So much to not like in this movie
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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.