Breakfast at Tiffany's
Breakfast at Tiffany's is an iconic American romantic comedy film released in 1961, directed by Blake Edwards and based on the novella of the same name by Truman Capote. Here are key details about the film:
Plot
The story revolves around Holly Golightly, a charming, quirky, and socially ambitious young woman living in New York City. Holly, portrayed by Audrey Hepburn, has a mysterious past and an uncertain future, engaging in a lifestyle that involves socializing with wealthy men to support herself. The narrative explores her interactions with her neighbor, a struggling writer named Paul Varjak, played by George Peppard, who becomes fascinated by her free-spirited nature.
Production
- Original Author: Truman Capote wrote the novella in 1958, which was initially intended as a screenplay for Marilyn Monroe. However, Monroe passed on the role due to concerns about portraying a character with a questionable moral compass.
- Screenplay: The screenplay was adapted by George Axelrod, with significant changes from Capote's original work, including the ending.
- Music: The film's score was composed by Henry Mancini, with the iconic song "Moon River" becoming one of the most famous melodies associated with the film.
Cast
- Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly
- George Peppard as Paul Varjak
- Patricia Neal as 2E, Paul's wealthy and older "patron"
- Buddy Ebsen as Doc Golightly, Holly's former husband
- Martin Balsam as O.J. Berman, Holly's agent
- Mickey Rooney as I. Y. Yunioshi, Holly's Japanese neighbor (a role that has since been criticized for its racial insensitivity)
Reception and Legacy
- Box Office Success: The film was a commercial success, grossing over $14 million on an estimated budget of $2.5 million.
- Awards: Breakfast at Tiffany's received five Academy Awards nominations, winning for Best Original Score and Best Original Song ("Moon River").
- Cultural Impact: The film has left an indelible mark on popular culture, particularly through its fashion influence, with Hepburn's iconic Givenchy black dress and her long black gloves becoming emblematic of 1960s style.
Controversies
- The portrayal of I. Y. Yunioshi by Mickey Rooney has been criticized for its racial insensitivity and caricatured representation of Asian characters.
References
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