Review of Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) by Kyle20Ellis — 01 Apr 2022

After seeing her in My Fair Lady, I wanted to see more of Audrey Hepburn's work, and Breakfast at Tiffany's was the film that almost everyone I spoke to about her recommended. After seeing it for myself, I found it delightful, it does have its problems but a lot compensated.

One is that it is really nice to look at. The cinematography and settings are really elegant, and Audrey's black dress makes her look amazing and svelte. Henry Mancini's score is also superb, full of sweet, poignant and jaunty melodies, and I have to say the song Moon River for its sublime melody and meaningful lyrics has to be one of my favourite songs of all time, it is so beautiful and romantic.

In terms of performances, while George Peppard looks handsome and acts sweetly, it is Audrey's movie as she pretty much epitomises the film on her own. Her Holly Golightly, like Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley, Vivien Leigh's Scarlet O'Hara, Bette Davis's Margo Channing and Ingrid Bergman's Ilsa, is very iconic as a character, like the film she is elegant, charming and enchanting even with her character flaws we still love her.

In terms of comedy highlights, the early party scene really does stand out. However, despite all this, there are problems with the film, Mickey Rooney being at the top of the list. I have nothing against Rooney, but his Japanese landlord felt stereotyped and unnecessary despite one or two mildly amusing moments, and I felt Rooney overacted.

While the dialogue is witty in spots, it is also very fluffy and sugary, while the story is uneven in places, and meanders as well. Lastly, the ending felt somewhat tacked on, sweet yes but you couldn't help thinking "I want more" and it could've done with being less unambiguous.

Overall, despite the flaws, it is engaging and delightful. 7.