"Capote:" why all the enthusiasm? - tinear - Films/DVD Asylum

Films/DVD Asylum

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"Capote:" why all the enthusiasm?

4.235.253.141

A plebeian, purposefully plodding, and dull-witted account of a brilliant, witty fellow. Yes, Hoffman does a wonderful job: it's easy playing over the top guys like a Capote. If mimicry and impersonation were all there is to the acting "game," Hoffman would be at the pinnacle in this performance.
Not a mediocre or poor job, mind you, just one that considerably is below the praise it is getting. Catherine Keener is her usual wonderful self as Nelle Harper Lee, but, like Capote's character, the underwriting gives her nothing much of note to say, no scenes that sparkle or crackle.
It is hard to believe we are watching a film about an author's famed depiction of a sensational and brutal crime. The matter of fact, bland and tepid telling is more suitable to a film about jay-walking.
Do we learn much about Capote? No, except what we knew: he was an expert at using people and lying.
Anything about the murderers? No. Smith was using Capote, as well.
So, the only point of interest, since the story and characterizations are a bore, is the skill in which such a story is told. Direction, editing, and script are poor.
I must ad that the first fifteen minutes, or so, when Chris Cooper is much on screen are the best and my hopes were high that the film would continue on the high trajectory. Unfortunately, they fell as hard as Smith did through the trap door.

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Amplified Parts

Topic - "Capote:" why all the enthusiasm? - tinear 14:14:58 02/08/06 (12)

Because it's... - Harmonia 17:45:47 02/09/06 (2)

Thanks for the lecture. It ALMOST seems you are praising the - tinear 05:20:46 02/10/06 (0)

Well put... - Jabberwock 18:58:53 02/09/06 (0)

Loved the performance... was ultimately a bit bored by the movie. - sjb 22:51:20 02/08/06 (0)

I liked it.... - Bill McNeal 20:23:30 02/08/06 (2)

Me too... - Harmonia 17:24:41 02/09/06 (0)

Offense, hell, disagreements are what makes this place interesting! (Spoiler to follow!!) - tinear 09:23:07 02/09/06 (0)

Agreed this film is not best picture material -- disagree... - RGA 18:06:57 02/08/06 (2)

all of the best picture nominations, only one came within a hare's breadth of greatness - padreken 10:58:34 02/10/06 (0)

I, OTOH, was... - Harmonia 17:47:30 02/09/06 (0)

impersonation is not the point - tunenut 15:29:55 02/08/06 (1)

As I said, I was not bored at first but there seemed to be no dramatic - tinear 18:27:02 02/08/06 (0)

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