Feud: Capote vs. The Swans Takes a Dark Dive into Truman Capote’s Life
The highly anticipated FX series, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, wastes no time delving into the dark underbelly of Truman Capote’s life. The show chronicles the rift between Capote and his socialite friends after he published a thinly veiled account of their less-than-perfect personal lives. Rather than taking a slow burn approach, the series weaves the narrative through multiple timelines, one of which showcases Capote’s downward spiral as he grapples with the consequences of his betrayal.
By the second episode, viewers witness Tom Hollander’s portrayal of Capote spiraling into a drunken breakdown, lashing out at the few people who are still willing to be around him. This includes his partner, John O’Shea, played by Russell Tovey. In two particularly intense scenes, O’Shea assaults Capote after he utters particularly nasty remarks. One of these scenes takes place in their home, while the other unfolds at the Thanksgiving dinner table, with an audience that includes Capote’s longtime friend Joanne Carson.
Hollander described these scenes as “horrifying” and commended Tovey for his “really brilliant, visceral, terrifying performance.” He admitted that playing someone being beaten up by their partner was a new experience for him and found it both upsetting and strangely funny. Hollander also revealed that the scenes were shot months apart from each other, with an eight-month gap between the apartment scene and the Thanksgiving dinner scene, even though they occur within minutes of each other in the episode.
The actor expressed his curiosity about how audiences would react to these scenes, acknowledging that they were challenging to watch. He described Feud as a “fantasia” that takes a more liberal approach to this part of Capote’s life. This unique perspective influenced Hollander’s preparation for the role. He began by watching Philip Seymour Hoffman’s portrayal of Capote in the 2005 film and hoped to find new territory to explore.
Hollander emphasized that Feud is tonally different from the 2005 film, allowing him the freedom to embody Capote’s spirit and energy rather than aiming for a perfect impression. He referred to Capote as a mythical figure within the story, given the dramatic shifts in tone from one episode to the next. This portrayal adds an intriguing layer to the series, making it a must-watch for fans of Truman Capote and those interested in the complexities of his life.
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans is currently available for streaming on Hulu, with new episodes airing on FX on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Prepare to be captivated by this gripping exploration of Truman Capote’s tumultuous relationships and the consequences of his controversial actions.