Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (2024)

Mini Series of 8 episodes focused on the decadence of the last years of Truman Capote, marked by alcoholism and depression, more driven by his exile from the elite circles of Manhattan after publishing an article where he aired with sharp veracity the dirty laundry of those who were supposedly his close friends, his swans, high society women who after seeing their secrets exposed eliminated Capote from their environment, condemning him to ostracism.

The miniseries has too many chapters, it goes around in circles telling the same thing with unnecessary repetition, but apart from that it is well done and interesting, although the excessive length takes its toll.

It has a luxury cast that lives up to expectations. Tom Hollander has nothing to envy to the interpretations made by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Toby Jones on the big screen.

Among the swans, Naomi Watts stands out for having a greater role, but this does not detract from the work of the other actresses, on the contrary, they shine with their own light.

In the direction leads the always enigmatic Gus Van Sant, who is in charge of all the episodes except two, which are in charge of Max Winkler and Jennifer Lynch respectively, regulars of Ryan Murphy's productions.

The stamp of all of them is noticeable and it is something to take into account, because the independent style of Gus Van Sant is not to everyone's liking.

It is worth mentioning that the series is not a faithful reflection of reality. In fact, it is an artistic and free vision that uses whatever resources it wants to convey what it wants.

In addition, the events are narrated in complete disarray, which can be confusing.

The subject matter is varied. On the one hand, it tries to show us a bit of that dying high society that has never lacked anything despite never having worked.

Women in search of perfection, beauty, who ironically hide hatred and sadness. Swans that would be ugly ducklings without their plumage, but even knowing their nature, they attract with their elegant beauty.

On the other hand, we witness the fall of Capote, that contradictory character who navigates between friendship and betrayal through seas of egomania and alcohol. Victim and executioner of the swans and himself.

We explore the friendship between one and the other, as well as its rupture and loneliness. Capote could not bear to be alone, although he himself sought it incessantly, and gradually withered away.

The swans took his actions as an irreparable affront, not so much for divulging their secrets as for being portrayed with painful surgeon's precision, and they were unprepared for the reflection of the truth, accustomed to seeing the world from their bubble of artificial happiness.