ARTY-FARTY AS 'CAPOTE'

I saw Philip Seymour Hoffman's Oscar winning version, and found it rather tedious. I went for this one too, because it has Daniel Craig in it, and I'm a Bond anorak. The bloke who plays Capote (can't remember his name) must have been waiting all of his life to play this role. Then Hoffman does it with more publicity, and bags an Oscar! Craig looks like he's been enbalmed, and is rather poor. Bond may just be his niche, 'cos everything else bar 'Layer Cake' is pretty weak. This doesn't have it's head up it's arse like 'Capote' did. It's alright, but don't boost it up your list.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Exploring the reality beyond the legendary tale

When 'Capote' came out la couple of years ago, I anticipated a film that would envelop me the way 'In Cold Blood' did, and I felt shortchanged because that film only touched the surface of the incidents, manipulations, and dynamics that shaped the book and turned the life of that classic author completely around. The movie moved with an almost perverse force that left a bad taste in your mouth. It wasn't a bad piece, but it lacked soul. To this day, I have hesitations about Hoffman's performance which to me always felt a bit artificial.

Here comes the second film that explores those days in the life of Truman Capote, and this one holds nothing back. In fact, it might show too much of what some people might find a bit controversial. What the film has is an enormous pool of very talented actors, writers, and artists to create an immediate masterwork, a film that is composed of every possible emotion conceivable to humankind. It begins with an overview of the chic celebrity doing what he knows best, exploring and manipulating those around him to create his new work. It is interesting to see the symbiotic relationship between him and his friends. They feed off his each other as they confide their innermost secrets. Everyone here knows what they want, and they're fine with it. It's a lot of fun to see the recreation of those relationships in those gorgeously detailed settings. It's the perfect introduction for the rude awakening of Capote's soul, as he decides to move on to something more important.

It takes an encounter with perpetrators of unbelievable evil to find his true self. Yet, unlike 'Capote' this one bares the souls of those involved, and some revelations are too powerful to describe in words. This is where the film succeeds, in presenting full bodied interpretations and recreations of those moments that changed the lives of the people involved. It is never sentimental and never too cold. It breathes and beats with a true heart. It never leaves the brain behind, as we never really know where truth and fiction lie. It feels genuine and provocative. It's always engrossing and never feels manipulative. It has Toby Jones' perfect depiction of the qualities that made Capote a legend. Toby also moves seamlessly from his early cynical world to something he might not be able to handle.

Daniel Craig shines with star power and an intensity few performers can even muster. His Perry is seductive and repulsive, pulsating with a doomed soul that is too much for his miserable existence. He and Jones perform a dangerous and charming dance as they break each other's barriers. Their interaction is the spotlight of the film, and there will be discussion over the film's interpretation of what might have happened.

Sigourney Weaver, Bogdanovich, Hope Davis, Rossellini, and Bullock all do stupendous work. The film's production values match everything else here. The film is a 5-star gift from Hollywood.