Tom Hollander shares his nervousness in perfecting Truman Capote’s accent for ‘Feud’, describing it as ‘almost cartoonish’.

Tom Hollander, known for his roles in “The Night Manager” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” has taken on the challenge of portraying Truman Capote in the FX series “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.” In a recent interview with The Post, Hollander reveals his nervousness in perfecting Capote’s distinctive voice, describing it as “almost cartoonish.” However, with the support of the cast and some positive feedback from New Yorkers, Hollander was able to overcome his nerves and deliver a bravura performance.

“Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” is an eight-episode series that explores the relationship between Truman Capote and his high society friends, whom he affectionately calls the “Swans.” The Swans include Babe Paley, Nancy “Slim” Keith, CZ Guest, Lee Radziwill, Ann Woodward, and Joanne Carson. The series delves into their shattered relationship after Capote publishes a roman à clef titled “La Côte Basque, 1965,” which exposes their secrets and portrays them as petty and backstabbing. Most of the Swans never forgive Capote for this literary betrayal.

In “Feud,” Capote spirals downward after being cut off from the Swans. The series depicts his struggles with alcohol and pill addiction before his death in 1984 at the age of 59. Hollander’s portrayal of Capote captures the essence of the troubled writer, bringing his voice and mannerisms to life on screen.

Hollander admits to initially feeling nervous about making Capote’s voice seem cartoonish. However, with the help of a voice teacher and positive feedback from people who recognized Capote in his performance, Hollander gained confidence. He explains that once he had mastered the voice, he could focus on conveying the emotional depth of the character. Like a musician playing a familiar piece with their heart, Hollander was able to let his emotional register shine through while maintaining Capote’s unique voice.

Reflecting on Capote’s regret over publishing the controversial “La Côte Basque” article, Hollander believes that Capote did regret it. He believes that Capote yearned for redemption and continued to hold onto the hope of repairing his relationship with the Swans. Hollander likens Capote’s relationship with the Swans to an addiction, suggesting that being cut off from them deprived him of the oxygen he craved.

However, Hollander also acknowledges that Capote’s trajectory was already heading downward due to his addiction issues. He believes that Capote was addicted not only to the Swans and high society but also to alcohol as a means to fill the void within himself. Despite warnings from others, Capote was unable to break free from his destructive habits.

Hollander’s portrayal of Truman Capote in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” brings a new perspective to the troubled writer’s life. With his dedication to perfecting Capote’s voice and his ability to convey the emotional depth of the character, Hollander delivers a bravura performance that captivates viewers. As the series comes to a close, audiences are left with a deeper understanding of Capote’s complex relationships and his struggle with addiction, making “Feud” a must-watch for fans of true stories and compelling performances.