Diane Lane Reflects on Playing Slim Keith in Feud: Capote vs. the Swans
For Diane Lane, the entire premise of Feud: Capote vs. the Swans is full of complexity and layers. As the FX series depicts the fallout from Truman Capote’s “La Côte Basque” — a chapter from his unfinished novel, Answered Prayers, that was excerpted in Esquire’s November 1975 issue that caused a giant rift between the acclaimed writer and his “Swans” — the actress can’t help but notice the irony that she’s playing socialite Slim Keith, one of the Swans that was outraged by Capote’s thinly veiled portrait of the elite milieu in which she was a part.
Playing a Beloved Woman
Slim Keith, a self-appointed Queen Bee of her group, rushes to the side of Babe Paley, who is humiliated by Capote’s fictional portrait of her and her marriage to CBS exec William S. Paley. As the feud between Capote and the Swans intensifies, Keith goes on the warpath against their common enemy, even planting stories in gossip columns to ruin Capote’s future plans. Despite her intentions, Keith’s smear campaign is seen by her social circle as too destructive.
Exploring Slim Keith’s Complexity
Diane Lane spoke with THR over the phone earlier this month and shared her thoughts on the flaws-and-all approach to Slim Keith’s character, her love for Slim Keith’s book “Slim: Memories of a Rich and Imperfect Life,” and her appreciation for the impact Slim and her generation had on others. Lane also opened up about her thoughts on Slim’s complex relationship with fact and fiction, and the challenges faced by friendships during the turbulent ’70s.
Reflecting on Slim’s Relationship with Bill Paley
Diane Lane also discussed Slim’s close friendship with Bill Paley, the complex emotions and compassion behind it, and the challenges faced by individuals in high-profile circles. Slim’s relationship with Bill was a key component of her character, and Lane emphasized the importance of understanding the human flaws and challenges faced by historical figures like Slim Keith and Bill Paley.
Remembering Treat Williams
Lane also reflected on Treat Williams, expressing her shock and sorrow over his passing and highlighting the impact of his last portrayal in Feud: Capote vs. the Swans. She praised his artistry, humanity, and the joy he brought to the set, describing his performance as his best work. Lane shared her gratitude for the experience of working with Williams and the emotional impact of their shared scenes.
Conclusion
Feud: Capote vs. the Swans continues to captivate audiences with its complex portrayals of historical figures and their tumultuous relationships. As Diane Lane brings Slim Keith to life in the series, viewers are given a glimpse into the challenges faced by the Swans and the impact of Truman Capote’s controversial portrayal. Lane’s performance and the dedicated work of the entire cast serve as a testament to the timeless nature of these stories and the human experiences they explore.