list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around Infamous on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/Infamous/254617/default.aspx Title: Infamous
Year: 2006
Director: Douglas McGrath
Plot: Douglas McGrath's Infamous represents the second major biopic about the avant-garde belletrist Truman Capote to be released within a year. It thus tells roughly the same story as Bennett Miller's earlier Capote, recounting the events that belied the writer's six-year authorship of the seminal "nonfiction novel" In Cold Blood. The story opens with Capote (Toby Jones) visiting the site of the 1959 Clutter family homicide, on a Kansas research trip, accompanied by his close friend and colleague, author Harper Lee (Sandra Bullock). As Capote settles into the community, McGrath uses the preponderance of screen time to explore the emotional tapestry of Capote's increasingly risky emotional attachment to one of the two murderers, Perry Edward Smith (Daniel Craig), with whom he senses more than a few common bonds. McGrath weaves a decidedly bittersweet tale, contrasting the optimism and devil-may-care, "conquer all" attitude of Capote in his early years with a seemingly endless string of poor choices in the writer's later years, from addictions to drink and pills, to a failure to maintain healthy output as a writer, to poorly chosen romantic and sexual entanglements. Most significantly, however, McGrath reveals how the relationship with Smith virtually destroyed Capote as an artist and a human being, by inducing him to sell out on all levels to satisfy his lust for accomplishment and notoriety. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 26
Number of Lists: 13
Number of blog posts: 5
Number of discussion threads: 9
SpoutRating: 2
]]>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:29:56 GMTInfamous2006Douglas McGrathDouglas McGrath's Infamous represents the second major biopic about the avant-garde belletrist <a href="/players/P____84070/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Truman Capote</a> to be released within a year. It thus tells roughly the same story as <a href="/players/P___238370/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Bennett Miller</a>'s earlier <a href=/films/257133/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Capote</a>, recounting the events that belied the writer's six-year authorship of the seminal "nonfiction novel" In Cold Blood. The story opens with Capote (<a href="/players/P___267792/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Toby Jones</a>) visiting the site of the 1959 Clutter family homicide, on a Kansas research trip, accompanied by his close friend and colleague, author Harper Lee (<a href="/players/P_____9472/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Sandra Bullock</a>). As Capote settles into the community, McGrath uses the preponderance of screen time to explore the emotional tapestry of Capote's increasingly risky emotional attachment to one of the two murderers, Perry Edward Smith (<a href="/players/P____15549/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Daniel Craig</a>), with whom he senses more than a few common bonds. McGrath weaves a decidedly bittersweet tale, contrasting the optimism and devil-may-care, "conquer all" attitude of Capote in his early years with a seemingly endless string of poor choices in the writer's later years, from addictions to drink and pills, to a failure to maintain healthy output as a writer, to poorly chosen romantic and sexual entanglements. Most significantly, however, McGrath reveals how the relationship with Smith virtually destroyed Capote as an artist and a human being, by inducing him to sell out on all levels to satisfy his lust for accomplishment and notoriety. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide26Tag Target (>10)13592http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t93559ijso6.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Infamous/254617/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_August_17_Death_Row/625/43612/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: mercurial
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 8/18/2009 3:29:56 PM
Body: The Night of the Hunter - Not really about an execution, but the film centers around some money that the cellmate of a death row inmate overhears and takes upon himself to find upon his release. Sin City - The film that brought back Mickey Rourke from mediocrity. Not to give anything away but his character Marv was one fucking badass that just wouldn't die peacefully. Capote & Infamous - Both good films about the murders that took place in Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and the subsequent executions of the murderers. Elizabeth - The first act of the film centers on whether Elizabeth is going to be executed or become queen. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer - I believe the latter part of the film centered around an execution but all I remember is the bizarre orgy. Need to watch it again. Marie Antoinette - The one thing that got a lot of people mad about this film was the lack of any depiction of her execution. The Messenger - Again, doesn't get to the actual act, but nonetheless. Alice in Wonderland - OFF WITH HER HEAD! Salo - Kinda sorta fits the theme. A bunch of young girls and boys are kidnapped from the countryside and ritualistically tortured and executed. Worth checking out if you feel like vomiting. Dancer in the Dark - I love von Trier and Bjork but not so much together in this film. Definitely on my re-watch list. Starship Troopers - There is a particularly hilarious scene in the film where a murderers execution is going to be aired on live television.
]]>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:29:56 GMTmercurialWeekly Theme8/18/2009 3:29:56 PM The Night of the Hunter - Not really about an execution, but the film centers around some money that the cellmate of a death row inmate overhears and takes upon himself to find upon his release. Sin City - The film that brought back Mickey Rourke from mediocrity. Not to give anything away but his character Marv was one fucking badass that just wouldn't die peacefully. Capote &amp; Infamous - Both good films about the murders that took place in Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and the subsequent executions of the murderers. Elizabeth - The first act of the film centers on whether Elizabeth is going to be executed or become queen. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer - I believe the latter part of the film centered around an execution but all I remember is the bizarre orgy. Need to watch it again. Marie Antoinette - The one thing that got a lot of people mad about this film was the lack of any depiction of her execution. The Messenger - Again, doesn't get to the actual act, but nonetheless. Alice in Wonderland - OFF WITH HER HEAD! Salo - Kinda sorta fits the theme. A bunch of young girls and boys are kidnapped from the countryside and ritualistically tortured and executed. Worth checking out if you feel like vomiting. Dancer in the Dark - I love von Trier and Bjork but not so much together in this film. Definitely on my re-watch list. Starship Troopers - There is a particularly hilarious scene in the film where a murderers execution is going to be aired on live television. http://www.spout.com/blogs/hautecritique/archive/2009/8/14/43524.aspx Post By: hautecritique
Post To: The Haute Critique on Spout
Post Date: 8/14/2009 10:01:06 AM
Body: Hollywood likes to work in pairs. Baz Luhrman had to cancel his Alexander the Great movie because Oliver Stone beat him to production. A couple of years ago there were two Truman Capote biopics. I’m sure if your search your subconscious, you’ll remember skads more. We thought it would be fun to roll the clock back to Q1 of 2009 and watch such a pair. Two movies focusing on mall security guards (or officers?). Paul Blart: Mall Cop and the Seth Rogen starring Observe and Report. On the surface, these two movies appear to be completely different… and they are. One starring a network prime-time sitcom star, the other an Apatow first-teamer. The first would seem to be cotton candy, and the second… special brownies. We, of course, start with the brownies. Click here to view the embedded video. Observe and report is listed as a comedy. It is funny, but not funny ‘ha, ha’. It really isn’t funny ‘huh?’ either. The more I think about it, the less sure I am that it’s funny at all. in fact, I’m starting to wonder if that’s the point. Let me think about ‘the point’ more and get back to you… Click here to view the embedded video. On to Paul Blart, a kinder gentler film. Paul is a socially awkward man with an intellect much younger than his years. He takes his responsibilities seriously, and even his co-workers give him flak for that. He is still aspiring to be a real gun-toting man of the badge, but can’t quite hack the physical requirements. Based on the movie’s format and ironic soundtrack, viewers can be certain that he will overcome and emerge heroic. I won’t say that doesn’t happen, but I’m not one for spoilers. What does happen are instances of awkward delusions, social interactions that can only be explained with the help of an abnormal psych book and slapstick/fat jokes. Run through the standard filters, it teeters between hokey and jokey. Thumbs up or thumbs down depends on your mood, and possibly your bud. With a refresher halfway, through, it was more than bearable, but not something I’ll be repeating. What was more interesting about these two films was not their differences, but their similarities. Both cops are single, living with his mom, no dad, trying (and failing) to get a real law enforcement job, infatuated with a girl in the mall, overly serious about his job and unlucky in love. The similarities go way beyond that. From the opening credits all the way to the slogan painted on Paul Blart’s mall security bunker wall, part of Paul’s mission is to… wait for it…. ‘Observe and Report’. It really seems like both teams used the same research. And that is where things get Haute. Paul Blart is a nice guy. Much nicer than Seth Rogen’s Ronnie Barnhardt. But they have so many similarities, how are these films so different? One so light and one so dark. As I noodled on my cotton candy, the movies flipped. I started to feel that maybe Blart was more cruel than O&R. In O&R, the personal and psychological struggles are laid out in a ludicrous, but almost relatable way. I don’t see myself in Barnhardt, not in a long shot. I do, however, see someone. Blart is laid out as the tinseltown polished clown version. Set side by side, you feel that everyone is laughing at the disenfranchised and marginalized, only no one is laughing in O&R. “Oh my GOD. Look at the stupid Mall Cop. He is SO funny.” O&R certainly leads you down tried and true ‘Ha ha… he’s so pathetic’ paths, but just before the punch line, they drop the pedal to the floor and go well past the border. In at least one case (and maybe more than once) this reveals the director’s poor judgement. Other times, the shock can cut right to the core. The more I think of it, maybe the fact that Observe and Report is marketed as a comedy, but is not funny, hints at a heart. I find that hint intriguing. I am still mulling my true feelings, but I enjoy that part of the journey. Many out there have better uses for there free time than rehashing movies in their mind. Hopefully, you know what camp you are in. If you have the hankering for a disturbingly unfunny, but tightly wound movie, roll the fattest one you got and Observe and Report. If you would rather laugh at the misfortunes of a quasi-charming, but sad mall cop, I won’t steer you away from Paul Blart, but you might as well wait until they air it on TBS this Christmas. Related posts:Double Feature – The Rugged Individuals Originally posted on:The Haute Critique
]]>Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:01:06 GMThautecritiqueThe Haute Critique on Spout8/14/2009 10:01:06 AMHollywood likes to work in pairs. Baz Luhrman had to cancel his Alexander the Great movie because Oliver Stone beat him to production. A couple of years ago there were two Truman Capote biopics. I’m sure if your search your subconscious, you’ll remember skads more. We thought it would be fun to roll the clock back to Q1 of 2009 and watch such a pair. Two movies focusing on mall security guards (or officers?). Paul Blart: Mall Cop and the Seth Rogen starring Observe and Report. On the surface, these two movies appear to be completely different… and they are. One starring a network prime-time sitcom star, the other an Apatow first-teamer. The first would seem to be cotton candy, and the second… special brownies. We, of course, start with the brownies. Click here to view the embedded video. Observe and report is listed as a comedy. It is funny, but not funny ‘ha, ha’. It really isn’t funny ‘huh?’ either. The more I think about it, the less sure I am that it’s funny at all. in fact, I’m starting to wonder if that’s the point. Let me think about ‘the point’ more and get back to you… Click here to view the embedded video. On to Paul Blart, a kinder gentler film. Paul is a socially awkward man with an intellect much younger than his years. He takes his responsibilities seriously, and even his co-workers give him flak for that. He is still aspiring to be a real gun-toting man of the badge, but can’t quite hack the physical requirements. Based on the movie’s format and ironic soundtrack, viewers can be certain that he will overcome and emerge heroic. I won’t say that doesn’t happen, but I’m not one for spoilers. What does happen are instances of awkward delusions, social interactions that can only be explained with the help of an abnormal psych book and slapstick/fat jokes. Run through the standard filters, it teeters between hokey and jokey. Thumbs up or thumbs down depends on your mood, and possibly your bud. With a refresher halfway, through, it was more than bearable, but not something I’ll be repeating. What was more interesting about these two films was not their differences, but their similarities. Both cops are single, living with his mom, no dad, trying (and failing) to get a real law enforcement job, infatuated with a girl in the mall, overly serious about his job and unlucky in love. The similarities go way beyond that. From the opening credits all the way to the slogan painted on Paul Blart’s mall security bunker wall, part of Paul’s mission is to… wait for it…. ‘Observe and Report’. It really seems like both teams used the same research. And that is where things get Haute. Paul Blart is a nice guy. Much nicer than Seth Rogen’s Ronnie Barnhardt. But they have so many similarities, how are these films so different? One so light and one so dark. As I noodled on my cotton candy, the movies flipped. I started to feel that maybe Blart was more cruel than O&R. In O&R, the personal and psychological struggles are laid out in a ludicrous, but almost relatable way. I don’t see myself in Barnhardt, not in a long shot. I do, however, see someone. Blart is laid out as the tinseltown polished clown version. Set side by side, you feel that everyone is laughing at the disenfranchised and marginalized, only no one is laughing in O&R. “Oh my GOD. Look at the stupid Mall Cop. He is SO funny.” O&R certainly leads you down tried and true ‘Ha ha… he’s so pathetic’ paths, but just before the punch line, they drop the pedal to the floor and go well past the border. In at least one case (and maybe more than once) this reveals the director’s poor judgement. Other times, the shock can cut right to the core. The more I think of it, maybe the fact that Observe and Report is marketed as a comedy, but is not funny, hints at a heart. I find that hint intriguing. I am still mulling my true feelings, but I enjoy that part of the journey. Many out there have better uses for there free time than rehashing movies in their mind. Hopefully, you know what camp you are in. If you have the hankering for a disturbingly unfunny, but tightly wound movie, roll the fattest one you got and Observe and Report. If you would rather laugh at the misfortunes of a quasi-charming, but sad mall cop, I won’t steer you away from Paul Blart, but you might as well wait until they air it on TBS this Christmas. Related posts:Double Feature – The Rugged Individuals Originally posted on:The Haute Critique http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/7/24/33020.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 7/24/2008 11:01:19 AM
Body: Earlier this year, I thought that it was way too late for a Sex and the City movie. But then it made a ton of cash, so I guess I was wrong. Still, I’m going to continue similarly thinking it’s too late for another X-Files movie. And even if I’m proven wrong and the masses get out to theaters this weekend in search of the truth, I’ll keep on believing that X-Files: I Want to Believe is way past its time. To celebrate Mulder and Scully’s tardiness, here are 10 other movies that came out too late: The Godfather Part III (Released in: 1990; Should have been released in: 1976) - Never mind the fact that had this third installment been made years earlier, Sofia Coppola wouldn’t have been cast and therefore wouldn’t have given her terribly infamous performance. The more important matter is that sequels arriving more than a decade after the previous installment are almost always doomed. The longer the wait, the higher the expectations, and the greater the disappointment. Of course, not everyone agrees that it was also too late for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Live Free or Die Hard, Rambo, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, etc. Snakes on a Plane (Released in: 2006; Should have been released in: 2005) - By the time it finally hit theaters, there was already a major backlash to the hype behind SoaP, and that backlash was apparently well-deserved when audiences saw just how lame the movie ended up being. It was an early indicator that a lot of internet buzz and popular viral marketing does not necessarily equal a lot of money at the box office. More than a year later, though, fears of another SoaP-like disappointment came with the hype behind Cloverfield, yet the monster movie fared much better. Of course, no movie seemed to be more ridiculous a web sensation than The Dark Knight, the record-breaking success of which could still prompt more SoaP-type disasters in the future. Home on the Range (Released in: 2004; Should have been released in: 1994) - When you Google the words “ill-timed” “release” and “film”, this is the first thing that comes up, probably because it’s legendary for marking the (temporary) end of 2-D Disney animation. It actually came out almost a decade after the first Pixar feature signaled the doomed future of these kinds of films, and a number of 2-D animations were actually quite successful in that ten years. But Home on the Range is notable for both having begun preproduction before the release of the first Toy Story and for having been announced as the last traditionally animated Disney feature. Now, of course, the studio has changed its mind, so we’ll just have to see if Home on the Range was indeed too late or simply too bad. Infamous (Released in: 2006; Should have been released in: 2005) - One of many unfortunate movies to come out on the heels of another film dealing with the same subject. Similarly late, similarly redundant efforts include Deep Impact, Mars Attacks!, Volcano, The Forbidden Dance, Red Planet, Wyatt Earp and Valmont. But Infamous seemed more the loser of its race because of Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s Oscar win for Capote. The Simpsons Movie (Released in: 2007; Should have been released in: 1997) - It may be funny enough, but this movie still suffered a bit from being past the TV series’ prime. A lot more people would have been a lot more excited about the spin-off if it had come out ten years earlier. The Onion Movie (Released in 2008; Should have been released in: 2003) - Should this not be included because it actually never came out in theaters in the U.S.? Whatever. I’m still accepting it as one of the worst examples of shelving a film for way too long. From the unbearable bits I attempted to watch, the jokes were quite dated, though I have to admit they might not have been all that funny when (mostly) filmed five years ago. As an alternate, in case you don’t accept this title: The Adventures of Pluto Nash, which was also shelved for a few years, but which was probably made too late anyway. Get Smart (Released in 2008; Should have been released in: 1978) - When it opened earlier this summer, I wrote a list about how this movie was obsolete before it was even made. Check out those 10 reasons here. Eyes Wide Shut (Released in: 1999; Should have been released in: 1998) - It may still have been received as poorly, but if this film had been able to be finished and to come out before Stanley Kubrick’s death, it might have at least been a stronger work. Angela’s Ashes (Released in: 1999; Should have been released in: 1995) - How long is too late for a film adaptation of a best-selling book? Considering there are still successful movies based on works such as “The Iliad” and “Beowulf”, there’s apparently no limit. But for some reason this cinematic version of Frank McCourt’s wildly popular memoir bombed at the box office. I guess compared to those early works, “Angela’s Ashes” had been read by everyone in America by the time the movie arrived, and few of its fans needed to go through the depressing events a second time. Glitter (Released in: 2001; Should have been released in: 1991) - Maybe if it had opened before 9/11, as it was supposed to, instead of directly following the tragedy. Or, better yet, maybe if it had opened in the mid ’90s before people stopped giving a damn about Mariah, it wouldn’t have bombed so horribly. Actually, because Mariah eventually became popular again, and thanks to VH1, so did the 1980s, Glitter may also be considered a movie that was too early. Perhaps one day it can find success as a Broadway show, a la Xanadu. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:01:19 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com7/24/2008 11:01:19 AM Earlier this year, I thought that it was way too late for a Sex and the City movie. But then it made a ton of cash, so I guess I was wrong. Still, I’m going to continue similarly thinking it’s too late for another X-Files movie. And even if I’m proven wrong and the masses get out to theaters this weekend in search of the truth, I’ll keep on believing that X-Files: I Want to Believe is way past its time. To celebrate Mulder and Scully’s tardiness, here are 10 other movies that came out too late: The Godfather Part III (Released in: 1990; Should have been released in: 1976) - Never mind the fact that had this third installment been made years earlier, Sofia Coppola wouldn’t have been cast and therefore wouldn’t have given her terribly infamous performance. The more important matter is that sequels arriving more than a decade after the previous installment are almost always doomed. The longer the wait, the higher the expectations, and the greater the disappointment. Of course, not everyone agrees that it was also too late for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Live Free or Die Hard, Rambo, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, etc. Snakes on a Plane (Released in: 2006; Should have been released in: 2005) - By the time it finally hit theaters, there was already a major backlash to the hype behind SoaP, and that backlash was apparently well-deserved when audiences saw just how lame the movie ended up being. It was an early indicator that a lot of internet buzz and popular viral marketing does not necessarily equal a lot of money at the box office. More than a year later, though, fears of another SoaP-like disappointment came with the hype behind Cloverfield, yet the monster movie fared much better. Of course, no movie seemed to be more ridiculous a web sensation than The Dark Knight, the record-breaking success of which could still prompt more SoaP-type disasters in the future. Home on the Range (Released in: 2004; Should have been released in: 1994) - When you Google the words “ill-timed” “release” and “film”, this is the first thing that comes up, probably because it’s legendary for marking the (temporary) end of 2-D Disney animation. It actually came out almost a decade after the first Pixar feature signaled the doomed future of these kinds of films, and a number of 2-D animations were actually quite successful in that ten years. But Home on the Range is notable for both having begun preproduction before the release of the first Toy Story and for having been announced as the last traditionally animated Disney feature. Now, of course, the studio has changed its mind, so we’ll just have to see if Home on the Range was indeed too late or simply too bad. Infamous (Released in: 2006; Should have been released in: 2005) - One of many unfortunate movies to come out on the heels of another film dealing with the same subject. Similarly late, similarly redundant efforts include Deep Impact, Mars Attacks!, Volcano, The Forbidden Dance, Red Planet, Wyatt Earp and Valmont. But Infamous seemed more the loser of its race because of Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s Oscar win for Capote. The Simpsons Movie (Released in: 2007; Should have been released in: 1997) - It may be funny enough, but this movie still suffered a bit from being past the TV series’ prime. A lot more people would have been a lot more excited about the spin-off if it had come out ten years earlier. The Onion Movie (Released in 2008; Should have been released in: 2003) - Should this not be included because it actually never came out in theaters in the U.S.? Whatever. I’m still accepting it as one of the worst examples of shelving a film for way too long. From the unbearable bits I attempted to watch, the jokes were quite dated, though I have to admit they might not have been all that funny when (mostly) filmed five years ago. As an alternate, in case you don’t accept this title: The Adventures of Pluto Nash, which was also shelved for a few years, but which was probably made too late anyway. Get Smart (Released in 2008; Should have been released in: 1978) - When it opened earlier this summer, I wrote a list about how this movie was obsolete before it was even made. Check out those 10 reasons here. Eyes Wide Shut (Released in: 1999; Should have been released in: 1998) - It may still have been received as poorly, but if this film had been able to be finished and to come out before Stanley Kubrick’s death, it might have at least been a stronger work. Angela’s Ashes (Released in: 1999; Should have been released in: 1995) - How long is too late for a film adaptation of a best-selling book? Considering there are still successful movies based on works such as “The Iliad” and “Beowulf”, there’s apparently no limit. But for some reason this cinematic version of Frank McCourt’s wildly popular memoir bombed at the box office. I guess compared to those early works, “Angela’s Ashes” had been read by everyone in America by the time the movie arrived, and few of its fans needed to go through the depressing events a second time. Glitter (Released in: 2001; Should have been released in: 1991) - Maybe if it had opened before 9/11, as it was supposed to, instead of directly following the tragedy. Or, better yet, maybe if it had opened in the mid ’90s before people stopped giving a damn about Mariah, it wouldn’t have bombed so horribly. Actually, because Mariah eventually became popular again, and thanks to VH1, so did the 1980s, Glitter may also be considered a movie that was too early. Perhaps one day it can find success as a Broadway show, a la Xanadu. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmspotting/top_5_movies_of_2006/304/16802/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: lukasblu
Post To: Filmspotting
Post Date: 7/29/2007 7:15:04 AM
Body: your 10 most favorite movies (theatrical)released in 2006:mine are :The Departed (2006), blood diamond (2006), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Infamous (2006), School for Scoundrels (2006) , Notes on a Scandal (2006), Mini's First Time (2006) Apocalypto (2006) , Sleeping Dogs Lie (2006), Miss Potter (2006)
]]>Sun, 29 Jul 2007 11:15:04 GMTlukasbluFilmspotting7/29/2007 7:15:04 AMyour 10 most favorite movies (theatrical)released in 2006:mine are :The Departed (2006), blood diamond (2006), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Infamous (2006), School for Scoundrels (2006) , Notes on a Scandal (2006), Mini&#39;s First Time (2006) Apocalypto (2006) , Sleeping Dogs Lie (2006), Miss Potter (2006) http://www.spout.com/blogs/moviebabe/archive/2007/7/19/15363.aspx Post By: MovieBabe
Post To: MovieBabe Blog
Post Date: 7/19/2007 10:27:00 PM
Body: By Tricia Olszewski How do you like your murder investigations to be served up—darkly, or with generous dashes of merriment? Infamous, or Capote No. 2, retells the story of last year’s Oscar-winning film about the researching and writing of Truman Capote’s “nonfiction novel” In Cold Blood. Writer-director Douglas McGrath, working off of George Plimpton’s oral biography Truman Capote: In Which Various Friends, Enemies, Acquaintances, and Detractors Recall His Turbulent Career, infuses his movie with the gossipy spirit of Plimpton’s book. But the arc of both films is largely the same, even if their tones are as antithetical as the real and purported motives behind Capote’s visits to his incarcerated subjects. Diminutive and little-known British actor Toby Jones plays Capote, and he therefore arguably has more success bringing the author to life than the previous biopic’s star, Philip Seymour Hoffman. With Hoffman’s bulk and baritone disguised, his portrayal feels more like a studied mimicking than an effortless slip, whereas Jones’ doesn’t betray any acclimation. Here, the arrogant New Yorker is decidedly more effeminate—amusingly wearing furs and, once, a cowboy outfit that could pass for a Halloween costume—and McGrath places the character more often in his usual man-about-town habitats. And regarding Truman’s odd high pitch, the film shows Gore Vidal (Michael Panes) telling an interviewer, “To anyone lucky enough to have never heard his voice, I’d say, ‘Think of what a Brussels sprout would sound like, if a Brussels sprout could talk.’” Jones channels the vegetable rather well. Infamous begins with scenes of plentiful drinks and socializing, then shows a series of Truman’s fellow revelers—Diana Vreeland (Juliet Stevenson), Slim Keith (Hope Davis)—talking about him to an off-screen interviewer. One-on-one, everybody is slick Truman’s “dearest friend,” but his closest confidant is To Kill a Mockingbird author Nelle Harper Lee. (A Southern-accented Sandra Bullock takes the place of Capote’s Catherine Keener, whose portrayal is plainer and more sensitive.) To the backdrop of a bouncy score, Nelle accompanies Truman to small-town Kansas, where the gruesome, baffling murder of a farming family compels him to investigate the case for a possible article. Once there, Nelle and Truman—who is once mistaken for a woman—have to battle for information from both the townspeople and stubborn police Inspector Alvin Dewey (a quietly commanding Jeff Daniels). McGrath’s version of In Cold Blood’s birth is affecting despite its tendency toward frivolity. And the script and visual details do eventually turn the mood: Kansas’ empty skyline and closeups of blue plumes of cigarette smoke, at once beautiful and melancholy; a neighbor’s recounting that “it was strange going out [to the victims’ home], knowing what was waiting for us.” After the two murderers are caught, Truman eventually wins access to them, becoming especially close to Perry Smith (Daniel Craig), whose artistic nature belies his vicious actions. Craig’s performance is winning, lending the criminal more passion, charisma, and all-around humanity than does Clifton Collins Jr.’s turn in Capote. Yet it becomes clear that neither the crime nor the criminals are as important to Truman as how sensational his book will be—which, actually, makes all of the previous high spirits and festivities an excellent setup for this strike. Not much fun goes on in A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, an autobiographical film that’s mostly set in 1986 Queens, worlds away from the glitz of Truman Capote’s mid-century Manhattan. First-time writer-director Dito Montiel adapted the screenplay from his own book, and as the movie opens, a grown, fictional Dito is doing a reading. He tells the audience he wants to emphasize that these characters are real. He also mentions a few people who are going to die, then assures that he’s not really giving anything away: “A whole lotta other shit’s going to happen first.” And how. Montiel’s often gripping debut is framed by the older Dito (Robert Downey Jr.), who’s been living in California for the past 20 years, returning home when his dad, Monty (Chazz Palminteri), becomes sick. Dito’s neither visited nor spoken to his parents since he left, but his gentle mother, Flori (Dianne Wiest), begs him to come back and persuade his father to go to the hospital. Dito is visibly uncomfortable as he walks around his old neighborhood and chats with a couple of friends. Then Montiel delves into the memories, and, well, they’re not so good. Shia LaBeouf, in a terrific, subtle performance, plays the teenage Dito, who mainly walks the street with his troublemaking buddies. They sometimes hang out at the chaotic but warm Montiel home, where Monty greets the kids as if he’s one of the guys and is particularly partial to the towering Antonio (Step Up’s Channing Tatum). Monty seems blissfully ignorant of the reality of their daily lives—especially that Antonio is the biggest thug of them all. Even the girls, including Dito’s steady, Laurie (Melonie Diaz), aren’t afraid of running their mouths or fighting whoever’s crossed them. Visceral violence, accidental deaths, family turbulence, revenge—yet, sad to say, surprisingly no drugs—among the friends repeat themselves throughout the film’s slight narrative. The flashbacks of that one year make up the bulk of Recognizing Your Saints, and though their meandering presentation is arguably a reflection of an adult’s childhood recollections, the disjointedness is one of the movie’s weaknesses. Most egregiously, there’s a storyline about a slightly crazy dog walker who outsources his duties to Dito and a friend that serves only to pad out the 98-minute film. Montiel also gets arty: Some flourishes are beautiful, such as the white lights of the city and the Brooklyn Bridge against an impenetrable night sky. Others tend toward the melodramatic, such as dark, silent frames spliced into a scene of a shouting match so intense an emergency ensues. But the heart of Recognizing Your Saints is how these experiences affected Dito and made him flee clear across the country—and Montiel’s personal investment and the blessing of a talented cast make the story gut-wrenching. A father’s great love is distilled into “You’re not going anywhere, Dito.” Downey, even without a lot of screen time, skillfully exhibits the angst of an estranged son, as well as the shitty self-image that’s resulted from both his friends and his conscience condemning him for angrily cutting off all ties. The real tragedy is that the young Dito tried to do things right, to make his dad understand that his life had twisted from rebellious kicks to matters of life and death. But Monty only reassured him that nothing bad could happen: “You’re just kids, Dito. You’re just kids.”
]]>Fri, 20 Jul 2007 02:27:00 GMTMovieBabeMovieBabe Blog7/19/2007 10:27:00 PM By Tricia Olszewski How do you like your murder investigations to be served up&mdash;darkly, or with generous dashes of merriment? Infamous, or Capote No. 2, retells the story of last year&rsquo;s Oscar-winning film about the researching and writing of Truman Capote&rsquo;s &ldquo;nonfiction novel&rdquo; In Cold Blood. Writer-director Douglas McGrath, working off of George Plimpton&rsquo;s oral biography Truman Capote: In Which Various Friends, Enemies, Acquaintances, and Detractors Recall His Turbulent Career, infuses his movie with the gossipy spirit of Plimpton&rsquo;s book. But the arc of both films is largely the same, even if their tones are as antithetical as the real and purported motives behind Capote&rsquo;s visits to his incarcerated subjects. Diminutive and little-known British actor Toby Jones plays Capote, and he therefore arguably has more success bringing the author to life than the previous biopic&rsquo;s star, Philip Seymour Hoffman. With Hoffman&rsquo;s bulk and baritone disguised, his portrayal feels more like a studied mimicking than an effortless slip, whereas Jones&rsquo; doesn&rsquo;t betray any acclimation. Here, the arrogant New Yorker is decidedly more effeminate&mdash;amusingly wearing furs and, once, a cowboy outfit that could pass for a Halloween costume&mdash;and McGrath places the character more often in his usual man-about-town habitats. And regarding Truman&rsquo;s odd high pitch, the film shows Gore Vidal (Michael Panes) telling an interviewer, &ldquo;To anyone lucky enough to have never heard his voice, I&rsquo;d say, &lsquo;Think of what a Brussels sprout would sound like, if a Brussels sprout could talk.&rsquo;&rdquo; Jones channels the vegetable rather well. Infamous begins with scenes of plentiful drinks and socializing, then shows a series of Truman&rsquo;s fellow revelers&mdash;Diana Vreeland (Juliet Stevenson), Slim Keith (Hope Davis)&mdash;talking about him to an off-screen interviewer. One-on-one, everybody is slick Truman&rsquo;s &ldquo;dearest friend,&rdquo; but his closest confidant is To Kill a Mockingbird author Nelle Harper Lee. (A Southern-accented Sandra Bullock takes the place of Capote&rsquo;s Catherine Keener, whose portrayal is plainer and more sensitive.) To the backdrop of a bouncy score, Nelle accompanies Truman to small-town Kansas, where the gruesome, baffling murder of a farming family compels him to investigate the case for a possible article. Once there, Nelle and Truman&mdash;who is once mistaken for a woman&mdash;have to battle for information from both the townspeople and stubborn police Inspector Alvin Dewey (a quietly commanding Jeff Daniels). McGrath&rsquo;s version of In Cold Blood&rsquo;s birth is affecting despite its tendency toward frivolity. And the script and visual details do eventually turn the mood: Kansas&rsquo; empty skyline and closeups of blue plumes of cigarette smoke, at once beautiful and melancholy; a neighbor&rsquo;s recounting that &ldquo;it was strange going out [to the victims&rsquo; home], knowing what was waiting for us.&rdquo; After the two murderers are caught, Truman eventually wins access to them, becoming especially close to Perry Smith (Daniel Craig), whose artistic nature belies his vicious actions. Craig&rsquo;s performance is winning, lending the criminal more passion, charisma, and all-around humanity than does Clifton Collins Jr.&rsquo;s turn in Capote. Yet it becomes clear that neither the crime nor the criminals are as important to Truman as how sensational his book will be&mdash;which, actually, makes all of the previous high spirits and festivities an excellent setup for this strike. Not much fun goes on in A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, an autobiographical film that&rsquo;s mostly set in 1986 Queens, worlds away from the glitz of Truman Capote&rsquo;s mid-century Manhattan. First-time writer-director Dito Montiel adapted the screenplay from his own book, and as the movie opens, a grown, fictional Dito is doing a reading. He tells the audience he wants to emphasize that these characters are real. He also mentions a few people who are going to die, then assures that he&rsquo;s not really giving anything away: &ldquo;A whole lotta other shit&rsquo;s going to happen first.&rdquo; And how. Montiel&rsquo;s often gripping debut is framed by the older Dito (Robert Downey Jr.), who&rsquo;s been living in California for the past 20 years, returning home when his dad, Monty (Chazz Palminteri), becomes sick. Dito&rsquo;s neither visited nor spoken to his parents since he left, but his gentle mother, Flori (Dianne Wiest), begs him to come back and persuade his father to go to the hospital. Dito is visibly uncomfortable as he walks around his old neighborhood and chats with a couple of friends. Then Montiel delves into the memories, and, well, they&rsquo;re not so good. Shia LaBeouf, in a terrific, subtle performance, plays the teenage Dito, who mainly walks the street with his troublemaking buddies. They sometimes hang out at the chaotic but warm Montiel home, where Monty greets the kids as if he&rsquo;s one of the guys and is particularly partial to the towering Antonio (Step Up&rsquo;s Channing Tatum). Monty seems blissfully ignorant of the reality of their daily lives&mdash;especially that Antonio is the biggest thug of them all. Even the girls, including Dito&rsquo;s steady, Laurie (Melonie Diaz), aren&rsquo;t afraid of running their mouths or fighting whoever&rsquo;s crossed them. Visceral violence, accidental deaths, family turbulence, revenge&mdash;yet, sad to say, surprisingly no drugs&mdash;among the friends repeat themselves throughout the film&rsquo;s slight narrative. The flashbacks of that one year make up the bulk of Recognizing Your Saints, and though their meandering presentation is arguably a reflection of an adult&rsquo;s childhood recollections, the disjointedness is one of the movie&rsquo;s weaknesses. Most egregiously, there&rsquo;s a storyline about a slightly crazy dog walker who outsources his duties to Dito and a friend that serves only to pad out the 98-minute film. Montiel also gets arty: Some flourishes are beautiful, such as the white lights of the city and the Brooklyn Bridge against an impenetrable night sky. Others tend toward the melodramatic, such as dark, silent frames spliced into a scene of a shouting match so intense an emergency ensues. But the heart of Recognizing Your Saints is how these experiences affected Dito and made him flee clear across the country&mdash;and Montiel&rsquo;s personal investment and the blessing of a talented cast make the story gut-wrenching. A father&rsquo;s great love is distilled into &ldquo;You&rsquo;re not going anywhere, Dito.&rdquo; Downey, even without a lot of screen time, skillfully exhibits the angst of an estranged son, as well as the shitty self-image that&rsquo;s resulted from both his friends and his conscience condemning him for angrily cutting off all ties. The real tragedy is that the young Dito tried to do things right, to make his dad understand that his life had twisted from rebellious kicks to matters of life and death. But Monty only reassured him that nothing bad could happen: &ldquo;You&rsquo;re just kids, Dito. You&rsquo;re just kids.&rdquo; http://www.spout.com/groups/Queer_Cinema/Re_most_overrated_gay_movie/318/14753/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: lukasblu
Post To: Queer Cinema
Post Date: 7/15/2007 5:41:31 PM
Body: "One of the most underrated gay movies in recent history is INFAMOUS. Screw Capote! Infamous was wonderful and really got into the heart of the relationship between Truman Copote and Perry" Just saw this movie today and i agree with everything you said.(sorry for the spoilers{for those who have not seen the movie} but i just wanted to mention my fave scenes)I loved a lot of the jail scenes with truman and perry.My fave jail scenes are when truman asks perry to go to the corner of the cell and truman whispers/softly talks to perry in calming down,almost a meditation;The proximity between perry and truman was so close that i thought , that truman was going to make a move/pass to perry but he did not.Anothr jail scene i liked is when perry accuses truman of being a liar due to the title of his book(Cold Blooded).At first i thought,perry was seriously going to beat him up and then i thought perry was definitely going to rape truman but he did not .What perry did was definitely scare truman and given him an inside look was humiliation feels like.Something perry felt when he heard the title of the book from one of the guards.The third jail scene i liked was the conversation between truman and perry about what is punishment?My fave quote (by perry)is "I'll tell you what punishment is for me.It's hoping theres someone for you. And after yrs. of no one, you find him and you can't have him." Very touching scene!!Other scenes i liked is when dick got hanged ,and he was not quite dead yet.The doctor repeatedly checked his pulse for signs of life .And dewy kept looking at his watch .It took over 25 minutes for dick to die and truman was beginning to look distraught. I felt disturbed with the scene To a lighter note, a funny scene i liked is when harper and truman approaches perry's home and harper hands perry's wife a housewarming christmas present.Truman says the present is a fruitcake, not me(not a direct quote)I liked the movie so much that i saw it again with the directors commentary;Very lively and informative commentary there's only 1 small thing i did not like about the movie,i did not like gwyneth paltrows dress at the beginning of the movie;it looks like gold giftwrapped wallpaper on her body;It looked liked the dress did not fit her well and the gold-bow-front -bustier looked like it was coming off her chest. But overall,the movie is generally greatthe movie reminded me a bit about a jail flick i saw a couple mths ago.It is called jailbait(2004) with micheal pitt and stephen adly guirgis.It is about two prisoners,a seasoned prisoner sentenced for life for murder and a newbie prisoner sentenced for 25 yrs. for car theft(25 yrs.because of the 3 strike law and probably because of not a very good lawyer)and their relationship as cellmates.Infamous is still a better movie than this because it gets more through the heart of the character(what they feel ,and what they think)and a more original script compared to jailbait but it is worth a honorary mention for movies about homsexual jail relations
]]>Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:41:31 GMTlukasbluQueer Cinema7/15/2007 5:41:31 PM "One of the most underrated gay movies in recent history is INFAMOUS. Screw Capote! Infamous was wonderful and really got into the heart of the relationship between Truman Copote and Perry" Just saw this movie today and i agree with everything you said.(sorry for the spoilers{for those who have not seen the movie} but i just wanted to mention my fave scenes)I loved a lot of the jail scenes with truman and perry.My fave jail scenes are when truman asks perry to go to the corner of the cell and truman whispers/softly talks to perry in calming down,almost a meditation;The proximity between perry and truman was so close that i thought , that truman was going to make a move/pass to perry but he did not.Anothr jail scene i liked is when perry accuses truman of being a liar due to the title of his book(Cold Blooded).At first i thought,perry was seriously going to beat him up and then i thought perry was definitely going to rape truman but he did not .What perry did was definitely scare truman and given him an inside look was humiliation feels like.Something perry felt when he heard the title of the book from one of the guards.The third jail scene i liked was the conversation between truman and perry about what is punishment?My fave quote (by perry)is "I&#39;ll tell you what punishment is for me.It&#39;s hoping theres someone for you. And after yrs. of no one, you find him and you can&#39;t have him." Very touching scene!!Other scenes i liked is when dick got hanged ,and he was not quite dead yet.The doctor repeatedly checked his pulse for signs of life .And dewy kept looking at his watch .It took over 25 minutes for dick to die and truman was beginning to look distraught. I felt disturbed with the scene To a lighter note, a funny scene i liked is when harper and truman approaches perry&#39;s home and harper hands perry&#39;s wife a housewarming christmas present.Truman says the present is a fruitcake, not me(not a direct quote)I liked the movie so much that i saw it again with the directors commentary;Very lively and informative commentary there&#39;s only 1 small thing i did not like about the movie,i did not like gwyneth paltrows dress at the beginning of the movie;it looks like gold giftwrapped wallpaper on her body;It looked liked the dress did not fit her well and the gold-bow-front -bustier looked like it was coming off her chest. But overall,the movie is generally greatthe movie reminded me a bit about a jail flick i saw a couple mths ago.It is called jailbait(2004) with micheal pitt and stephen adly guirgis.It is about two prisoners,a seasoned prisoner sentenced for life for murder and a newbie prisoner sentenced for 25 yrs. for car theft(25 yrs.because of the 3 strike law and probably because of not a very good lawyer)and their relationship as cellmates.Infamous is still a better movie than this because it gets more through the heart of the character(what they feel ,and what they think)and a more original script compared to jailbait but it is worth a honorary mention for movies about homsexual jail relations http://www.spout.com/groups/Queer_Cinema/Re_most_overrated_gay_movie/318/13747/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: lukasblu
Post To: Queer Cinema
Post Date: 7/12/2007 5:21:53 PM
Body: "Unfortunately still haven't seen Infamous, definitely on my short list of to see films"I second that!!! discussions about this flick make me curious enough to put this movie on my queue or maybe just renting it instore after i finish watching a couple of online rented movies(to exchange in blockbuster)"Adam & Steve"-i will add this to my queue toothanks
]]>Thu, 12 Jul 2007 21:21:53 GMTlukasbluQueer Cinema7/12/2007 5:21:53 PM"Unfortunately still haven't seen Infamous, definitely on my short list of to see films"I second that!!! discussions about this flick make me curious enough to put this movie on my queue or maybe just renting it instore after i finish watching a couple of online rented movies(to exchange in blockbuster)"Adam &amp; Steve"-i will add this to my queue toothanks http://www.spout.com/groups/Queer_Cinema/Re_most_overrated_gay_movie/318/13473/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: unemployedwaif
Post To: Queer Cinema
Post Date: 7/8/2007 11:21:29 PM
Body: Hehe, awesome, I love debates!About Kissing Jessica Stein. As I've stated before in a post about coming out of the closet, I felt that Kissing Jessica Stein was a good movie. I know from the aspect of a queer audience viewing it the film does get reach that point of "oh gosh . . ." but I do have to say that it is what it is and it is a well made romantic comedy that showcases a queer subject matter in a positive light. I think that depending on ones station they will perceive it differently, i.e. - how I was able to relate to the coming out process of the films main character and the struggle to accept her newfound sexuality because I was getting to do the same at the same time I viewed the film. But I also can understand how others might view it in a negative light.Imagine Me & You was just alright in my opinion. I suppose the sitution and wedding scenario was just unidentifiable to me and left me rather blaise about the film in general. Not that it was bad, just not for me.Totally agree about Another Gay Movie. It was definitely just going for the gay American Pie and nothing more. But granted, I laughed just as much as American Pie but was finally able to identify a lot more. So I loved it.Adam & Steve, again totally agree. Great romantic/gross-out comedy.Unfortunately still haven't seen Infamous, definitely on my short list of to see films.YES! She's The Man is hilarious!
]]>Mon, 09 Jul 2007 03:21:29 GMTunemployedwaifQueer Cinema7/8/2007 11:21:29 PMHehe, awesome, I love debates!About Kissing Jessica Stein. As I've stated before in a post about coming out of the closet, I felt that Kissing Jessica Stein was a good movie. I know from the aspect of a queer audience viewing it the film does get reach that point of "oh gosh . . ." but I do have to say that it is what it is and it is a well made romantic comedy that showcases a queer subject matter in a positive light. I think that depending on ones station they will perceive it differently, i.e. - how I was able to relate to the coming out process of the films main character and the struggle to accept her newfound sexuality because I was getting to do the same at the same time I viewed the film. But I also can understand how others might view it in a negative light.Imagine Me &amp; You was just alright in my opinion. I suppose the sitution and wedding scenario was just unidentifiable to me and left me rather blaise about the film in general. Not that it was bad, just not for me.Totally agree about Another Gay Movie. It was definitely just going for the gay American Pie and nothing more. But granted, I laughed just as much as American Pie but was finally able to identify a lot more. So I loved it.Adam &amp; Steve, again totally agree. Great romantic/gross-out comedy.Unfortunately still haven't seen Infamous, definitely on my short list of to see films.YES! She's The Man is hilarious! http://www.spout.com/blogs/ravie13/archive/2007/7/8/13417.aspx Post By: Ravie13
Post To: Ravie13 Blog
Post Date: 7/8/2007 7:07:01 AM
Body: I saw and loved INFAMOUS but reserved my final judgement until I finally watched CAPOTE. Capote was good... but it is UNFAIR UNFAIR UNFAIR. INFAMOUS is ten times the movie Capote was! I watched Infamous and it was on my mind for days... it was so touching... it had so much heart and love. Capote was an empty shell. Capote hinted at love while Infamous showed you why we should love Truman, why we should love Nell Harper Lee and why we should feel heartbroken when Perry died! To sum it up ... Capote watered down all of it's gay content. Infamous is where the love is.
]]>Sun, 08 Jul 2007 11:07:01 GMTRavie13Ravie13 Blog7/8/2007 7:07:01 AMI saw and loved INFAMOUS but reserved my final judgement until I finally watched CAPOTE. Capote was good... but it is UNFAIR UNFAIR UNFAIR. INFAMOUS is ten times the movie Capote was! I watched Infamous and it was on my mind for days... it was so touching... it had so much heart and love. Capote was an empty shell. Capote hinted at love while Infamous showed you why we should love Truman, why we should love Nell Harper Lee and why we should feel heartbroken when Perry died! To sum it up ... Capote watered down all of it's gay content. Infamous is where the love is. http://www.spout.com/blogs/nancan/archive/2007/2/23/5718.aspx Post By: NANCAN
Post To: NANCAN Blog
Post Date: 2/23/2007 5:07:00 PM
Body: I think I've seen all the major films regarding the Clutter murders including the poor remake of "In Cold Blood" with Eric Roberts and Anthony Edwards ... and I thought this film was going to be in the same category when compared to "Capote". First of all, I really, really like Phillip Seymour Hoffman and thought he definitely deserved his Oscar .... but I really wish he'd received it for "Boggie Nights" and that "Infamous" had come out in another year because Toby Jones IS the very best Capote I have ever seen. This Capote is one very talented and troubled man, all wrapped in a wry, cynical, hilarious and campy outside persona. Not only does Toby Jones physically resemble Capote, he's captured what makes him the worthy subject matter of two films. Different from "Capote", "Infamous" shows you who Capote was before and after writing "In Cold Blood". Capote may have used and abused the two murderers for his book, but it cannot be denied that the many years it took to create his "novel based on fact" didn't take a serious toll on him. The details of how he actually wrote the book, wording phrases by bouncing them off his friends, is particularly interesting. I loved the interviews with his socialite friends, particularly Juliet Stevenson's terrific portrayal of Diana Vreeland. What petty people they were! This film suggests a more complex relationship between Capote and Perry Smith, which most probably was the case since Smith actually left Capote all his worldly belongings when he was executed. Hoffman's Capote was out of place in Holcomb, Kansas ... by the Jones Capote stood out like a neon sign ... and his dialogue about this reality is simply wonderful. Supporting cast includes Sandra Bullock (finally in something worth watching) as Harper Lee, Bogdanovich as Capote's agent, Jeff Daniels as the DA and Signorney Weaver as Babe Paley complement Jones as Capote very nicely indeed. The only flaw of this film would be the casting of Mark Ruffalo as a beefy Perry Smith, but who could top Robert Blake's unforgettable performance anyway?
]]>Fri, 23 Feb 2007 22:07:00 GMTNANCANNANCAN Blog2/23/2007 5:07:00 PMI think I&#39;ve seen all the major films regarding the Clutter murders including the poor remake of "In Cold Blood" with Eric Roberts and Anthony Edwards ... and I thought this film was going to be in the same category when compared to "Capote". First of all, I really, really like Phillip Seymour Hoffman and thought he definitely deserved his Oscar .... but I really wish he&#39;d received it for "Boggie Nights" and that "Infamous" had come out in another year because Toby Jones IS the very best Capote I have ever seen. This Capote is one very talented and troubled man, all wrapped in a wry, cynical, hilarious and campy outside persona. Not only does Toby Jones physically resemble Capote, he&#39;s captured what makes him the worthy subject matter of two films. Different from "Capote", "Infamous" shows you who Capote was before and after writing "In Cold Blood". Capote may have used and abused the two murderers for his book, but it cannot be denied that the many years it took to create his "novel based on fact" didn&#39;t take a serious toll on him. The details of how he actually wrote the book, wording phrases by bouncing them off his friends, is particularly interesting. I loved the interviews with his socialite friends, particularly Juliet Stevenson&#39;s terrific portrayal of Diana Vreeland. What petty people they were! This film suggests a more complex relationship between Capote and Perry Smith, which most probably was the case since Smith actually left Capote all his worldly belongings when he was executed. Hoffman&#39;s Capote was out of place in Holcomb, Kansas ... by the Jones Capote stood out like a neon sign ... and his dialogue about this reality is simply wonderful. Supporting cast includes Sandra Bullock (finally in something worth watching) as Harper Lee, Bogdanovich as Capote&#39;s agent, Jeff Daniels as the DA and Signorney Weaver as Babe Paley complement Jones as Capote very nicely indeed. The only flaw of this film would be the casting of Mark Ruffalo as a beefy Perry Smith, but who could top Robert Blake&#39;s unforgettable performance anyway? http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/love/MemberTagFilms.aspxlove
Number of films tagged: 12478

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]]>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:28:29 GMT124783381480Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/romance/MemberTagFilms.aspxromance
Number of films tagged: 7162

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]]>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:01:30 GMT71621691004Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/murder/MemberTagFilms.aspxmurder
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]]>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:57:25 GMT8748157830Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/friendship/MemberTagFilms.aspxfriendship
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]]>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:42:20 GMT6791154980Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/death/MemberTagFilms.aspxdeath
Number of films tagged: 4306

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Number of films tagged: 1082

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]]>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:13:43 GMT108252224Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/smalltown/MemberTagFilms.aspxsmalltown
Number of films tagged: 913

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Number of films tagged: 192

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]]>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:55:19 GMT1923653Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/nyc/MemberTagFilms.aspxnyc
Number of films tagged: 90

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Number of films tagged: 53

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Number of films tagged: 1300

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]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:55:15 GMT262434Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/novel/MemberTagFilms.aspxnovel
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Number of films tagged: 11

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