The third episode of FX's "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans," titled "Masquerade 1966," focuses on Truman Capote’s iconic Black and White Ball. Tom Hollander stars as Capote, with Chloë Sevigny playing C.Z. Guest, alongside Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Calista Flockhart, and Demi Moore.
The episode is presented as unseen footage by Albert and David Maysles, known for their direct cinema style. Writer Jon Robin Baitz and executive producer Ryan Murphy wanted to contrast Capote’s later betrayal of his high-society friends with a flashback to his peak moment of fame. Directed by Gus Van Sant and shot by Jason McCormick, the episode mimics a black-and-white documentary style, differing from the usual colorful cinematography of the series.
The episode explores Capote’s ego and the tension among his social circle, ending with a touching scene where Capote imagines his deceased mother dancing with him, symbolizing his need for her approval.