Babe Paley’s Deep Romance with Truman Capote Explored in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
In the latest episode of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, viewers get a closer look at the deep romance between American socialite Babe Paley and writer Truman Capote. Played by Naomi Watts, Babe Paley’s relationship with Capote is portrayed as the most significant romance of her life, despite the absence of a sexual relationship.
According to Watts, Babe trusted Capote with all her secrets, believing that their close friendship would prevent him from ever exposing them. However, Capote’s actions lead to Babe feeling betrayed and “coming undone,” as revealed earlier in the season. Capote publishes a series of essays in Esquire magazine, revealing intimate details about Babe and the other women in her social circle, known as “the swans.”
The wounds caused by Capote’s betrayal bring up deeper questions for Babe, including regrets about her life and what she could have done differently. These questions come to a head in the penultimate episode of Feud, titled “Beautiful Babe.” In this episode, Babe succumbs to lung cancer after a four-year battle. During her last days, she finds the courage to confront her husband, Bill Paley, about the toll his infidelity has taken on their family. In a death dream sequence, she reunites with Capote, her true love.
Naomi Watts reflects on the complexity of Babe Paley’s character and the challenges of portraying her. She used various materials, including pictures and research on Babe and the other swans, to inform her portrayal. Watts also underwent a physical transformation, including wearing prosthetic teeth to mimic Babe’s appearance after a car accident.
Watts describes Babe as a woman who had to steel herself against the pain caused by her husband’s infidelity. However, as she approached the end of her life, Babe began to question her choices and regret not leaving him sooner. The series allows Babe to finally express her pent-up emotions towards Bill and Capote, providing a satisfying arc for the character.
One of the key themes explored in the series is the impact of Capote’s essays on the lives of Babe and the other swans. Babe trusted Capote with her secrets, believing that their friendship was unbreakable. However, Capote’s betrayal cheapened the nuance of their lives, as C.Z. Guest tells him in one scene. The series attempts to undo the damage caused by Capote’s actions by delving into the complexity of Babe’s relationship with him and exploring the depth of their connection.
While the series portrays an affair between Slim Keith and Bill Paley, it is unclear whether this actually happened in real life. The interpretation presented in the show is a storytelling choice rather than a confirmed fact.
Throughout the series, Babe appears to want to forgive Capote and reunite with him, but she never does. Watts suggests that as Babe’s health deteriorates, she becomes more fragile and reliant on her friend Slim Keith. This makes it difficult for her to make the decision to forgive Capote and rekindle their friendship.
In conclusion, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans delves into the deep romance between Babe Paley and Truman Capote, exploring the impact of Capote’s betrayal on Babe’s life. Naomi Watts delivers a powerful performance as Babe, capturing both her strength and vulnerability. The series raises questions about forgiveness, regret, and the complexities of relationships, leaving viewers with a deeper understanding of Babe Paley and her story.
