This film was released on Friday 11th September 2015 and is no longer screening.

IFI CLASSIC

In November 1959, Perry Smith (Robert Blake) and Dick Hickock (Scott Wilson) broke into the home of prosperous farmer Herb Clutter and his family. The two men, former prison cellmates, had heard from a fellow con that Clutter had a safe on the premises containing large amounts of cash, which they hoped would help them establish new lives in Mexico. When they found the rumour to be untrue, Smith and Hickock murdered Cutter, his wife, and two teenage children.

With the help of Harper Lee, an intrigued Truman Capote conducted a thorough investigation of the case, eventually gathering enough material to produce his most famous work. Richard Brooks’ film recounts the murders, and the subsequent trial and execution of the two men, according to the details provided by Capote, adding a chilling authenticity by filming in the actual locations and casting locals as themselves. (Notes by Kevin Coyne.)

This film will be up for discussion in our FREE monthly film club, The Critical Take, on September 29th at 18.30. Simply book your FREE seat by contacting the IFI Box Office on 01 679 3477 or emailing boxoffice@irishfilm.ie (given that events can sell out, please note that your emailed booking requests must be confirmed by reply email from the Box Office in order to be considered valid).

Don’t forget we now schedule weekly.