Oscar nominated actress Catherine Keener was devastated when famed author HARPER LEE, who she played in CAPOTE, refused to speak with her before filming.

The To Kill a Mockingbird author, who had been celebrated writer Truman Capote's best friend since childhood, refused to cooperate with the making of the film in any way.

Keener explains, "She's a very private person. When I got the job I thought maybe I'd go down to Alabama, where she lives, and knock on her door or something.

"They (the producers) told me that she didn't want anything to do with it (the movie), because she wanted to remain a private person."

After Capote was released, Lee contacted Keener to tell her how much she enjoyed the film.

Keener says, "It's wonderful (that she got into contact). She saw the film and she liked it very much and was very enthusiastic about Phil's (Philip Seymour Hoffman) performance."