Review of Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) by Buddy K — 13 Aug 2010
Didn't think I would hate this Blake Edwards-helmed classic, but found I enjoyed it more than I expected. Audrey Hepburn must be applauded, for despite playing a shamelessly gold-digging prostitute in this film, she brings an energy and a naive charm to the role that really makes you care for her and yearn for her to have a happy ending to her story.
Her rendition of "Moon River", simple yet contemplative, is one of the high points of the film, and honestly Henry Mancini's score overall is one of the qualities that made me ultimately fall for the film.
Some of the dialogue exchanges in the more active scenes could have been shaven down for stronger material, but overall the writing was very smart with a dark wit deceptively hidden by consistent optimism.
The biggest flaw in the movie is Mickey Rooney, in yellow-face with buck teeth, playing the most racist Asian stereotype I've ever seen in a classic film. Its so shocking I wasn't even offended, but it did make the movie uneven at times.
Still, you can't help but smile at Hepburn at several moments and her talents do overcome most of the damage from Rooney's character.
This review of Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) was written by Buddy K on 13 Aug 2010.
Breakfast at Tiffany's has generally received very positive reviews.
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