Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Next on the #100moviesbucketlist is Blake Edwards 1961 classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Audrey Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a party girl who lives in her sparsely decorated apartment and lives the party life with friends from New York’s social scene. She also makes regular visits to Sing Sing prison to see Sally Tomato (Alan Reed) a New York mobster. However, a new relationship emerges when writer Paul Varjack (George Peppard) moves in upstairs. The two find each other fascinating and develop a friendship. As Varjacks feelings for Holly grows, so does the influence of her past that threatens to spoil her future.

There is a real charm to this film, with comedic moments alongside a darker sadness that permeates through Holly’s dazzling exterior. This film really is carried by Hepburn’s central performance, a lovely nuanced balance between comedy and sadness, a woman struggling to move on from her past and believe she can be happy.

She is well supported by Peppard, whose charismatic charm and ability to offer a slight distance to Holly allows us to watch her through his eyes. There is also a marvelous feline performance from Orangey the cat, seriously there is!

For a film released in 1961 it does have some issues when watched through modern eyes, none more than Mickey Rooney’s, Mr. Yunioshi, Holly’s Asian neighbour. Watched today it is cringe inducing from the beginning. There is also some problematic elements to Holly’s back story. But it’s important to remember this film is 60 years old and the attitudes on show are from that period.

For the things you do get from it, the one thing you don’t, is much breakfast or Tiffany’s!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a cultural classic and has a lot going for it with its wonderful charm and sadness. It is lit up by a beautiful nuanced performance from Audrey Hepburn and Peppard’s charm and charisma. While the age of the film makes some it problematic, for me its charm wins out.