Friday, May 20, 2022

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Pros: Audrey Hepburn playing a near normal person is great to see. She comes from a humble upbringing, determined to better herself and yet, it doesn't seem to be completely going her way. Despite her excellent wardrobe, she's a call girl and can't stand real human relationships. She's great, and it's hard to hate an Audrey Hepburn film and at least she's a real character here, with a range of emotions, much better here than in that cheesy Roman Holiday, which is good but she's not as good as she is here. And the ending's happier. 

Cons: Paul Varjack (George Peppard) doesn't have much to do and tries but never fully embodies his character, plus, he's a bit of a jerk at times, though he does hit the nail on the head when he snaps at Holly, stating that she's already put herself in a box, he doesn't have to do it for her. Also, the plot is almost a pre-curser for Pretty Woman, only Paul isn't rich. 

Recommend: Yes

Grade: B+

Side Notes:

-Poor Cat, he really goes through a lot, getting thrown into a closet door and then she leaves him out in the rain, though fortunately she does come to her senses and rescues him.

-The supporting cast is solid with one notable exception. Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen and Martin Balsam shine in their supporting roles though Mickey Rooney is grossly miscast as the Japanese neighbor. It is probably one of the grossest casting mistakes in the history of Hollywood, though The whole cast of The Good Earth is also certainly on the list.

-Hepburn might have just have a baby before filming, but she's still super shiny and other than the pastry at the beginning, she doesn't eat anything throughout the course of this film and her only attempt at cooking is a disaster. 

-Her cigarette holder is almost deadly. 

-The scene where Holly and Paul attempt (and succeed) to steal from a Five and Dime is a work of genius.

-The score is utterly brilliant as well and the song 'Moon River' is a classic for a reason. 

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