Fact vs. Fiction: Sorting Out the Truth Behind Feud: Capote vs. the Swans
Truman Capote, the enigmatic literary figure known for his captivating storytelling and social connections, takes center stage in the new FX series, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans. The show delves into Capote’s complex relationships with a group of sophisticated socialites known as “the Swans” and explores the blurred lines between fact and fiction in Capote’s life and work.
Capote, portrayed by Tom Hollander, is depicted as a duplicitous and manipulative character who uses his connections with the Swans for personal gain and as a source of inspiration for his writing. The series, currently airing on FX, offers a glimpse into Capote’s life during a tumultuous period when promotion overshadowed his literary output.
The Swans, often compared to the modern-day Real Housewives of New York City, were women of wealth and privilege who embodied the ideals of breeding, elegance, and discretion. They were horrified when Capote betrayed their confidences in a controversial 1975 Esquire story titled “La Côte Basque, 1965.” Capote’s reputation as an unreliable narrator adds another layer of complexity to the story, with many people expressing doubts about his trustworthiness.
While Feud: Capote vs. the Swans takes creative liberties with some aspects of Capote’s life, it also incorporates elements of truth. Let’s examine some key moments from the show and separate fact from fiction.
1. Did Bill Paley Really Invite Capote Onto His Plane Expecting Former President Truman?
In one scene, Bill Paley, president of CBS, and his wife Babe Paley invite Capote onto their private jet, assuming he is former President Harry S. Truman. This anecdote is likely fictionalized for dramatic effect. Capote’s introduction to the Swans likely occurred through social events and mutual acquaintances, rather than a case of mistaken identity.
2. Did Babe Paley Really Find Her Husband Scrubbing a Giant Bloodstain Out of Their Sheets?
Feud portrays a dramatic moment when Babe Paley discovers her husband, Bill, scrubbing a bloodstain out of their sheets. While this incident is based on Capote’s unfinished novel Answered Prayers, it is unclear whether it actually happened. The identity of the woman involved is also questionable, as it is unlikely to have been Happy Rockefeller, as depicted in the show.
3. Did Capote Meet a Boyfriend in a Bathhouse?
The show depicts Capote meeting a boyfriend in a bathhouse and their tumultuous relationship. This storyline is based on Capote’s real-life relationship with John O’Shea, a married bank manager. Their relationship was characterized by mutual abuse, with Capote provoking O’Shea into physically attacking him. However, the timeline and specific events portrayed in the show may differ from reality.
4. Did the Maysles Brothers Really Make a Documentary About the Black and White Ball?
Feud suggests that the Maysles brothers, renowned documentarians, were hired to make a film about Capote’s Black and White Ball. While no such documentary was commissioned, Albert Maysles did attend the actual ball and later made a documentary titled A Visit With Truman Capote.
5. Did Capote Really Serve a Chicken Hash That Everybody Hated at the Black And White Ball?
The show depicts guests at the Black and White Ball reacting negatively to Capote’s choice of chicken hash. While this reaction may not be entirely accurate, it is true that guests would not have expected a sit-down meal at such an event. The midnight buffet typically consisted of various dishes to keep guests from getting too drunk on an empty stomach.
6. Was the Ball Really As Dreary and Sparsely Attended As the Show Makes It Seem?
Feud portrays the Black and White Ball as a dreary and sparsely attended event. However, the reality was quite different. The ball brought together a diverse mix of literary figures, socialites, intellectuals, and Hollywood icons. The collision of these worlds made the event exciting and memorable for those in attendance.
7. Did Capote Really Turn Away Ann Woodward and Her Son at the Door?
The show depicts Ann Woodward, a woman involved in a scandalous shooting incident, attempting to crash the Black and White Ball. While Ann Woodward’s story is true, there is no evidence to suggest that she actually attended the ball or was turned away at the door.
In conclusion, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans offers a captivating portrayal of Truman Capote’s relationships with the Swans and blurs the lines between fact and fiction. While some events may be fictionalized or exaggerated for dramatic effect, the show provides valuable insights into Capote’s life and the complex dynamics of high society in the 1960s.