He needs to talk directly with the two murderers - and has to put much energy into "seducing" the more reticent Perry Smith (Daniel Craig). In the process he falls in love with Perry, and is torn between his desire for the success of his book (which almost demands the death of the murderers) and his fascination with Perry.

There is a parallel in Perry's life when he seems to fall in love with one of his victims - but it is already too late. 

The story is interspersed with documnetary style interviews (that remind you of the History Channel) - some may find this distracting but I liked them - particularly the comments from a young Gore Vidal (Michael Panes).

This movies was realeased soon after "Capote" - another version of the sames events with an Oscar winning lead actor (Philip Seymour Hoffman).  I have not seen this one - but would like to.