Review of Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) by Helena S — 05 Feb 2011

âBreakfast at Tiffanyâ(TM)sâ? sees Audrey Hepburn in the most iconic role of her career. Just about everyone knows the look of Hepburnâ(TM)s Holly Golightly, even those who havenâ(TM)t seen the film. Itâ(TM)s the look that springs to mind when the sheer name of Hepburn is mentioned. Her long black sleeveless gown draping down to her ankles, big black sunglasses barely covering her large brown eyes, a wide-brimmed hat with a big white ribbon falling down to her shoulder and her diamante encrusted cigarette holder held thinly between her fingers. Itâ(TM)s an image that is synonymous with the lore of Hollywood Legends and burnt into the subconscious of people the world over.

Based on Truman Capoteâ(TM)s 1958 novella of the same name âBreakfast at Tiffanyâ(TM)s,â? released in 1961 stars Hepburn as Golightly, an eccentric New York City playgirl who makes a living as an escort to some of societies most important men. Sheâ(TM)s an extrovert who enjoys the more extravagant things in life such as expensive clothing, and window shopping and at New Yorkâ(TM)s famed Tiffany store at breakfast. But beneath the mask Holly finds herself lonely â" her only real friend being her cat, aptly named â~Cat.â(TM) However, when struggling writer Paul Varjak (George Peppard) moves next door to her in her Brownstone apartment building a friendship sparks, one that leads to the ultimate unmasking of Hollyâ(TM)s â~socialiteâ(TM) facade, and to one of the greatest romances in cinema history.

Regardless of how much Capote protested against the casting of Hepburn as Golightly itâ(TM)s extremely hard to imagine anyone else in the role â" even Marilyn Monroe whom Capote lobbied so hard for. Itâ(TM)s one of cinemaâ(TM)s greatest roles and Hepburn delivers it to perfection in an Academy Award nominated effort. The rest of the cast play off of Hepburn very well, Peppard is great as Paul, who has an un-missable chemistry with Hepburn on the screen and Mickey Rooney delivers great comedic relief in his controversial, and quite frankly, bizarre portrayal of Asian neighbour Mr. Yunioshi. But itâ(TM)s made very clear that Hepburn is the sole star and centrepiece of what could be one of Hollywoodâ(TM)s first real âcharacter pieces.â?

A great script and a beautiful Oscar winning score by composer Henri Mancini and lyricist Johnny Mercer, âBreakfast at Tiffanyâ(TM)sâ? is the perfect film for your romantic Valentineâ(TM)s Day date or simply a great film event to see on the big screen at the Astor.