The Truman Show: Hoffman's performace is brilliant in the beautiful, yet dry, CAPOTE

If you would like to see some of the greatest performaces of the year, go see Capote. Just be sure to go to a theatre with comfortable seats. The film, while beautifully shot, is slow, dry, and dare I say, boring.

Capote is the story of author Truman Capote, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, on his journey to write the book In Cold Blood, about two young men who slaughter an entire family in small town Kansas. While researching for his book, Capote becomes very attached to one of the convicted men, played by Clifton Collins Jr. (a voice in the Grand Theft Auto video game.)

I was first drawn to this movie by the fact that Hoffman played the title role. For years, we have seen him playing the weird friend, the mean spirited med student, or the burned out musical guide helping the story along the way. Never were two roles alike, and never was I disappointed with a performance, but finally he gets the title role! At first, I thought I was going to claw my ears off- Capote talks in a very distinct lispy, relaxed (gay man) voice. After the first few minutes, however, you barely notice it. You also forget that you are watching Hoffman. His performance is absolutely brilliant- he completely embodies the character of Capote, and makes this introverted story worth watching.

Catherine Keener plays Harper Lee, Capote's best friend, and author of To Kill a Mockingbird. She's there as Capote's support through the film, helping him get his research, and being there for him, even though the self-concerned Capote gives no regard to the success of her infamous book. Keener gives another great performance, something slightly different from what we're used to seeing her as, and she looks old! Also, a surprising performance by Collins, playing Perry Smith. His character was left slightly open ended before his execution, which, I guess, is how Capote must have felt. He comes off as such a nice boy, as they all do, before he reveals how he (SPOILER) single handedly murdered the entire family. It put kind of a damper on the nice boy image.

Besides the great performances and the fact that it was a beautiful film to look at, Capote really didn't do anything for me. It was well done, and an interesting story, but too dry for most audiences. I would be pleased if Hoffman gets a nomination out of this, but not something to go run out and see. Watch it if it's on TV, or if you rent a movie by yourself on a rainy day. Overall Grade: C