So much to not like in this movie
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duckie_bb — 11 years ago(March 04, 2015 09:37 PM)
breakfast at Tiffanys. No significance whatsoever right up there with Naughty at the five and ten. Or bimbo meets Mimbo (actually that one makes more plot sense). Or New York taxi ride (you get the idea)
Holly uses Tiffany's as a coping mechanism. She's a vulnerable, flighty teenager alone after moving from the country to the city and Tiffany's is a reliable foundation to her, it calms her down and makes her feel more secure. Using Tiffany's in the title I imagine would relate to what Tiffany's means to Holly and that it's a location frequented in the film.
Also, Capote stated that Holly is not a prostitute, she's an "American Geisha". -
gingersmurf — 11 years ago(March 07, 2015 04:37 AM)
rp0383, I am with you 100%. I watched this movie for the first time two days ago because a friend of mine is having a "Breakfast At Tiffany's" themed birthday party. I was completely unimpressed.
Now, granted, I can see the appeal when the movie was first released. At a time when women were primarily relegated to being housewives and mothers, the idea of being a free spirit with no strings attached surely was a fantasy of many women. But from today's perspective, I find nothing to adore or admire about the movie. -
hka-3 — 11 years ago(March 08, 2015 12:28 PM)
I didn't care much for the film at first, either, but kept watching it over and over because of Audrey Hepburn, Cat, the party scene and the colorful scenery throughout the film. Also, the way Holly became part of Paul's life was endearing, because she acted like they were old friends and sometimes it's nice when people are able to do that in the real world if they feel an instant connection.
Eventually I started to appreciate that Holly and Paul were in similar circumstances, not really doing much with their lives as if they were waiting for their ships to come in. The people they were waiting on weren't handing them anything substantial enough that they could build futures on. Or if they were being handed anything, they didn't have motivation to really make something of it.
Paul began to realize Holly gave him the inspiration he needed in order to work with what he had, which was his writing ability. She could potentially inspire him to write great novels. He was able to convince her to build a life with him. They were "two poor slobs," as Holly might say, who could lean on each other and accomplish anything they wanted together.
Mag, Darling, you're being a bore. -
patricianolanstein — 9 years ago(October 06, 2016 12:38 AM)
I agree. When "Jed Clampett" shows up in NY as Holly's husband, the film takes a turn for the worst. It becomes so bizarre at that point. The idea of Hollyat age 14having been married to that old geezer throws a pallor over the entire film. Yes, it was filmed at a time when women were primarily housewives (or Mad Men secretaries) and Holly's free spirit obviously was kooky and refreshing. I definitely like George Peppard. But the storyline is contrived and creepy.
From today's perspective, the film is outdated and very uncomfortable to watch. Audrey Hepburn is unbelievablenot as Holly the free spirtbut as a hillbilly girl who married the old geezer as a young teen and later escapes to the big city.
I once read a review which said the only reason this film is considered a "classic" is because Audrey looked so cool with her black dress, streaked hair and cigarette holder. That's what people rememberNOT the dialogue or storyline. -
DorsiaRes — 10 years ago(July 21, 2015 07:36 AM)
I finally watched this movie the other day and I agree with you. I understand this was the 60s but the Asian stereotype was offensive and not humorous in the least. I may have liked the movie a little more had that character not been portrayed that way or even been in it at all. I forced myself to finish it, although I was so done by the 30 minute mark
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naja12168-7 — 10 years ago(December 27, 2015 05:22 PM)
Overall, I like Holly's relationship with Paul enough to "root" for them in the end. I think that Cat was actually my favorite character though. He actually made me want to get a cat, which is impressive because i'm strictly a dog person.
There were some humorous parts in this and I liked some of the humor. I even liked that horrifically racist character played by Mickey Rooney, as he was probably the funniest/dumbest part about this movie. Why they couldn't get an actual asian guy to play the part is beyond me, 60's or no 60's. I liked the chemistry between Holly and Paul, but in general this movie was a let down for me.
Other than showcasing Tiffany's jewelry store and the scenic beauty that is New York, and other than adorable Audrey herself and that cute "Cat," I fail to see what is so damn iconic or wonderful about this film. I really want to like it, I just can't. -
Jennie_Portrait — 9 years ago(February 04, 2017 07:16 PM)
Other than showcasing Tiffany's jewelry store and the scenic beauty that is New York, and other than adorable Audrey herself and that cute "Cat," I fail to see what is so damn iconic or wonderful about this film. I really want to like it, I just can't.
I totally agree with you. I've just seen it for the first time (odd because I'm sort of an old movie maven). Audrey is just stunning as is her clothes and the location shots. But the story is very lacking. If Audrey weren't in it, I don't think it would be considered so iconic.
Never say never
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l4d — 10 years ago(February 25, 2016 05:29 PM)
It might have made more sense if the director had been brave enough to portray the real story, which is quite autobiographical.
It's about a southern gay boy, Fred ( in reality, Truman Capote) trying to make it in the big city as a writer. He's all alone in a strange land, and feels lost and adrift, until he meets his neighbor Holly, a country girl trying to find a rich husband (Holly = an American geisha, as per Capote). After meeting her, Holly becomes Fred's "connection" to the world around him, vital for a writer to tell compelling stories.
Tiffany's represents the world that Holly wants for herself. When she's lost and unsure and things seem hopeless, she can go there and remember why she's in New York. By going there, her dream of living the good life stays alive a little longer, and she's able to go back to her ordinary life and kiss some more frogs to find her prince. By introducing Fred to a place so important to her, she's showing him that it's okay to dream big, but you have to work a little to keep the dream alive. This is another huge factor that keeps him on the path of becoming a successful writer.
As two young and relatively naive kids in the city, Fred and Holly are emotionally stunted and immature, and neither of them wants anyone tying them down. In the context of the novel, 1950s America, these traits make them offbeat and unwilling and even unable to share all of themselves with other people, especially not with the opposite sex. What they eventually realize is that tying themselves down to each other a little means they won't be alone anymore. They'll be able to count on one another and be each other's safe ports in a heartless city.
That's the real story of Breakfast at Tiffany's.
It's a pity that the times being what they were about things like party girls and homosexuals wouldn't let the real story get told. -
singjohn — 10 years ago(March 23, 2016 01:35 AM)
1.) Doc's motives are purely selfish. He wants Holly back and uses Paul (who he sees has developed a relationship with Holly) to help him.
2.) The Yunioshi character was offensive to audiences even back in 1961. Mickey Rooney himself expressed his regret in taking the role. Although it took him 40 years to say it.
3.) Holly's free spiritedness is a manifestation of her insecurity. Paul confronts her with this when says "No matter where you run, you'll just keep running into yourself". The thin line between being free spirited and irresponsible is an important element in this story.
4.) Paul and Holly are kindred spirits in the fact that they have both sold themselves to get what they think they want. Meeting one another makes them realize just how much of themselves they have given away. They fear they may have nothing left to give when they realize they have fallen in love with each other.
5.) Tiffany's symbolizes every thing Holly believes she wants for herself. It's a kind of fantasyland that grounds her in an otherwise chaotic existence. Her visits there tend to be after a night of partying (when she is feeling particularly vulnerable). In the morning (AKA breakfast time).
6.) Doc tells Holly that Fred needs her as way to exploit the feelings he know's she has for her brother. He will say anything to get her back even if it hurts her.
7.) Doc mistakenly tries to shame Holly in to returning with him by accusing her of abandoning her husband and family. It doesn't work. -
vicferrarri — 10 years ago(March 23, 2016 07:50 AM)
signjohn - very thoughtful, constructive, and polite reply. Thanks!
Your #5 point is true and saddening. So many people believe that if they could have ____ then they could be happy. They work hard to manipulate and try to get to that point. They even fantasize about things they know are out of reach. And the sad part is that even if they got them, they would still be unfulfilled after a while. What they are seeking is unconditional love. Love that doesn't have to be earned. Love from someone that can see the real them and love them without condition. In fact that's the only kind of love. Every other love is fake. -
singjohn — 10 years ago(March 23, 2016 08:33 AM)
You might also see Holly's trips to Tiffany's as a connection to her dreams. She reminds Paul that dreams are possible if you manifest them. However, Holly learns that her dream is somewhat shallow and not a substitute for real love.
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seahawk3133 — 9 years ago(April 28, 2016 11:05 AM)
Let's face it.
When it came out, it probably seemed better because of an image.
As time went on - this movie now is basically what it always was once the glitter has worn off
A mediocre movie worth watching but far from great -
singjohn — 9 years ago(July 03, 2016 01:51 PM)
The movie has a terribly dark heart in the fact that Holly is basically a pretty F-ed up person with a lot of self-esteem issues and a huge identity crisis. The fluffy Hollywood repackaging of the Capote novella took all the sting out of it.