The Capote Tapes

The Capote Tapes is a 2019 documentary that dives deep into the life of the illustrious Truman Capote, a literary genius. Directed by Ebs Burnough, the film features interviews, archival footage, and revelatory audio recordings to present the intricate tapestry that was Capote's life. Sprinkling in interviews and unique perspectives from those who knew him best, such as Kate Harrington, Dotson Rader, and others, the film fashions a comprehensive, multifaceted, and highly personal portrait of the author's life.

Truman Capote, celebrated for his works like "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "In Cold Blood," and many more, was much more than just an author. He was a high-profile figure in the mid-20th century social scene, known and critiqued for his public behavior, flamboyance, and intimate relationships with high society. The Capote Tapes taps into this aspect, providing a glimpse of the author immersed in the glitz and glamour of the elite social circle.

The movie uses a significant trove of newly discovered tapes, recorded by George Plimpton for his 1997 biography, 'Truman Capote: In Which Various Friends, Enemies, Acquaintances and Detractors Recall His Turbulent Career.' These never-before-heard recordings bring forth unfiltered avenues into Capote's personality, including his writing process, battle with addiction, and the often controversial unveiling of his incomplete novel 'Answered Prayers.'

Kate Harrington, Capote's adopted daughter, features prominently in the documentary. Her anecdotes present a rarely seen paternal side of the author, whom she calls 'Pappy.’ Her experiences provide a formative lens through which viewers can understand the private life Capote led beyond the public glare.

Dotson Rader, a friend of Capote's, also offers insights into the author's personality. Their friendship, grounded in unconventional support during troubled times, unravels some of the unresolved layers of Capote's character. Rader's candid interviews offer revealing anecdotes about their relationship, the struggles Capote faced, and his downward spiral into substance abuse.

Within its framework, The Capote Tapes does not merely present Capote's life and relationships as a linear progression but rather a mosaic of interconnected, colourful moments. It analyses and contemplates on Capote’s place in the literary world, his friendships with luminaries like Lee Radziwill and Babe Paley, and the debate whether his fascination with high society was purely artistic curiosity or a desperate attempt to become one of them.

The film offers an intimate perspective into Capote's stint in Kansas while researching for 'In Cold Blood.' It chisels an image of the author as he delved into the gruesome murder of the Clutter family, illuminating the empathetic approach with which he captured this horrifying yet compelling narrative.

The Capote Tapes is strewn with striking anecdotes that demonstrate Capote's charm, wit, and vivaciousness, but it never shies away from addressing the ambiguities and flaws that marked his life. The documentary navigates challenging territories — his critical and public backlash, allegations of exploitation, betrayal of friends, spiraling substance abuse, and his regretful fall from grace.

The documentary portrays Capote’s social life in vivid shades, revisiting the legendary 'Black & White Ball' of 1966, tagged as the ‘Party of the Century.’ The film retraces the whirlwind of celebrity, scandal, and debauchery that consumed Capote in those years, eventually leading to his isolation and downfall.

Burnough’s documentary is an exploration of the artist and the individual – the public figure walking the glamorous corridors of affluence and the reclusive writer battling his demons in the shadows. The Capote Tapes is a tribute to Truman Capote, highlighting his immeasurable impact on literature and recognizing the man behind the mystique.

Visually evocative and narratively gripping, The Capote Tapes emerges as an immersive chronicle, refraining from gross idolization, instead presenting a deeply human, flawed, and gifted individual in Truman Capote. It is a must-watch for literature enthusiasts, history buffs, and those who appreciate the complexities and contradictions that often reside in genius minds.