Anthony's Film Review - Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

A nice romantic comedy and drama featuring the lovely and talented Audrey Hepburn...

Breakfast at Tiffany's, based on the novel by Truman Capote, is no doubt a movie that actress Audrey Hepburn will always be known for. While it's far from the greatest love story ever, it's still a good movie that showcases Hepburn's cinematic charm and talent. She does a good job playing multiple sides of a character who is both flawed and likable. Even so, it's not all about her, because the leading male star, George Peppard, is also a welcome presence for the same reason: a combination of good looks and solid acting. Really, what makes this movie work is the chemistry between the two stars, not the performance of either one alone.

Audrey Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a young New York socialite who thrives in social settings. She seems to be happy, at least on the surface. As the movie eventually shows, she does have a past life that she wanted to get away from. Even then, she is prone to getting drunk and spending money freely, and her pet cat (named Cat, believe it or not) may offer some companionship but not necessarily complete her. The only thing that truly gives her peace and solace is the Tiffany & Co. jewelry store. She loves the place so much that, in the first scene of the film, she stands outside the store before business hours while eating breakfast (hence, the film's title).

Soon, George Peppard enters the picture. He plays a writer named Paul Varjak, who meets Holly in a chance encounter when he moves into the same apartment building and he needs to borrow Holly's telephone to make a call. The encounter is more than brief, because Holly and Paul end up talking for several minutes, and the same thing happens later when Holly enters Paul's apartment unexpectedly. Personality-wise, Paul is a well-mannered man who might be a good match for Holly, especially as he later falls in love with her. He does, however, struggle a bit financially as a writer, which is why he makes extra money on the side as a male escort, whose current client is an older wealthy married woman played by Patricia Neal.

The movie alternates between lighthearted comedy and somewhat serious drama as Holly and Paul gradually develop a chemistry. That's not to say it's a perfect match from the start. First, they slowly come together, then Paul admits his love for Holly who doesn't feel the same way. After that, there is curiosity in the audience about whether Paul will win Holly's heart after all. Basically, the romance story isn't mind-blowingly creative, but it still works. It does what any romance plot should do: make us laugh and smile with sweet moments and break our hearts with painful moments.

Overall, Breakfast at Tiffany's is a nice romance movie featuring solid performances by its two leading stars. George Peppard earns kudos in my book for playing a smart and kind gentleman. As for Audrey Hepburn, she deserves as much credit for demonstrating versatile talent. She is wonderful to see whether Holly is enjoying a party, going about her department while half-asleep, going shopping, expressing grief, or reaching an epiphany on a rainy day. So yeah, this is a classic movie. Not a classic in the masterpiece sense, but still a classic in terms of simple cinematic entertainment.

Anthony's Rating:

For more information about Breakfast at Tiffany's, visit the Internet Movie Database.