Movie Review: "Infamous" (2006)

Infamous (2006), directed by Douglas McGrath, is a biographical drama that recounts the events surrounding the writing of Truman Capote’s groundbreaking nonfiction novel In Cold Blood. The film offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between Capote (played by Toby Jones) and the two men convicted of the brutal 1959 murders of the Clutter family in Kansas—Richard Hickock (played by Lee Pace) and Perry Smith (played by Daniel Craig). While the movie captures some fascinating elements of Capote’s personality and the intricate emotional toll of his writing process, it ultimately struggles with its pacing and a few key performances that leave the film feeling uneven.

The standout performances in Infamous come from Daniel Craig and Lee Pace, who breathe life into the murderers, Hickock and Smith, respectively. Craig’s portrayal of Perry Smith is particularly compelling, capturing the quiet, troubled soul of a man whose troubled past and emotional vulnerability clash with the brutality of his actions. His performance is sensitive yet menacing, and his chemistry with Lee Pace—who plays Hickock with a more outwardly charming but equally unsettling persona—provides a gripping dynamic. The duo’s portrayal of their relationship with Capote, whom they both manipulate and rely on, is fascinating.

What makes these performances especially striking is how they reveal the fragility of the characters, both in their relationships with Capote and with each other. The murderers are portrayed not as mere villains, but as broken individuals haunted by their own demons, offering a nuanced exploration of the psychological complexity that Capote would later delve into within the book: In Cold Blood. Craig and Pace manage to convey the sense of moral ambiguity that Capote himself navigated during the writing process.

Another strong aspect of Infamous is its rich production design, which adds to the sense of Capote’s larger-than-life personality. The film beautifully depicts the opulence surrounding Capote’s life, from his lavish New York apartment to the high society parties he frequents. These elements underscore Capote's role as both an outsider and a socialite, a writer who was as much a part of the elite world he navigated as he was a cold observer of human nature.

The portrayal of Capote’s writing process in the film is equally effective, showing how emotionally exhausting the creation of In Cold Blood was for him. Capote is depicted as deeply immersed in his subject matter, unable to escape the brutality of the murders even as he becomes closer to his subjects. The film does an admirable job of showing the emotional toll that writing the book takes on him—how the violence he documents bleeds into his personal life, threatening to undermine his own mental stability. The film poignantly portrays Capote’s struggle between maintaining his journalistic distance and his emotional investment in the story, as well as the ethical dilemmas he faced when it came to using the murderers’ personal stories for his own success.

While Infamous has a lot to offer in terms of character exploration and visual style, it does suffer from pacing issues that occasionally make the film feel dull. At times, the narrative drags, particularly when it lingers on the more mundane aspects of Capote’s life or dwells too long on the interpersonal relationships that, while important, do not always move the plot forward. As a result, the film occasionally loses momentum, making it harder for the viewer to stay engaged with the unfolding drama.

Additionally, the movie takes some liberties with historical accuracy, often choosing to prioritise emotional impact over factual precision. While the central events of Capote’s life and the writing of In Cold Blood are generally portrayed, certain aspects are fictionalised or exaggerated for dramatic effect. This can be frustrating for viewers looking for a more grounded, historically faithful depiction of Capote’s life, as the liberties taken by the filmmakers can undermine the credibility of the narrative.

One of the most noticeable flaws in the film is the portrayal of Truman Capote himself, played by Toby Jones. While Jones certainly captures the eccentricities of Capote’s character, his accent is a notable weak point. The distinct Southern drawl of Capote, which was integral to his public persona, is not convincingly replicated here. Jones’ accent lacks the sharp, melodious quality that Capote’s real-life speech possessed, making it harder for the viewer to fully believe in his embodiment of the character. It detracts from the performance, especially when compared to the more subtle, yet effective, accents in the film by the supporting cast.

Another misstep in Infamous is Sandra Bullock’s portrayal of Harper Lee, Capote’s long-time friend and the author of To Kill a Mockingbird. Bullock’s performance, though competent, comes across as somewhat flat and unmemorable. As Lee, she lacks the depth and nuance necessary to bring the character to life. Harper Lee was a complex figure—both fiercely independent and emotionally invested in Capote’s work—and Bullock’s interpretation feels too one-dimensional. Lee’s role in the story, especially her relationship with Capote and her own moral dilemmas surrounding his book, is somewhat diluted by this weak performance. The film presents her as a more passive character than she likely was, leaving a void in the emotional weight of her presence.

In conclusion, Infamous (2006) is a film that offers a rich portrayal of Truman Capote’s world, albeit one that sometimes sacrifices historical accuracy for emotional and dramatic effects. The performances of Daniel Craig and Lee Pace stand out as highlights, adding depth and complexity to the characters of Hickock and Smith. The film also succeeds in showcasing Capote’s emotional journey while writing In Cold Blood, capturing the toll the project took on him. However, the pacing struggles, some historical inaccuracies, and the lackluster performances of Toby Jones as Capote and Sandra Bullock as Harper Lee prevent it from fully living up to its potential. While Infamous is an intriguing look at Capote’s life, it’s not without its flaws, making it an interesting but imperfect exploration of one of America’s most enigmatic writers. If you're looking for a film to watch about the writing process of this book, I suggest you watch Capote (2005) starring Philip Seymour Hoffman instead.