La Voz

Infamous revisits old territory of the critically acclaimed Capote. Released only a year after Philip Seymour Hoffman won an Oscar for his portrayal of Truman Capote, it is almost impossible not to compare the two. The story lines for both movies are similar.

Capote, the well-known author of books like "Breakfast at Tiffany's," sets out for Kansas in hopes for a new book idea when he hears about the grisly murders of an entire family in the small town of Holcomb.

Fortunately, "Infamous" finds its own unique voice, living up to its daunting predecessor and giving the movie an entirely different interpretation that is definitely worth watching.

Diminutive and delicate, Toby Jones bears a greater likeness to Truman Capote than Hoffman. Unlike Hoffman's much more subdued and pensive depiction of Capote, Jones spins a completely different personality for him. His Capote is flamboyant, warm, gossipy, and more accessible to audiences.

Daniel Craig, the upcoming James Bond, plays an intense and misunderstood Perry Smith, one of the murderers. Capote interviews him as the main source for his book and a romantic attachment begins to form as Perry confides all his pain and anguish to Capote. There are a few scenes between Jones and Craig that can feel somewhat melodramatic, but most of their interaction is very well written. It is their emotional attachment to each other gives "Infamous" more human warmth and compassion to Capote.

This is not to say "Infamous" completely forgives Capote for his calculating actions. Throughout the movie, one is never quite sure whether Capote's sincerity is simply a mask to extract a good story. Painful secrets that were sworn to confidence are delightedly shared by Capote to his circle of friends, and he often colors facts for a better story to tell.

However, one is inclined to forgive Capote in "Infamous"; because in his indiscretion, he resembles an excited child exchanging gossip. Rather than seeing his actions as cold calculation, one accepts his frivolous tongue and can almost find his antics endearing.

The ending for "Infamous" has one of the best speeches in a movie that this reviewer has seen in a long time, beautifully delivered by Sandra Bullock.

Besides a few overly melodramatic scenes, there is little else to fault in this movie. For those who have seen "Capote," "Infamous" will surprise them with valuable new perspectives and interpretations.

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