Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation

Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation is a 2020 documentary film that takes a close look at the lives and careers of two of the greatest American writers of the 20th century, Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams. The film is directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland, who is known for her work on fashion documentaries such as Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel and Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict.

The film is structured as a conversation between the two writers, using audio recordings made by journalist George Plimpton during the 1970s. The recordings have never been heard by the public before and offer a unique insight into the minds of Capote and Williams. The recordings are brought to life through animation, with Jim Parsons voicing Capote and Zachary Quinto voicing Williams.

The film begins with a brief overview of the lives of Capote and Williams, highlighting their early successes with works such as A Streetcar Named Desire and Breakfast at Tiffany's. However, the film quickly delves into the personal lives of the writers, exploring their struggles with addiction, relationships, and their own inner demons.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the contrast between the two writers. Capote is portrayed as flamboyant, witty, and charming, while Williams is more introspective, brooding, and intense. The film explores the ways in which their personalities influenced their writing, as well as the ways in which their writing reflected their personal lives.

Throughout the film, we see both writers open up about their struggles with addiction, mental health, and loneliness. They discuss their creative process, the relationships that inspired their work, and the ways in which they navigated the literary world. We also hear from friends and colleagues of the writers, including actress Carroll Baker, who starred in the film adaptation of Williams' Baby Doll.

The film is shot in black and white and has a dreamlike quality to it, with scenes blending into one another and snippets of animation providing a glimpse into the writers' imaginations. The score, composed by Jane Antonia Cornish, adds to the film's melancholic tone.

Overall, Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation provides a fascinating look at the lives and works of two iconic writers. The film is both insightful and emotional, delving into the deeper aspects of these writers' lives while still celebrating their incredible achievements. It's a must-watch for fans of Capote, Williams, and American literature in general.