Movies 4# Philip Seymour Hoffman
2 Comments Published by Prasad Venkat on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 10:06 PM.
Five minutes into 'Capote', I knew I was in the hands of a very good director. When the extras do a commendable job, you know you're in for an acting treat. Hoffman does not merely imitate Capote but inhibits his characteristics, right from a holding a cigarette to leaning on a wall. In a party to celebrate the release of Harper Lee's (Catherine Keener) 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Hoffman remains out-of-focus, holding a cup of drink. Without making eye contacts, he talks to her, in a way that only accomplished actors can do. Conveys his mood and feelings with very little expressions, which only a few like Bill Murray are capable of.
Keener was indeed superb, as was Mr. Hoffman, but in addition I thought Clifton Collins Jr.'s performance as the killer (whose name escapes me at the moment) was also worthy of a supporting actor nomination
Perry Smith is the name. I don't think there was a weak link in the acting chain through out this movie. When everybody in the movie does a terrific job, it's easy for the Academy members to forget.
A few instances where good performances were ignored because of great ensemble acting:
1) Michael Douglas for Traffic
2) Ben Kingsley for Schindler's List
A strange case of the Academy recognizing every performance with a nomination but honoring none is that of 'Color Purple' - ten nominations and no trophies.