Tags
1960's, Audrey Hepburn, Blake Edwards, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Buddy Ebsen, Drama, George Peppard, Martin Balsam, Mickey Rooney, Patricia Neal, Romance
Film Title
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Director
Blake Edwards
Starring
- Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly
- George Peppard as Paul Varjak
- Patricia Neal as 2-E
- Buddy Ebsen as Doc
- Martin Balsam as O.J. Berman
- Mickey Rooney as Mr Yunioshi
An iconic romantic drama that boasts many memorable images that have burned themselves into pop culture forever, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is simply gorgeous and delightfully made.
The film centres around the beautiful Holly Golightly, a New York City party girl who enjoys the gifts from the many men in her circle. She is something of a kooky young lady with strange mannerisms, that are nonetheless charming. One day in her apartment block, struggling writer Paul Varjak moves in and by chance bumps into the wild Holly. He soon becomes entranced yet bewildered by the young lady who lives below. She throws huge parties that are pouring with energy and drink, yet underneath Holly appears to be a very different person. She puts across that she is an independent girl who desires to be free from constraints, but at the same time you can tell that she is really searching for something more. The money she gets from men is something to help her with her life, but she would love someday to discover her true self. Paul observes Holly from a distance, as he is something of a kept men of an older women he nicknames 2-E. Slowly, he falls for Holly though she is often at odds with how he is feeling. Will Holly ever let the mask slide and discover happiness that doesn’t come from money?
Director Blake Edwards hits all the right notes of comedy, romance and drama here. He stylishly crafts the slightly unusual tale with a deep heart that is wistful as it is observant of the two principal characters. It is a gorgeous love letter to New York City, which makes the place positively sparkle from beginning to end. The film is loosely based on a novel by Truman Capote and from what I’ve heard toned down from the source material. Now I haven’t read the book so I can’t really judge, but I found Breakfast at Tiffany’s a lovely film. Due to censorship of the time, various parts of the story were glossed over. The biggest one is what Holly does for a living( of which I’m told in the book she is a call girl). As shown in the film, she seems to be a girl who enjoys the company of men and having a good time. Yet watching through modern eyes, there are areas where sometimes it gives an insight into Holly’s professional life. The same goes for Paul, who appears to be something of a gigolo himself. I found these parts of the movie interesting as while it is toned down and done subtly, you can get parts of the film that reference these things quietly and not in your face. The movie neatly balances romance and laughs throughout it. Yet many may be surprised by the percolating tone of melancholy that runs through it, mostly in the shape of the conflicted Holly. And if you’re talking about a film of iconic moments, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is practically overflowing with them. There is the opening where Holly observes Tiffany’s from outside in a beautiful black dress and sunglasses, that still influences fashion today no doubt. Then we have Holly crooning ‘Moon River’ on her fire escape as a bewitched Paul watches. And I can’t forget that lovely rain-soaked kiss that occurs and is romance at its most glorious. One of the most successful parts of the film is the score from Henry Mancini, that hits the notes of romanticism and wistful sadness perfectly, including the aforementioned ‘Moon River’. All of these elements fuse together to craft an entertaining and magical experience that has remained evergreen.
This film ultimately belongs to Audrey Hepburn, who is enchanting as the wild and kooky Holly. She displays the zest for life of an extrovert perfectly, showing a disarming and amusing young lady. But the biggest achievement of Hepburn’s performance is how well she shades the character. Holly is a somewhat complex character of contradictions and Hepburn marvellously gets all the sides across. She’s funny, witty yet underneath it melancholy and searching for meaning. It’s a wonderfully constructed performance from a luminous Audrey Hepburn, who never looked lovelier than she did here. George Peppard sensitively plays the curious Paul, who is enchanted by Holly yet frustrated by her outlook on life and men in general. The two share a somewhat unusual chemistry that begins as friendly and then moves into love as Paul discovers the extent of his feelings for the kooky Holly. In supporting roles, Patricia Neal is cynical and sexy as Paul’s benefactor and Buddy Ebsen has the required sadness for playing someone from Holly’s past. And Martin Balsam is a smooth and perceptive presence as Holly’s agent, who sums her up perfectly with the line “She’s a phony, but she’s a real phony”. The only flaw that can be found in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is Mickey Rooney portraying Holly’s Japanese landlord. Not only is the role racist and very offensive by today’s standards, it is supposed to be funny in the film but is cringe inducing and grotesque to watch.
Directed with style, laced with humour and pathos, as well as a superbly radiant Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a classic for a reason. They simply don’t make them like they used to and this is one of those films that retains a magical glamour.
beetleypete said:
Hepburn looks and acts great. (Except for the awful singing) Patricia Neal is very good, and Peppard hits the brief. But it just didn’t work for me. Audrey looks the part as a fashion model (the woman she was based on was both call-girl and model) but the Rooney part was just bad in every way, and all the racy (and for the time) outrageous aspects of the book were watered down, to make it into ‘family’ entertainment.
I know that most people love this film, but I can’t even watch it.
Even the Galaxy chocolate TV ad winds me up!
Cheers mate, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Thank you for the interesting comment Pete. As I said, I have never read the book. It does make me wonder whether I’d look at the film differently. Audrey Hepburn was simply gorgeous in this.
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beetleypete said:
I haven’t read the book myself mate. I have read a fair bit on the background to the film though, and how Capote was outraged at the changes made to his story when it was filmed.
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vinnieh said:
I read that he wanted Marilyn Monroe for the part of Holly.
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missagathaarmstrong said:
the most beautiful film ever made
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vinnieh said:
It’s very magical and lovely. They don’t make em like they used to.
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MissKymmiee said:
Beautiful Post ❤ http://www.misskymmiee.com
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vinnieh said:
Aww, thank you very much for the lovely , heart-warming comment.
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fragglerocking said:
I think the plot washed right over me as this is the film where I fell in love with George Peppard, I only had eyes for him back then 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Ah, I see. Him and Hepburn are very delightful in this movie.
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jimjimmyjames.org said:
I don’t remember when I last seen this film & I had mostly forgotten the story. I kind of think of it as a lazy Sunday afternoon movie when there is not really much to do.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a good movie to sit down and take in.
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dbmoviesblog said:
Iconic actress, iconic movie. Hepburn fits her role so well. Nice review, as usual.
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vinnieh said:
Hepburn is the star of the show and deservedly so. She was a beautiful and talented woman.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
One of my favorite movies Vinnie! Nice review as always.😊
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vinnieh said:
It’s a classic for a reason. They really don’t make them like they used to.
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ninvoid99 said:
I haven’t seen this though I’m not sure if I have the desire to. Plus, I have seen those clips of Mickey Rooney as the Asian which is definitely offensive.
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vinnieh said:
The Mickey Rooney part is the only real flaw as the rest of the film is pretty delightful.
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Haylee said:
Love, love, love this film! But then Hepburn is a personal icon. I’ve also read the book, had to study it at college, and I fell in love with that too but for different reasons. It’s true it has a somewhat darker tone.
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vinnieh said:
Audrey Hepburn is one of the most beautiful women to walk the planet. And a talented actress too. I would be interested in checking out what the book is like.
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sonofabeach96 said:
Audrey Hepburn is about as classy as they came.
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vinnieh said:
Class was her middle name. She projected elegance and sophistication with ease.
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sonofabeach96 said:
Indeed, she did. 😃
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vinnieh said:
She was one of a kind.
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alexraphael said:
They really don’t make them like they used to. You’ve nailed it.
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vinnieh said:
There’s something special about older movies. I can’t put my finger on it but they capture the attention in ways that many modern movies can’t.
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Paul S said:
Breakfast at Tiffany’s was my introduction to Ms. Hepburn and, just as George Peppard did, I fell in love with her almost immediately. She was a true original and I doubt there will ever be another one like her. Her character might’ve been a “real phony,” but she herself was the genuine article.
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vinnieh said:
It is impossible not be charmed and enchanted by Audrey Hepburn. She was truly a beautiful lady and excellent actress. She had a class that was instinctive and she was just a lovely lady.
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keepsmealive said:
I always loved this film. And Audrey. Oh Audrey. 😉
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vinnieh said:
There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the loveliness of Miss Hepburn
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CFY Movie news and reviews said:
A stunningly beautiful woman, I always think she is arguably the most attractive actress of all time
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vinnieh said:
If would agree that she is one of the most beautiful ladies to walk on to the cinema screen.
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thepunktheory said:
Breakfast at Tiffany’s might be my favourite movie of all time. There is nothing quite like it.
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vinnieh said:
It’s an utter delight from start to finish.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
Loved your review! This movie is one of my favorite classics among movies, definitely everyone should watch it at least once in life ❤ Actually, I do love all works from Audrey Hepburn, haha!
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vinnieh said:
It’s a lovely film with the delightful charm of Audrey Hepburn at the centre. Talk about iconic.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
Agreed! Which is your favorite Audrey Hepburn movie?? ❤
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vinnieh said:
Well I loved this and Roman Holiday. I need to see more of her movies it must be said.
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Paul S said:
It’s difficult to beat Roman Holiday!
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Annelise Lestrange said:
I have to admit that my all time favorite is My Fair Lady ❤ But Roman Holiday is pure magic!!!
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vinnieh said:
A superlative movie.
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writingsuzanne said:
Love this film!
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vinnieh said:
It’s a definite classic.
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