Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Truman Capote is probably best known for his work In Cold Blood and for a certain eccentricity which made him stand out in societal circles and become a favorite of his many esteemed acquaintances.

This is his story...or rather, the story of his research for the book In Cold Blood, beginning with a grisly murder in the small town of Holcomb, Kansas.

Toby Jones lights up the screen in his thoroughly entertaining and, at times, heart-wrenching portrayal of Capote and (as depicted in the film) his amorous relationship with the very murderer he's researching. Capote is subsequently torn between the desire to see the man live and the knowledge that the most probable outcome would also be the best for his book.

I must confess that prior to seeing this film I knew the name of Truman Capote but little else. Now I am eager to read his works and have had an overwhelming urge to learn more about this intriguing person, which I have been doing with various internet searches this evening.

I am told that this film was released on the heels of another film covering the same story, I haven't seen that one and so my opinion of this film stands entirely on its own...and that is complete satisfaction with the way the film played itself out.

Yes, there were quite a few laughs, and even with my self-professed nausea of comedies as of late this is certainly not a bad thing because, unlike most modern comedies, they are not cheap laughs appealing only to a younger or more immature audience. I found the character of Truman Capote as portrayed by Toby Jones to be very convincing, Jones offered excellent depth to his role and, despite his somewhat ridiculous character at the beginning, made viewers take him seriously as the film took a slightly more heavy-hearted turn. That's right, it's not all fun and games, this movie might just jerk a few tears too.

Aside from Toby Jones the cast boasts such big names as Sandra Bullock (as Harper Lee), Sigourney Weaver, Jeff Daniels, and Gwyneth Paltrow amongst others. I feel that the makers of this film could have probably gotten more for their money out of the big names though, I didn't even recognize Gwyneth Paltrow in her minor role and only knew it was her when I read the credits. However, one might assume that such acting talent would agree to a smaller role in order to be a part of this sort of film.


Now for the parental disclaimer...there is quite a bit of sexual joking and innuendo, some mild language, and a couple of homosexual kissing scenes so you may wish to steer the younger viewers to something a little more appropriate.

I have to say I am now kicking myself pretty hard because up until last summer I had a copy of Capote's In Cold Blood but never got around to reading it before selling it (a remnant from my book-dealing days) and now I'll just have to chase down another copy. Overall this movie had a lot of feeling and depth, I really enjoyed the dialogue. I cannot say how closely the events depicted in the film jibe with real life, but that's the great thing about a dramatization, they're allowed to alter it for the viewer's enjoyment, and I think they did an excellent job of actually making it enjoyable. I would rank this film amongst those that are viewed with a desire to come away with something, perhaps have something to think about for a while or learn a bit of modern history, as opposed to the majority of drivel out today that exists for the sake of killing time. Definitely a film worth watching.

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Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age