New York City’s fixation on status, gossip, and drama takes center stage in the latest eight-part FX series “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans,” which premiered on Wednesday.
Set in 1970s New York, the show revisits a notorious scandal that captivated the city, boasting a stellar ensemble cast that includes Naomi Watts, Chloë Sevigny, Jessica Lange, and Demi Moore.
The narrative follows the life of author Truman Capote, a resident of the U.N Plaza, as he indulges in the perks of fame alongside his elite socialite friends known as the “swans.”
Among these swans are prominent figures like Barbara “Babe” Paley, the wife of CBS President William Paley; Lee Radziwill, sister of Jackie Onassis; and C.Z. Guest, who was married to a Churchill and frequently graced magazine covers and “Best Dressed” lists.
However, the swans ostracize Capote from their circle after he exposes their personal affairs and secrets in a revealing article published in the November 1975 edition of Esquire. According to the series, this event triggered a downward spiral that ultimately led to his premature death from liver failure in 1984.
Sevigny, who portrays Guest, shared insights with Gothamist about friendships falling apart, navigating parenthood in New York City, and her enduring status as an “it girl.”
C.Z. Guest is a captivating figure known for her rebellious and iconic persona, frequently making headlines from a young age. Was there a deliberate choice in casting that drew comparisons between you and her?
Chloe Sevigny: The resemblance was initially noted by our mutual decorator, David Cafiero, who owns Cafiero Select in the East Village. He often remarked on the similarities between me, my mother, and C.Z. Guest. I attribute this connection to him, as he consistently kept me on Ryan Murphy’s radar through his conversations and recommendations.
The women depicted in the series grapple with the dual nature of their public personas—liberated yet constrained. Is this a struggle you can relate to, having to assert your identity beyond being labeled as just an “it girl”?
Certainly, proving my versatility beyond that label has been a recurring challenge. I aim for my recent acting projects to speak for themselves through the choices I make and the collaborators I engage with.
Reflecting on the past, particularly the treatment of actresses and women in the ‘90s, reveals a stark contrast to the present landscape. Today, young actresses wield more influence and autonomy, a shift that empowers individuality and authenticity. In contrast, my early experiences were fraught with conforming to a predetermined mold, fostering a sense of apprehension in navigating professional spaces tainted by inappropriate behaviors and remarks.
C.Z. Guest, hailing from a privileged background, demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit through her business ventures and gardening publications. Her proactive approach stands in stark contrast to mere socialite pursuits. Speculating on how she would fare in contemporary times prompts contemplation on the opportunities available to women in similar positions today—an inquiry without a definitive answer.
The enduring loyalty of C.Z. Guest towards Truman Capote, amidst the fallout with other swans, is a poignant aspect of the narrative.
Indeed, C.Z. Guest emerges as one of the few swans who stood by Truman’s side throughout the turmoil. Notably, she remained unscathed by the revelations in Truman’s Esquire exposé, “La Côte Basque.”
Her allegiance seemed torn between loyalty to her companions and empathy towards Truman’s plight. Despite the complexities of her relationships, she harbored genuine affection for him, recognizing his suffering. Their dynamic was characterized by mutual curiosity about each other’s worlds, with the ladies maintaining a keen interest in Truman’s endeavors, casting her in the roles of both confidante and informant.
Have you encountered situations where friends faced significant backlash or ostracization akin to Truman’s experience with the swans?
Yes, I have navigated such scenarios, although delving into specifics may be best avoided for now [laughs].
I distinctly recall hosting a house gathering where one such friend expressed apprehension about social reception, only to find themselves the center of attention at the event. People are inherently drawn to scandal and the intricacies of handling such controversies, often seeking insights and exclusivity. This individual garnered a following at the party, underscoring the allure of scandal and the intrigue it evokes.
“Kids,” a film from 1995 featuring your performance, approaches its 30th anniversary next year. How do you perceive the enduring legacy of the film amidst the anticipated retrospectives?
The perpetual presence of “Kids” in the media landscape is a reality I’ve come to accept with a sense of resignation [laughs]. Despite this, I take immense pride in the film and its enduring impact, particularly in capturing a distinct era of New York City. The movie served as a launching pad for both myself and Rosario Dawson, marking a pivotal moment in our careers.
The film’s cautionary undertones reverberate with audiences, yet many express how it inspired their relocation to New York—a testament to its lasting influence. Personally, “Kids” holds a special place in my heart as the catalyst for my acting journey. I cherish my VHS copy as a memento of that transformative experience.
Your trajectory from an underground scene luminary to mainstream platforms like “Good Morning America” and “The Tonight Show” is quite remarkable. How do you reconcile this evolution with your earlier countercultural roots?
The evolution from my underground origins to mainstream visibility indeed presents a curious juxtaposition. I once jestingly remarked that appearing in People magazine would mark my exit from the industry, underscoring my staunch adherence to an indie ethos in the early ‘90s. Presently, one finds themselves enmeshed in a larger industry apparatus, navigating its demands and expectations.
Your recent commentary in Rolling Stone regarding New York City’s dog-walking culture has sparked conversations. How do you navigate expressing candid opinions while considering potential repercussions?
The attention garnered by my remarks in Rolling Stone is both amusing and daunting [laughs]. While I may lack the definitive street cred, I am wary of potential backlash, particularly within my residential community. Venturing outside post-publication fills me with trepidation, anticipating encounters in the elevator following such candid expressions.
My perspective pertains not to dog owners per se, but rather the few who neglect their civic duty of cleaning up after their pets. My plea is simple: responsible pet ownership entails basic cleanliness. The proliferation of unattended waste mirrors broader issues like storefront closures, contributing to an unsightly urban landscape.
Reflecting on your attendance at the Salem show last summer, are there recent experiences that evoke a similar sense of New York’s enduring allure for you?
The Salem performance at Coney Island held a special allure, underscoring New York’s enduring vibrancy. While my attendance at such events is sporadic due to early mornings with my child, I aspire to engage more fully in enriching experiences. Embracing this resolution, I recently caught a late-night screening of “Maestro” at IFC, signaling a renewed commitment to personal fulfillment.
Noteworthy scenes are emerging around vintage stores like Big Ash on Delancey Street, attracting a youthful cohort engaged in pop-up sales and social gatherings. The Women’s History Museum’s vintage store on Canal Street also fosters a burgeoning community. Despite evolving social dynamics, traditional haunts like Lucien in the East Village retain their charm, serving as a familiar refuge for patrons.
Amidst raising your son in New York City, how do you navigate the balance between his urban upbringing and fostering a connection with nature?
Contemplating my son’s upbringing in the city prompts reflections on the value of outdoor experiences and communion with nature. Observing friends raised in urban settings, particularly as single children, underscores the significance of outdoor exposure. Striving to provide such opportunities for my son remains a priority, albeit with inherent challenges.
Navigating the complexities of privilege and entitlement in child-rearing poses thought-provoking dilemmas. Balancing his upbringing with humility and grounded values necessitates introspection on instilling virtues of goodness and modesty. Negotiating his expectations, whether culinary or recreational, prompts introspection on parenting approaches and their impact on character development.
Undoubtedly, his affinity for Pepe Rosso underscores a shared connection, preserving a sense of continuity amidst evolving urban landscapes.