Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

 
Feb. 26, 2011

40. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)--REWATCH

Starring Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen
Directed by Blake Edwards

Plot: "A young New York socialite becomes interested in a young man who has moved into her apartment building." (from IMDb)

****MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS****

I first saw this quite a few years back and I remember thinking it was very strange. I decided to give it a second look. While I'm glad I rewatched it, I still wouldn't count it as one of my favorites. There are things I really like about the film--such as the stylish clothes and settings, the beautiful score, and Audrey's genuine performance. Mostly, however, I find this film to be quite overrated. Capote or no Capote, to me the story seems rather weak and superficial. I also have to mention (you knew this was coming) that Mr. Yunioshi (Mickey Rooney) really bothers me. Any scene he is in makes me want to bang my head against a table. Although his character is especially offensive, he's not the only crude caricature in this film. Although the themes are serious enough, many of the characters seem like little more than cartoons. In my opinion, that kind of detracts from the genuineness and believability of the movie. Though I suppose some people just find that charming or humorous. I do feel like the ending message of how we sometimes 'build our own cages in search of freedom' is a good one, but the muddled path getting there detracted from any ultimate merit.

Other things…

I liked:

 
Holly’s tasseled earplugs. (I want a pair!)

The tub sofa (a bathtub sawed in half and used as a couch) featured in Holly’s apartment. I’ve never seen one of these before!

The fashion (of course), especially the black hat (above) and pink outfit (below).

Notice I did not include that iconic black dress.  Sometimes I feel like if I see one more coffee mug, t-shirt or poster with that image on it I will gag. Which is a shame, because it is an elegant ensemble. Just waaay, waaay, waaay overused. (I feel very much like Sarah does about Audrey Hepburn). /rant over

 
Moon River. I love the song and the way Audrey sings it. The rest of the Oscar-winning soundtrack is also a highlight.

The Tiffany’s salesman, played by John McGiver. His dry, verbose delivery is quite hilarious. One of the few actually-funny-and-amusing moments in the film.

In addition to what I noted in my review, I also disliked:

• That they stole stuff. Even if it was just two masks. I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to steal something just to have a good time. :P
• I didn’t really think watching people get drunk was really that entertaining or funny. I actually found it rather distasteful.

As you can see, it was mostly only the minor elements of the film (music, costumes) that I liked. The plot and characters really fell flat for me.

What are your thoughts on Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Do you love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in-between?