The writer between his lines

Like many others, I was totally caught up in Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood,” a “nonfiction novel” about the 1959 murder of a Kansas family. He wove a story of such quietly chilling detail that it felt as if you were right there, and it influenced many true crime writers who followed him.

The film “Capote” takes us back to the time when this story first caught his eye and ultimately consumed his life for the six years he took to research and write his book. And once again, it feels as if you are actually watching these events unfold.

First time director Bennett Miller and screenwriter Dan Futterman (an actor featured on “Sex and the City”) have honed a subtle, fascinating portrait of a talented, narcissistic man who charmed and manipulated his way to literary glory at a heavy price.

There are great performances here by Catherine Keener as childhood friend, novelist and voice of reason Nell Harper Lee; Chris Cooper as the straight-arrow local investigator, and Clifton Collins Jr. as convicted co-murderer Perry Smith -- who was crucial to Capote’s storytelling.

Capote’s conflicted morality is evident in his final visit with Smith and Dick Hickock (Mark Pellegrino) before they are to be hanged. He begins to weep as he tells them he did everything he could for them. And even though we know it is a lie, we believe him.

Philip Seymour Hoffman, in the title role, is brilliant as the man who -- with his childish voice and affectations -- became a sad caricature of himself later in life.

* SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a financial services company.

Accusing someone of being a Communist in the 1950s was the equivalent of being labeled a terrorist today. Many careers and lives were ruined in the Red Scare hysteria of the times.

George Clooney’s remarkable new film, “Good Night, and Good Luck,” brings sharp focus to the witch-hunt tactics of Sen. Joe McCarthy and his infamous Committee on Un-American Activities.

Shot in stunning black and white, “Good Night, and Good Luck” captures the signature look and feel of the CBS news show that brought down the controversial politician.

David Strathairn delivers an Oscar-quality performance as legendary reporter Edward R. Murrow. Frank Langella, Jeff Daniels and Robert Downey Jr. are equally outstanding in their roles as major players in the chain of events that led to the demise of the powerful McCarthy.

The heroic risks taken by TV executives in that dangerous time stand in stark contrast to the mindless fluff and softball reporting of modern TV news. Today’s endless news cycle is full of sound and fury but little substance.

It’s a shameful shadow of the work of the industry’s true pioneers. They are well represented in this riveting story. This film is a compelling look at a chapter of American history that must not be repeated.

* JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office.

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