Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
The second season of the FX anthology series Feud explores the tumultuous relationship between Truman Capote, one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century, and his wealthy and influential friends from the New York high society, known as the Swans. The series, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, My Own Private Idaho), offers a provocative and revisionist perspective on the notorious feud that erupted between Capote and the Swans, after he exposed their secrets and betrayals in a sensational magazine article.
The Rise and Fall of Truman Capote
The series begins in 1955, when Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) is a charming and charismatic writer who captivates the elite circles of New York with his witty anecdotes and scandalous stories. One of his stories is about Anne Woodward (Demi Moore), a model and radio actress who shot her husband, claiming it was an accident. Capote promises to turn this story into a novel, and asks William Paley (Treat Williams), the head of CBS, to keep his journalists from 60 Minutes away from it. Paley, impressed by Capote’s oratory skills, asks his wife Babe (Naomi Watts) to invite him to all their social events.
Babe becomes one of Capote’s closest friends, along with other glamorous women from the upper class, such as Slim Keith (Chloë Sevigny), Marella Agnelli (Diane Lane), and Lee Radziwill (Calista Flockhart). They are dubbed the Swans by Capote, who treats them as his muses and confidantes. He showers them with compliments, gifts, and attention, and they in turn share their intimate secrets and gossip with him.
However, things change drastically in 1970, when Capote publishes a controversial article in Esquire, titled “La Côte Basque 1965”, in which he reveals the Swans’ affairs, scandals, and insecurities, using thinly veiled pseudonyms. The article causes a huge uproar in the New York society, and the Swans feel betrayed and humiliated by Capote, who they consider a friend. They cut off all ties with him, and refuse to forgive him, even when he tries to apologize and explain himself.
The series follows the aftermath of the feud, as Capote struggles with alcoholism, depression, and writer’s block, while the Swans face their own personal and professional challenges. Babe, who is dying of cancer, is tempted to reconcile with Capote, but her loyal friends discourage her from doing so. The series also depicts the impact of the feud on Capote’s unfinished novel, Answered Prayers, which he hoped would be his masterpiece, but which he never completed.
A Stylish and Subversive Series
Feud: Truman Capote vs. the Swans is a stylish and subversive series that delves into the dark side of fame, friendship, and society. The series, which consists of eight one-hour episodes, is based on historical facts, but also takes some creative liberties and offers a fresh and critical perspective on the events and characters. The series is directed by Gus Van Sant, who is known for his unconventional and visionary films, and who brings his distinctive aesthetic and sensibility to the series. The series also features a stellar cast of actors, who deliver captivating and nuanced performances, capturing the essence and complexity of their roles.
The series is a fascinating and compelling portrait of Truman Capote, one of the most influential and controversial writers of his time, and his relationship with the Swans, who were the epitome of glamour and power in the 1950s and 1960s. The series shows how their friendship turned into a feud, and how their feud affected their lives and careers. The series is a must-watch for fans of literature, history, and drama, as well as for those who enjoy a good scandal.
