Quick Info
Have you ever seen "Infamous"? It came out in 2006 and covers Truman Capote's journey writing "In Cold Blood." Honestly, it's often overlooked in favor of "Capote" (the Philip Seymour Hoffman one), but this film brings its own flavor. Toby Jones plays Capote, and he completely loses himself in the role—his portrayal is nuanced, capturing Capote's eccentricities and charm in a way that’s surprisingly vulnerable.
The supporting cast is just stacked—Sandra Bullock as Harper Lee is a real standout, and Daniel Craig, pre-Bond fame, gives an unexpectedly moving performance as Perry Smith. The chemistry between Jones and Craig is compelling; their tense, delicate interactions really draw you into the emotional complexity of the story Capote is trying to tell. The movie doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the case, either, which gives it more edge than you might expect.
One of the things that really stood out to me was the cinematography—lots of soft, evocative lighting and subtle period details that set the mood without feeling forced. It’s visually polished but not flashy, letting the story and characters do the work. The pacing can feel a bit languid at times, though—there are moments where it drags, especially if you’re not already clued into the Capote-In Cold Blood backstory.
Storyline-wise, it’s surprisingly intimate. You get this fly-on-the-wall feeling, peering into Capote’s shifting loyalties and his struggle to balance empathy and ambition. I will say, it occasionally slips into melodrama, and not every supporting role gets the same amount of depth. Still, the overall emotional impact lingers, especially after seeing how publication of the book affected everyone involved.
You would enjoy this if you're drawn to character-driven stories about conflicted artists, or if you're fascinated by the blurred lines between truth and storytelling. It’s a must for fans of true crime, mid-century Americana, or literary history, but maybe not if you want a snappy, high-action narrative.
