Breakfast at Tiffany's

Watching Breakfast at Tiffany's is sure to accomplish at least one thing: the song "Moon River" will be stuck in your head for at least a day after viewing. Other than that, it might leave you feeling touched by the sweetly sad story of Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn).

The movie is actually a very strange tale of two lonely young people trapped in a large city without much hope of a good future. They live similar lives: taking money from people for favors. What those favors are is highly in question... but I won't go into all the details of the film. Basically, like all other Hollywood films, the two characters fall in love and everyone is happy.

What makes the movie really interesting is the gossip behind making the movie. Often quoted are the facts that Truman Capote really wanted Marilyn Monroe to play the part of Holly. In addition, the film ending was completely changed from the novel ending (in the same fashion as the movie The Devil Wears Prada). Finally, the opening scene was shot as quickly as possible to avoid tying up New York streets while Audrey forced down a Danish (which she despised).

The facts surrounding the film definitely make the film come alive. Plus, the acting is quite stunning at times. Audrey does a great job as the lead. Several people say that the role was written for her. Unfortunately, George Peppard falls flat, especially at the most crucial part of the film. His lines often seem forced and over-practiced, nothing like Audrey's free-spirited dialogue. Finally, Mickey Rooney plays one of the most racist roles I have ever seen, aside from those in Birth of a Nation of course. It's almost painful to watch, but worth watching since it gives a glimpse of how race was perceived several years ago and how far we have come.

Personally, I didn't like the story. The author's intention was to capture Holly in perpetual flight, but the film ends in exactly the opposite manner: she stays. To suddenly "fly" from this idea of flight creates incoherency. I give the film 2 1/2 potatoes.
1/2