With his fair hair, pale skin and faint voice, Truman Capote cast somewhat of a ghostly appearance. So does the stark winter countryside portrayed in “Capote,” the 2005 film that examines the creation of the novel “In Cold Blood.” The spectral nature makes sense, since the novel, and the film, deals with a quadruple homicide. As Capote becomes infatuated with the murderers, the rural Kansas setting, painted in long-distance shots and moments of ambient sound, harbors the ghosts of the murdered, so that we don’t become too infatuated ourselves. It’s a brilliant device, moments of art within a creepy story.
Archives for posts with tag: Philip Seymour Hoffman
It’s a story about journalism hidden inside a story about rock and roll. If you ever wanted to understand the love triangle between sage, subject and story, re-watch “Almost Famous” (2000). For the masses, it’s a fun ride on the wild side of 1970s rock starring Billy Crudup, drugs, music, groupies, fashion and Cameron Crowe’s poetry. Just beneath the surface is a coming-of-age story – two of them – starring Kate Hudson and Patrick Fugit. But way down deep, it’s really Fugit and Philip Seymour Hoffman in a story about a story and the friction between truth, friendship and exploitation. Impressive, huh?
It’s been 21 years since “Twister” (1996) came out and it is amazing how dated the special effects are. With all the computer-generated crap flying at the screen, it is like watching one of today’s bad 3-D movies. And I really liked this movie when it came out. It’s a big sloppy mess of a tornado-chasing action flick, with added bonuses of Helen Hunt in a tank top, Van Halen on the soundtrack and Philip Seymour Hoffman in a scenery-chewing supporting role. And I am a big fan of master storm hunter Bill Paxton (he doesn’t make a bad movie).
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