I too found myself mystified by the fact that "Vincent" from Judging Amy was behind this wonderful piece of storytelling. This tidbit prompted me to research the other players involved in this production. Catherine Keener. Hmm. I have heard that name but did not know that she was most recently featured in The 40 Year-Old Virgin and married to a gorgeous actor. I was also suprised to learn that Harper Lee's first name is Nell and that she is a descendent of Robert E. Lee.

What surprised me most, however, was that this film focused mainly on the writing of Capote's most famous work versus the man himself. Although a movie entitled "the Making of... probably would not have drawn a large crowd, those that did show would have not have expected a biography that never plays out and leaves the viewer to fill in the various gaps.

Reviewer: Amy Ruuska of Coon Rapids, MN (November 21, 2005)
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For whatever reason, I was amazed to learn that little actor Dan "Judging Amy" Futterman was responsible for one of the most gripping screenplays I've seen in recent years. I was NOT surprised to be blown away by Philip Seymour-Hoffman, who is proving to be one of the foremost chameleon actors of our times.

Hoffman's acting -- indeed the entire film --is a study in *stillness.* The film is a fascinating visit into the mind of a pivotal writer but the director actually allows PAUSES to litter the film --- (something we rarely get to see anymore.) The tone is slowed and the audience is actually given a chance to linger over emotions and ideas rather than being hurried along to the next scene. The night I saw the film, every pause was greeted with rapt silence.

The director took a chance with the pacing, and I think the audiences will be rewarded with one of the most interesting and gripping films of the year.

Strong acting from ALL of the cast members but you'll leave the theater talking about Hoffman.

Robin Johnson is an MLS Associate for Minnesota Public Radio

Reviewer: Robin Johnson of St. Paul, MN (October 20, 2005)
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