In the world of Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans, divorce and societal changes take center stage. This FX limited series takes us back to a time when divorce was viewed quite differently than it is today.
Molly Ringwald portrays Joanne Carson, the second wife of famous TV personality Johnny Carson. After their split, Joanne finds solace in her friendship with Truman Capote. Portrayed by Tom Hollander, Capote is known for sharing intimate details of his friends' lives in his book Answered Prayers. Despite the controversy, Joanne remains one of Capote's closest confidantes.
The Carsons tied the knot in 1963 but called it quits seven years later, officially divorcing in 1972. Joanne's friendship with Capote was unwavering, even in the face of his reputation in New York City. Capote had a writing room in her home, and he eventually passed away there in 1985.
Ringwald notes that Joanne was a remarkable friend to Capote, loving him unconditionally and supporting his writing, even when he wrote about her. While other women were scandalized and insulted by Capote's revelations, Joanne grasped that he was a writer, and she understood the nature of his work.
On Feud, Calista Flockhart, Diane Lane, Demi Moore, Chloë Sevigny, and Naomi Watts portray the 'swans' - the elite Manhattan women who turned their backs on Capote after the publication of his scandalous chapter, 'La Côte Basque, 1965,' in Esquire magazine in 1975.
This chapter exposed the alleged affair between Babe Paley's husband and the wife of a New York governor. Capote also insinuated that Ann Woodward had committed murder, referring to the 1955 shooting of her husband, William Jr. (which was determined to be an accident).
The swans were constantly in the public eye, known for their designer looks, lavish dining experiences, and exclusive party attendance. Joanne's lifestyle in Los Angeles, however, was quite different.
Ringwald explains that Joanne faced pressure to conform to a certain image during her marriage to one of America's most famous men. She, along with the other swans, lived a life somewhat controlled by their husbands.
Ringwald characterizes the swans as 'American royalty,' a self-invented concept in a country without true monarchs. Over time, that notion spread to Hollywood as well.
However, times have changed, and the women we admire today are those who shape their own destinies. Ringwald points to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé as examples of women who are celebrated for their own achievements rather than solely for their relationships.
Gone are the days when a woman's worth was determined by her spouse. Now, it is what a woman is doing that matters most. This shift signifies a positive development in society's perception of women and their accomplishments.
Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans, a captivating exploration of the past, airs Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. ET on FX. Don't miss out on this intriguing journey into the world of scandal, friendship, and societal changes.
