|
|
|
April 18, 2004
My Huckleberry Friend
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a beautiful movie. Every time I see it I walk away feeling bittersweet and wistful. It's such a popular and well-loved movie that I feel no need to recap any of it here, or to give any background. Actually, if you haven't seen it, then do yourself a favour and go watch it with someone you love, or want to love. It's that sort of movie. However, as with any movie, try to watch it on a big screen, as I did tonight. It adds a whole new dimension to the film. I never noticed before that Holly's sofa was actually a bathtub with one side sawn off- you can still see the legs and the taps on one side. While Audrey complete dominates this movie, I believe that the essential blandness of George Peppard contributes to this movie, by making his character more of an everyman, not only a strong contrast to Audrey's incredible caricature but also as a canvas on which we can project our own emotions and feelings as we watch Holly flit her way across the screen. The fact that Paul Varjack also has a questionable past and has had to make moral compromises in order to survive and prosper adds to his appeal. First and foremost, Breakfast at Tiffany's is a fantasy, a movie that follows Hollywood conventions and presents a glamourous look at a three act storybook romance, complete with happy ending and moving theme music. But oh, what a fantasy. And even if we get to inhabit this beautiful world for just a short while, we are so much better off for having been able to go there, breathe its intoxicating fumes, and believe that dreams really do come true. Posted by pj at 03:05 AM
|
|
|
| o |
When I first saw the movie, I was young enough to have thought - "You mean George Peppard actually acted in a role besides Hannibal in A-Team??" Actually, not true - I'd already seen Peppard in Carpetbaggers before that (just a little).
Love Audrey Hepburn. Pity I found out she didn't actually sing the songs her characters did on screen.
Pop-cultural tid-bit - when Bruce Lee as portrayed by Jason Scott Lee in the movie "Dragon" watches Breakfast at Tiffany's, he leaves in disgust because of Jerry Lewis' racist portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi.
Wei Yi spoke on April 18, 2004 04:17 PMHer recording of the song was released in the 1990s. It's really beautiful- probably the definitive version. Because of her lack of range, it was designed to be sung entirely in one octave.
Mickey Rooney played Mr. Yunioshi, and hated it. But back then, stars didn't have much control over what they played. He's disavowed the role publicly many times. Funny that Bruce Lee would be portrayed as hating it, though, given his role on "Green Hornet".
PJ spoke on April 18, 2004 04:49 PMAh, pop-cultural boo-boo. My mistake (blushes). Well, the REAL Bruce Lee may or may not have reacted that way - it may just be the scriptwriter's insertion to prove a point in the context of stuffy modern political correctness.
Wei Yi spoke on April 18, 2004 05:55 PMMuch that is good lies in the past. I can see why you are such a big fan of 'oldies' in an era of 'she's so 5 minutes ago'. The opening scene of Audrey walking on the quiet street with her paper bag (was she wearing stylish shades?) - I don't think I 'd forget that in a long, long while.. but I can hardly recall the last movie I saw.
Wei Yi spoke on April 21, 2004 09:34 AMI like the film, I like the Moon River theme - but I love the book. Truman Capote really creates a wonderful mood in his story, and the Holly character really seems to get under one's skin - just like she gets under all the male characters skin. Everybody seems to fall in love with her. I love the beginning where the bar-owner shows the writer a picture of a wooden sculpture carved by a man in Africa, who fell in love with a woman who is the spitting image of Holly. She is the lost love of men all around the world. Of course, to achieve this quality, Audrey Hepburn seems to be the perfect choice.
Nevertheless, I read a comment by Truman Capote where he said he didnīt like the film. His Holly-character is not beautiful like Hepburn.
