The real Best Picture of 2005 is Capote. Futterman's script and Miller's direction take the viewer on an incredible journey into the psyche of two madmen; one a murderer, and the other a greedy author who will go to the edge of the Earth, and betray those around him, just to acheive personal success. Hoffman is outstanding. In the first half, he expertly shows the various eccentricities of his character, but by the end of the film he really makes you hate this sad, wretched human being. Clifton Collins JR was excellent as Perry Smith, one of the most sympathetic murderers in history. The rest of the supporting cast is great, as well. I really hate that the Best Picture race was only legitimately between Crash and Brokeback Mountain, because Capote is one of the most captivating, engrossing, and just flat-out incredible films I have ever witnessed.… Expand

This is just an incredibly good film, at all levels. It was much more emotionally moving than I expected it to be.

Of the films nominated for Best Picture (as though such an award holds any real merit anyways) Capote should have won by a landslide. Bennett Miller will be a Director to watch as he masterfully displays his "soft" skills as a Director and avoids cheesing it up by wringing out a typical biopic. Hoffman is pure magic, captivating from start to finish. Wonderful pace, color and emotional resonance -- unapologetically capturing the essence of the eccentric, conflicted-artist-soul of a misplaced and mysteriously courageous man named Truman Capote. A mesmerizing figure to be sure -- don't avoid it because you think this film will be dreary, dull or boring --- there is genuine comedy here too -- it will, however, be the realism that grabs you. Beautifully filmed.… Expand

a mastepiece! a strong film.

I may be one of the few people who thought Capote was infinitely better than Brokeback Mountain. Much praise has been given to Hoffman and the rest of the cast, all deserved, but the director and screenwriter deserve equal credit. Futterman and Miller paint a believable picture of a man who puts on acts to disguise his loneliness. It would have been easy to focus on only one aspect of Truman Capote's character, pushing the others to the side, but instead the filmmakers choose the harder way, and the end result is a brilliant and memorable character study. Of course, the other characters are also fleshed out. While it may be tempting to think of them as foils for Capote, some of the things they say and do clearly define them as three-dimensional characters. Finally, the film provides a balanced look at the death penalty that just may cause you to rethink some of your opinions. In an industry permeated by heavy-handed, tearjerker films (many of which are nominated for best picture), it refreshing to see one that brings up an issue and lets the viewer draw their own conclusions. Capotes ambivalent yet deep relationship with Smith (one of the killer) sends a seemingly clear message against the death penalty. Then, as you begin to sympathize with the characters plight, the film flashes back to the brutal murder of the Clutter family, causing one to rethink the issue yet again. In the end, the audience is left to judge issue, and I personally believe that a movie that provokes thought is better than one that grinds its viewpoint in your face. Capote is a masterpiece of a film that everyone should see, whether they are familiar with the people and events it describes or not.… Expand

A one-dimensional movie with only one character. Even the murderers seem to exist only to play off of Truman. But he's the story, which is an engaging one in spite of the quirky distractions of his personality. Because the presentation is so straightforward I couldn't find anything majorly wrong with this movie.

Now this film deserved the Oscar! Wow, fabulous performances, engrossing script, entirely atmospheric film. Transports you to the 1950's cultural divide between NYC and rural America, and you understand how so many people just had no way to be themselves in our society. It's heartbreaking and utterly fascinating watching Truman Capote's journey into himself and his character. This is a character study to beat all, and PSH is utterly astounding. The supporting performances are exquisite, too.… Expand

Mesmerising and intense. The story meanders a bit and some plot threads are just forgotten, but on the whole, it's truly memorable. Philip Seymour Hoffman is seductively good in making a creepy character empathetic.

The film has a remarkable, intensive athmosphere, and certainly one of the best movies this year.

As boring as the subject matter sounds-- it's essentially about how a novel was written-- the film is a granular exposition of all the issues involved. As such, it meanders slightly, and that's another reason why there is a wide divergence of opinions concerning "what Capote is about." In watching Capote build one of the most important books of his time, we see how his spirit is not really eqaul to the task, even as his talents as a journalist and a writer most certainly are. I say it's about how self annihiliating the process of self-making ultimately can be. It's a provocative, fascinating DVD I'm glad I purchased. Kudos to Messsers Hoffman, Miller and Futterman. This should have been nominated for and won Best Picture of the year.… Expand

In a time where I catagorize movies as "trash" and "non trash." This is definately NOT trash. The movie plays with your mind and keeps you guessing awaiting the ending. Inspired me to read In Cold Blood.

Although it starts slowly, this was a very good movie; Hoffman outstanding as Capote and deserves academy award - enjoyed it more than I expected it - good to see Chris Cooper again.

This is a truly brilliant film which doesn't go for the easy or the black and white. The writer is seen as manipulator and betrayer - operating in cold blood, like the killer- and the murder is seen as incomprehensible even to the perpetrator. The performances are universally excellent and the pace of the film is perfect. A film which uses restraint to make its point and doesn't spoon feed the audience with predigested opinions on crime, fame, or punishment.… Expand

haha, RobW thought he was reviewing syriana and gave this movie a 5. Anyway, great acting by Brant from Lebowski. Thank god they didn't go into the gay stuff with the his partner. I'd do Harper Lee surrounded by copies of to kill a mockingbird like it was money. Maybe I'll read Capote's book afterall.

Amazing performance by Hoffman but also an important movie.

Just terrific. When it wants to be great, and Bennett Miller wants it a lot, American film-making still rates with any in the world. Judgment, craft, moral relevance, and terrific acting, it's all here. I was totally put off by the subject matter, but I was so wrong. Better than Brokeback Mountain, way better than Good Night & Good Luck.

The best movie of the year. Brilliant acting, brilliant writing, brilliant direction. PSH and Catherine Keener deserve Oscars. You will leave the theatre haunted and contemplative.

I agree with everyone who praised this film for the outstanding acting. Some reviewers said they felt the film as a whole was rather pointless. I disagree. I think this is a case study in "watch out what you ask for because you just might get it." The movie shows us how Capote got the book he wanted and how it destroyed him as a writer. Unfortunately the outstanding acting actually overshadows the theme of the movie. This is a real fault. Imagine if we came away from Mel Gibson's "Passion" with remarks about the actor playing Christ rather that remarks about the movie.… Expand

The lead capote gives mesmerizing perforamce and carrys the whole film on his shoulders. He is brillian in the role and deserve an Oscar for his performance. Story good and I enjoyed the film and and got me interested in reading the book.

I rarely rate a film with a 10, since that score implies perfection. However, if not for a few minor issues this film would merit a 10. Hoffman embodied the enigmatic personality of Capote. Capote was in public an arrogant author, in awe of his own work, actually paying individuals to boast about his literary brilliance and cultural relevance. In private he struggled to understand the "piece of work" named "Truman;" a man that would have loved to purchase the words he needed to say to doomed killer Perry Smith. The feelings he typed on the page flowed with ease and clarity; the contradictory, personal feelings that doused his heart in chaos plunged him into depression. The man that could snub his nose at those who had no use for his "alternate lifestyle" in the 1950s, could not ignore what a death row inmante thought of him. Hoffman captures these contrasts and contradictions so masterfully that I feel totally safe in claiming this is going to the one work that best defines his acting career. He may act as well later, but never better. The only shortcoming of this film was an issue over which Bennett had no control. The viewer could not fully grasp the wonder of this film and Hoffman's performance without reading "In Cold Blood" or seeing the movie. Endowed with this prior perspective of Capote made this movie far more powerful than when viewed without it. This movie was that cold January blast of wind that awakens us to the ecstacy and torment experienced by great artists.… Expand

An absolute knockout. Philip Seymour Hoffman is indescribable, plain and simple. Everyone else in this movie is also excellent, absolutely top notch acting. The cinematography is very well done, and the whole film packs a whallop that will blow away absolutely anyone with a brain in their skull. Just beautiful.

It just blows my mind that Clifton Collins, Jr. wasn't nomited for Best Supporting Actor ahead of William Hurt in "History of Violence" or George Clooney in "Syrianna". That was truly an amazing performance in a terrific film. Since his days as Tack in "The Stoned Age" (Clifton Gonzales Gonzales), he's been one of the finest character actors in Hollywood, and he deserves to be recognized as such.… Collapse

Absolutely brilliant. Everything, from the outstading performances (every single one is flawless), to the designs, the director, the music. The plot is intriguing and though you get to know Mr.Capote as a self indulgent manipulative person, you understand him as a human being (thanks Phillip S.Hoffman for the best piece of acting in a long time). Something I really liked from this film is that it feels like a classic one, the story is told in a rythm that few can keep. Go and see it NOW.… Expand

I loved Clifton Collins, Jr. in this movie. Who is this masked man? Powerful movie.

Superb movie. For the first two minutes, you watch the character closely to see if you believe -- where are the flaws, does he do it well. Amazingly, Philip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal is so thorough and compelling that you are swept up into a story that is so far from most of our lives that this movie really takes you places you don't normally go -- really amazing. The acid test is that the theatre was stone silent -- everyone was fully engaged.… Expand

Best movie of the year and yes, I have seen Brokeback. More perfect than any other and Hoffman's acting is at the center of that perfection.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman deserves every award possible for his portrayal of Truman Capote...This is a mesmerizing glimpse into one part of Capote's varied and troublesome life.

Philip Seymour Hoffman is "spooky" good.

The best aspect of this movie was to see the two sides of Capote, the caring compassionate side and the calculating manipulative one. The trick was to try to separate the two sides from each other but they weer so interwoven they could hardly be removed from what made this character so complex.

Best flim and performance of the year.

If it weren't for "Brokeback Mountain," Bennett Miller's "Capote" would be the best movie of the year. A movie of mesmerizing subtelty and heartbreaking performances, "Capote" is a rare gem that proves there are still talented individuals out there who can make high-quality films that don't involve gimmicks and/or high-budget special effects. While the direction of Miller and screenplay of Dan Futterman are incredibly moving and effective, it is ultimately the performance of Phillip Seymour Hoffman as the great author, Truman Capote, who anchors the film, and as it progress, raises the film to the level of his performance and apparent talent. Hoffman's portrayal of Capote is all the more effective when one considers the obvious physical differences between the the actor and Capote himself. Catherine Keener and Chris Cooper provide excellent supporting performances to Hoffman's lead, as well as Clifton Collins Jr.'s memorable performance as killer Perry Smith. The cold and calculating tone of the film fits perfectly with the subject matter and with Capote's nature, and never does the audience doubt the 1950's era of the movie, as Miller and his crew have taken great pains to provide an authentic feel of the times. For those who have the patience and who enjoy a movie which takes its time in unfolding a story (especially of a story which many already know) then "Capote" is a must-see.… Expand

Hoffman's Oscar is surely secured. An extraordinarily engaging, but uncomfortable movie, with the finest celluloid acting performance of the decade so far (that I've seen). Watch it, not something else.

Fantastic performance by PSH, as well as excellent character development and story structure.

Hoffman is outstanding.

Nearly perfect. Although drawn out at times, the movie carries the sense of Capote's dilema and his resignation to accept the destiny he himself carved out when he began his story. Although his choices may seem ultimately selfish and careless, his decisions and their repercussions are thoroughly modern and ineffectual. Hoffman does an outstanding job of protraying the one time New York set hero, occassionally even making the imitation so accurate as to leave the audience wondering is it Hoffman or the real thing. Overall, a step up from anything he has previously done due to the detail of the character he protrays. Although retractors could argue about the slow moving ending and some journalist have argued that it does not protray Capote's homosexuality fully, neither trully effects the quality of the film. In truth, both aspects help to make the film more of a post-modern examination of the complexity of choices we face and leave the both the questions and the answers for the movie goer to explore for him or her self.… Expand

Subtle, wonderful movie. It's so refreshing to see a movie that leaves room for ambiguity in its assessment of human character.

Exceptional in every way... Hoffman doesn't so much act as inhabit the role.

Not quite the gem that the critics is claiming it is, but pretty damn close. Hoffman is indeed as incredible as Truman Capote. I wouldn't quite go so far as to say that he "becomes" Capote, but I would say that he morphs into the character this movie creates quite perfectly. This is one of those movies that doesn't seem all that spectacular while you're watching it, but will have you thinking about what you just witnessed long after leaving the theater. Very unsettling.… Expand

A hauntingly beautiful reflection on the very big idea that fame is a faustian bargain with death. PSH's performance is riveting from start to finish.

At the top of the movie, the staging feels as affected as Hoffman's performance. Even Catherine Keener looks stiff and more concerned with blocking the scene correctly than giving a warm and loose performance. But not far into the movie, the amazing technical feats (set design and cinematography are the best I've seen in a long time) start to fade back and the story and characters come at you. Hoffman lives up to the hype and it is definitely his show. A great movie. of the once you're into formal, stiff and as affected t the top of the movie and once you're used.… Expand

Saw this movie yesterday and thought it was absolutely sensational. Philip Seymour Hoffman captured Truman Capote brilliantly. He deserves serious consideration for the Best Actor award. The ensemble cast pulled this off tremendously. Kudo's to all.

Simply brilliant.

I thought truman capote died until i saw philip seymour hoffman and now i know mr. capote lives!

Will be on my all-time best movies list.

This film will be reviewed based on several mostly irrelevent factors: most obviously the performances -- that Hoffman is great, if schitcky, and that Keener and Cooper don't really shine like they supposedly should, etc. Also it will be judged on historical accuracy. Performances don't make movies -- good ones enhance, bad ones detract, that's all -- and historical accuracy is only important in documentaries. Knowing nothing of this case, In Cold Blood, or Truman Capote may in the end be best for the viewer, because seeing this film just for the story and the wonderful art direction is an engrossing experience. The story examines many important themes: friendship, ambition, success. And Hoffman, whose knack for scene-stealing supporting work, does not trump the story, but, just like he's supposed to, enhances it.… Expand

Brilliant...a must see.

A wonderful portrayal of Truman Capote based on pure drama and the incredible performance of Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

Best performance I've seen in a long time.