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Massawyrm Says Don't Ignore INFAMOUS!! It's Much Better Than CAPOTE!!
Hola all. Massawyrm here.
Man, it just breaks my heart to write about a movie like this. Bless every single one of you who clicked this story and are reading it now, not because I’m glad you’re reading what I have to say, but rather because you care enough to find out what the hell is going on with Infamous. There’s a whole lot of Who Cares going around on this film. It’s become known as that other Capote movie and countless folks have questioned whether this is just a blatant rip-off or a movie that should have been cancelled when the other, the Oscar Award Winning Capote, managed to get into production first. Because really, who needs two films about the same guy during the same period of his life so close together?
Who does? You do. That’s right, you do.
When I first wrote about Capote a scant 51 weeks ago, I was under whelmed. The performances were great, but the story had a lot to be desired. It moved like molasses in January and seemed to be the film for those who were very familiar with Capote and his work. Those unfamiliar were left in the cold to watch a film that had great characters and almost nothing for them to do. And I’ll be honest, the idea of seeing another movie like that scared the crap out of me. Had my schedule tonight not so suddenly cleared up, I probably wouldn’t have seen Infamous at all.
But man oh man, was I glad I did. While Capote is the better made film, in terms of it’s glossy look and powerhouse performances, Infamous is quite simply the better film. Across the board I find this film superior in every aspect but look. Infamous has a very normal, indie look, with very few beautiful visual cues. But the characters are more three-dimensional, the pacing never loses stride and the story is better told. All the holes that were so painfully obvious in Capote are absent here.
Now I hate that I have to spend the bulk of this review comparing this film directly to another, but the comparison is really unavoidable at this point. This film no longer stands alone as intended. Its predecessor won an Oscar and was nominated for four others. Odds are that anyone seeing this one has already seen the last one. And odds are you’re reading this to find out just how it stacks up.
It’s a film that quite frankly I wish stood alone. After seeing this, there’s almost no reason for the earlier film to exist. Sure, I’m glad Hoffman got the Oscar he has so richly deserved for so long, and I’m over the moon that many people got to finally recognize Clifton Collins Jr. for the talent he has. But once you’ve seen Infamous, you’ll never find a real reason to go back and visit Capote. At all.
Infamous is a wonderfully told story, that captures not only the sadness of the story and the brutality of the crime, but also the real wit, charm and personality of Truman Capote himself. Truman was an American Icon, our very own Oscar Wilde. A haughty mix of intelligence, humor, craftiness and raw charisma blended with arrogance, smarminess and flamboyance. Those who knew him all described him as someone it was easy to both love and hate in the same breath. And here Toby Jones nails these aspects on all counts. While his performance doesn’t capture the overpowering level of Pathos that Hoffman did, his character is fuller, richer and far more easily likable and detestable. He personifies everything you’ve ever read or seen about Capote. Watching Jones go back and forth between Kansas and Socialite Central, New York really does a great job of conveying the character in all its glory.
The movie, and particularly Jones’ performance, is funny as hell. Every witty crack, every snarky come back, is hilarious. And much like director Douglas McGrath’s previous (and criminally underseen) effort, Nicholas Nickleby, this film does an amazing job shifting from humorous frivolity to deep sadness at the drop of a hat without ever feeling tonally inappropriate.
And I’m just gonna say this now so I don’t have to repeat myself a half dozen times. Every character, EVERY CHARACTER, is a hell of a lot more interesting here than in Capote. And that quality comes from the writing. This version of the story is simply better told. And while I honestly believe that the quality of the cast is better in Capote (especially with this cast being almost sneer worthy for the more effete among you), these are the characters I feel more at ease with, performances I simply enjoy more, and frankly will watch again.
The relationship between Capote and Harper Lee is incredible. Yes, I know Lee is being played by Sandra Bullock, and she acts her fucking ass off here, giving her best performance…well, pretty much ever. Here, you get it. These two are best friends and you completely understand why. The moments we spend with these two perfectly illustrates what drew these two very different people so close together. And when Lee brings heavy words to bear against Capote, it carries a hell of a lot more weight, because you know just how close they are. And Bullock gives an amazing monologue at the end of the film that just drops your jaw, makes you sit back and mutter “Wow” with a brilliantly written and delivered piece of prose that will hit you where you live.
Daniel Craig plays Perry Smith in a very different way as well, making him more manly, rugged and less manipulative. It’s very easy to see in this version just what attracted Capote to him, and their romance is much less pathetic. There’s certainly a lot to be said for Capote’s version of that ill-fated affair, but this one makes a lot more sense. You sense the attraction, you see how each fits as the other’s ideal. And anyone out there that still doubts Craig's talent owes it to themselves to see what he does here.
Jeff Daniels’ Alvin Dewey gets a lot more screen time and you see very clearly as he shifts from being disgusted by Truman to liking the hell out of him. The transition is perfect and watching the change in him take place shows not only a lot about him, but just how Capote affected people and why folks were drawn to him. And in one pivotal scene everything you ever need to know about Truman Capote becomes apparent.
And the most striking difference between the two versions is the amount of time we spend with Capote’s “swans”, the upper crust New York elite that Capote counted as his closest friends. Here we meet, get to know, and through a few short documentary style interviews get their personal accounts – and with such small roles, could have easily been given to unknowns. Instead, McGrath gave them to the likes of Sigourney Weaver, Hope Davis, Isabella Rossellini, and Peter Bogdanovich, allowing each small role to be given an incredible amount of weight. The dinner parties, events, and even quiet moments on their own with Capote wonderfully fleshes out Truman and keeps the pace from getting bogged down like its Predecessor.
I liked Capote. As I wrote last year, it’s a great character piece with some amazing performances. But it felt a bit hollow and wasn’t for everyone. Infamous is. Highly accessible, both fun and moving, this is hands down the better movie. I didn’t recommend Capote to my parents, but I will recommend this. If for some reason you still haven’t seen Capote see this one instead. If, however, you have seen it, there’s nothing keeping you from seeing this one. While it is telling the same story, it tells it better and has a ton of new material for you to drink in. Having seen the first, I was never for a moment bored by the second. Amazing as it seems, McGrath took the same story and made a completely different movie. For some reason, this one just feels more authentic.
While I’m saddened that such a good film is going to be largely ignored because of similar content, there’s a small part of me glad that this is the version that came second. Had it been the other way around, the great performances of Capote would have been crippled by the inferior script come Oscar time. People would have said “Sure Hoffman was great, but I like Jones’s Capote better. Even though it’s not the most powerful performance of the two.” And all the questions about Capote’s life that I had walking out of that film were answered in this one. But if I ever watch one of these films again, it’s gonna be Infamous. Sure it’s not as slick and pretty – but it’s a better film.
Until next time friends, smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em. I know I will.
Massawyrm
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FIRST!
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OK, I can die a happy man now that I've been a firsty! On Topic: the wifey and I quite enjoyed Capote - we liked the smaller snapshot of his life, thought the events surrounding the writing of ICB really got into the mans head such that we didn't need a full birth-to-death bio pic. Interesting that "the other movie" chose the same end-points of his life. We'll definitely see his one as well, though it will likely be relegated to a DVD rental. Good review, thanks!
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Saw it in Toronto during the film fest. I always thought Capote had great performances, but the film itself wasn't much.
Infamous is a much better film, and after seeing Toby Jones as Capote, you start to question if PSH as Capote was that great after all.
I feel bad though, because aftewr all the acclaim for Capote, this film will not get a fair shake. -
Am I really the only one here who loved Capote. People keep calling it slow or hollow but I never understood that. It was incredibly compelling to me and had a great core moral dilemma about how far Capote would go for his book. It was really well-written so many great lines and I loved the realtionship between Lee and Capote. I just don't get the hate esepcially from Mass. If you want to see dull and hollow watch The New World.
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"Infamous is quite simply the better film"
"Across the board I find this film superior"
"After seeing this, there’s almost no reason for the earlier film to exist"
"once you’ve seen Infamous, you’ll never find a real reason to go back and visit Capote"
"EVERY CHARACTER, is a hell of a lot more interesting here than in Capote"
"This version of the story is simply better told"
"Highly accessible, both fun and moving, this is hands down the better movie"
"If for some reason you still haven’t seen Capote see this one instead"
"While it is telling the same story, it tells it better"
"this one just feels more authentic"
"if I ever watch one of these films again, it’s gonna be Infamous"
"Sure it’s not as slick and pretty – but it’s a better film"
Come on, Massa. What's with all the ambiguity? Tell us how you really feel! -
wasn't a great film by any means- Infamous LOOKS much better- but sadly I'm over the Capote thing by now and I feel that most of the public is too... What's with all of the similar themed big-cast movies lately? Capote/Infamous, Illusionist/Prestige, Tideland/Pan's Labyrinth, etc. Okay- maybe they're not all too similar- but it look's that way on paper. Illusionist was incredible by the way- and I expect the same from The Prestige. would probably be an awesome double feature- as would Tideland and Pan's...
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The New World was a beautiful film- a hundred times more soulful than Capote. PSH's performance was great- of course- but the script didn't really make you care for him- I hated him the whole time and the movie was rather mediocre and pointless. The New World- sure it was long- so was the Thin Red Line- but both of those film's (TM's latter day masterpieces) are so poetic that they transcend- at least to me- mere "movies"- they are true works of art and should be viewed as such...
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Capote was a literary genius. He wasn't, however, the best of men. I wills ee this movie when it gets here (philly).
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I just thought it was such a moving compelling film. And as far as New World gorgeous film that did nothing for me emotionally. Dull dull film.
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two movies based on the same subject get released at the nearly the same time. The cast would be made up of actors who share a resemblance to other stars, who are then playing the same character in the competing movies.
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It did look beautiful yes, but I need more then just that. After awhile, you've seen one beautifully shot tree and waterfall, you've seen them all. The story sucked and was boring.
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Was great to look at, but your right tuna.....so long and drab. I think its a good movie, but not if your in the mood for something where you have to use your brain. Capote=etopaC
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But what does that have to do with Infamous/Capote?
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Simple - Capote never wrote another book in his life - in fact he wrote hardly anything as his addictions engulfed him. And his notoriously squicky love of *ahem* younger men would make him a difficult sell at best. He ended, like so many, with a whimper.
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seemed a bit overrated to me. hoffman was great though.
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...on Capote as you did, Massa. Great performances and beautiful visual arrangements but a boring as fuck-all script. Given that symmetry of experience, I'll take your word on Infamous and give it a good renting when its available.
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But I will see Infamous though.
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Perry Smith was a very sensative, wounded soul but he was also a killer. There was no sense of menace. He was only sympathetic. The book makes sure you realize that Perry was dangerous.
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Whats the dealio? Is Harry just sitting on his hands re: your new avatar, massawyrm? Inquiring Minds want to know!
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I loved the murky eithics and morals and the center of the film.
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Oh yeah, I agree with the whole "Capote is overrated" thing, by the way. Sorry, Lovecraftfan.
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Than philip seymour hoffman
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Why can't you take just 5 seconds to address the issue of the avatar? You refuse to answer any of the requests for an update, you are being incredibly disrespectful to the guys who entered your crappy contest. You are proving all of the haters in the talkback right (and have subsequently turned me into a hater). Turns out the contest WAS a colossal waste of time. It WAS a waste of AICN bandwidth. And it seems like the site has erased all evidence that there ever was a contest. Sure, some of the entries were pretty lame, but there was a lot of really cool stuff in there, a lot of really talented artists wasted their own valuable time. Why? Because they cared, Man. Because they were your fans. And you just keep blowing those fans off. Please Massa, put this bitch to rest! Just post a note saying "we changed our minds, don't want a new avatar" or "none of the entries made me cream" or even "it's out of my hands, it's in Harry's court, and he is a lazy, procrastinating fuck". You can't still claim to be giving it thought. Oppenheimer didn't give the bomb this much thought. Just post us a reply that says "Let it go". That's cool, we can do that. A little closure, you know. You don't even have to take the time to type it, you can just copy and paste. Two seconds and you're done!
P.S. A note to all the artist who entered Massa's bullshit contest. Even though AICN refuses to acknowledge its existence, I downloaded your illustrations, and keep a copy on my computer, because they ARE cool. Your work IS being appreciated by someone. Oh, and I'm on board with Lovecraftfan about Capote (the film), "compelling" is the right word, PSH channeled Capote (the man). -
Been trying to find this out for weeks now. How long can it possibly take to pick one picture?
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After seeing Capote I was embarassed for my species, embarrassed that we could even remotely call Capote quality entertainment or invest in Capote himself even 15 seconds of attention.
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I typically go with what is mroe compelling, what has more going on under teh surface. If a film is insightful then by default for me is entertaining. I know that make me one of the more "effete" among the crowd but its the way it is. Im not saying that Massa is wrong by any means, I havent (but definitely want to) seen Infamous, but it sounds like this could merely be the more likeable easier film. That said I wasnt IN LOVE!!! with Capote but that performance by Hoffman said it all, I felt like i knew him immediately after the train car scene.
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It's good to hear that Infamous may be good, I am especially interested in seeing Daniel Craig's performance. But reading this review I kept wondering which Capote Massa saw. I basically was going to the movie for what he claims is the only good part, P.S. Hoffman's performance. But I was surprised by how much that movie hit me. It's fuckin creepy and grim. I loved that they portrayed Capote as a total bastard but somehow didn't make me hate him. And that they were able to say what they wanted to say about Capote just by showing a few years of his life and not the whole thing. It sounds like Massa was hoping for an A-Z wikipedia entry on Capote but personally I like that it kept it vague. Maybe the title shouldn't be Capote, but I think telling a story that explains something about the way his mind worked was much more compelling than it would be to just make a biographical summary.
As for the pacing, I really disagree with Massawyrm on that one. The pacing is perfect, it's a slow march to the gallows. Not that the movies are comparable otherwise but to me asking for a faster paced Capote is like saying, "I loved Fargo but it was too slow, can you cut out 45 minutes? Then I can recommend it to my parents." Sometimes "slow" is the exact right pace.
Anyway, maybe I will see Infamous. Sounds interesting, although to be honest the fake interviews part sounds horrible, I hate that type of shit. Knowing that's in there might keep me away. -
or proofread, shame on me.
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I think Capote was fantastic. I have read the book In cold Blood, though it was extremely hard for me to read. I can watch Rambo no problem. But to read about how brutal and horrific this crime was is really heart wrenching, it's a hard thing to put in your mind, how horrible human beings can be.
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Now here is a movie that a Communist can get behind. In all seriousness Capote was the best picture I saw last year and my favorite. And for Wyrm here to bash it just because he likes this new one more makes me more than incredulous. Statements like "Capote is the btter-made film but Infamous is the btter film" make no fucking sense in the context he provided. So here's a big middle finger in your face Wyrm. What happened to you man? You used to be beautiful
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If I hear one more of you moron reviewers say they dislike a movie because it moves slow I'll go crazy. Fucking MTV generation skaky cam fast-cut fuckers. Take a fucking ridilin you feeble-minded impatient babies.
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I keep bugging Harry, but he has yet to give me an answer. Sorry for the delay for all involved. I'm trying to get an answer. Trust me, I want an avatar more that you guys want me to have one.
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The Incredibles, if I remember correctly, was some sort of cartoon. So having documentary style parts was a good gimmick you don't see a whole lot. Also they did it to be funny. This isn't Spinal Tap or some shit, this is a true story. Maybe it works, I haven't seen it, but I'm suspicious. One example that comes to mind is THE MANSON FAMILY by Jim Van Bebber. He did an incredible job of creating a raw '60s look and feel to the movie but instead of depicting the events he tells half the story with interviews of actors playing real people. And I just thought Jesus, if you wanted to just tell it in interviews you should've done real interviews. If you're gonna make a movie then MAKE A GOD DAMN MOVIE! I'm sure Infamous won't be as bad but yes, I'm against it, and whatever The Office is I'll go ahead and agree that I hate it just to get you more up in arms. Thanks One Voice.
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to be better than "Capote." It's true that I'll watch Hoffman in pretty much anything (yes, I even dug "Love Liza"), but the story was so engrossing, I found myself reading up on the events afterwards, just to learn more--not about the killings, but about Capote himself. And I agree with whoever said that sometimes slow is the right pace. that entire flick had this ominous sense of inevitable doom. it was a sad story, and nobody was coming out happy on the other side. it was perfect.
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Enough said.
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What I loved about Capote was how the movie was unafraid to show Capote as a bastard that was master of manipulating everyone. The fascinating part of Capote w as watching how he lead everyone on a string to do exactly what he wanted until the point where he even decieved himself. I mean how did anyone not get chills at his final phone call with Lee where she boldly states that they both know he wanted those kids to die. Also Capote has the great scene where he totally shuts the killer down "This is absurd. Do you even know what absurd means."
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Capote was far superior to most biopics - in fact I wouldn't even characterize it as one. It found one chapter in his life that served as a turning point. It communicated the choice a person makes about their life, and doesn't present any answer as the "right" one. Hoorah for ambiguity!
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this filim could be the greatest movie ever made and I probably wouldn't see it. I don't have anything against Capote, but I think one film about him will suffice.
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I thought Capote was very, very good, but ultimately I think I'm somewhere between Vern and Massa on it...I thought it was very solid, and paced well for the story, but I have to admit it never 'hit' me either. So I'm very interested to see another take.
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You could not see in the performance why Capote would have fallen in love with a cold-blooded killer. Capote was a big fat failure for anyone who read his book.
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We all know it's because you're afraid of the fallout if mine isn't chosen... even though it's not officially in the competition. That's how awesome it was. And, Mr Wyrm, I was considering seeing Infamous just out of curiosity, and now you've got me chomping at the bit to see it. Can't wait.
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While I think PSH's Capote was excellent, I'm not worried about another interpretation of the man. Such a big personality can accomadate different 'versions.'But I think it'll be nigh impossible to top Catherine Keener's Harper Lee. Nothing against Ms. Bullock, who I think is at least as good as Julia Roberts, but Keener brought such a steely, quiet dignity to the part that she, more than PSH, left an indelible impression, and made me long for a film about Lee alone.
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Stop the insanity! "it's" = "it is". "its" = possessive. You should not write "it's glossy look" but rather "its glossy look"...please, please, please, the future of humanity depends on us getting this right once and for all!!
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I don't give a shit if you have one or not, I just wanna know if I won.
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the movie wasn't a direct adaption of Capote's book, it was about the events that he went through while WRITING the book. There's no point in making an adaption of a book writen by a man who is more interesting himself. Think about it, if the book is great, and is written by an American icon, then a better story would be how the American icon wrote the great book, which is what Capote is. Infamous might be a decent movie, but it seems to be more of an expose` on how gay Truman Capote was and tries to top Capote by offering "more story", Daniel Craig, Jeff Daniels, and on a much lesser note, Sandra Bullock. It's laughable, since myself and several others actaully laughed out loud at how ridiculous Infamous looked. And when it all boils down to it, two films about the same man and same story is one film too many, and that film is Infamous.
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