Feud: Capote vs The Swans – A Glamorous Tale of Love, Betrayal, and High Society
Truman Capote, the renowned author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood, was not only a literary genius but also a fascinating character in his own right. His relationships with the elite women of New York high society, known as “The Swans,” were the subject of much intrigue and scandal. Laurence Leamer, author of Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era, delves into the captivating story of Capote’s falling-out with these aristocratic ladies in his book, which has now been adapted into a glamorous new FX series titled Feud: Capote vs The Swans.
Capote was a master entertainer, using his wit and charm to captivate The Swans. Leamer describes him as a brilliant man with deep insight into psychology. He knew how to please these women and keep them entertained. However, he was always aware that his role in their lives was that of a court jester, there to amuse and entertain them. They adored him, but it was a superficial adoration, akin to the love for a circus act.
Feud: Capote vs The Swans takes viewers on a journey through Capote’s rise to literary success and his subsequent downfall. At the height of his career, Capote frequented lavish lunches and formed close friendships with the women of New York’s upper crust. These women, affectionately referred to as “The Swans,” were played by a cast of renowned actresses including Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore, and Molly Ringwald. The series, directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Jon Robin Baitz, is the second installment of Ryan Murphy’s Feud anthology series.
What makes Feud: Capote vs The Swans so captivating is its portrayal of an era of elegance and pompousness that has long since faded away. The Swans lived lives of opulence and glamour, yet they were deeply dissatisfied. They were disconnected from the issues of the world, such as the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement, instead prioritizing gossip and trivial matters. Baitz describes this society as “slightly rigid, decrepit, but glamorous-appearing New York society,” and believes it is ripe for critique.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Leamer provides insights into the real-life story behind Feud: Capote vs The Swans. He discusses the opulent Black and White Ball hosted by Capote, where the guest list was published by The New York Times, causing a frenzy among the public. Leamer explains how this ball turned New York high society upside down, creating a new sort of society that craved publicity and attention.
One of the central figures in Capote’s life was Barbara “Babe” Paley, considered the most elegant of The Swans. She was married to media executive Bill Paley but grew closer to Capote due to her husband’s extramarital affairs. Leamer describes Babe as perfect in every way, except for her one fault of being perfect. Another important Swan was Nancy “Slim” Keith, who was married three times and had a soft spot for Capote. C.Z. Guest, born into a wealthy family, enjoyed various hobbies and married into British aristocracy. Lee Radziwill, overshadowed by her sister Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, married a Polish royal and had a falling-out with Capote after a libel lawsuit. Ann Woodward, originally from Kansas, entered high society but faced rumors surrounding her husband’s death. Joanne Carson, the ex-wife of Johnny Carson, stood by Capote until the end.
The turning point in Capote’s relationship with The Swans came with the publication of excerpts from his novel Answered Prayers in Esquire. These excerpts revealed scandalous and intimate details about The Swans’ lives, leading to the unraveling of Capote’s closest bonds. The series depicts this period, including the sex scandal involving Babe Paley and the murder allegations surrounding Ann Woodward. Capote’s descent into drugs and alcohol abuse further contributed to his downfall, and he eventually died in 1984.
Feud: Capote vs The Swans is a captivating portrayal of a bygone era of glamour and scandal. It sheds light on the complex relationships between Truman Capote and the elite women of New York high society. Through its compelling narrative and stellar cast, the series brings to life a story of love, betrayal, and the ultimate downfall of a literary icon.