Grade: A

Best Picture nominee this year, and with good reason. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who plays Truman Capote, won Best Actor, and it is well deserved. This movie just blew me away. I wasn’t expecting anything from it, but wanted to see it because of the nomination, and I’m so glad I did. This is a character study, and it brings up so many interesting issues. The story is about what Truman Capote went through while writing his book “In Cold Blood.” I thought it was going to be gory and violent but it’s not – it’s really layered emotionally, and very deep. Catherine Keener plays Harper Lee, and she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. She’s wonderful in the role. I love true stories, and real people – and this whole movie was put together so well. It’s just fascinating. A little heavy for younger teens, but really a must-see for older teens, especially those interested in writing or journalism as a career.