Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Directed by: Blake Edwards | 115 minutes | drama, comedy, romance | Actors: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebson, Mickey Rooney, Orangey, Alan Reed, Jose Louis de Villalonga, John McGiver

‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ is slow at first and unbelievable for what we are used to these days. But you have to give in and be open to this charming film with its even more charming lead actress. Although the story is set in American New York and the filming also takes place there, the film still has a British stamp due to the portrayal of Audrey Hepburn. Partly due to the unconvincing southern accent, it remains difficult to identify Holly with the farm girl Lou Mae who once grew up in the South of America.

Slowly this outwardly egocentric, coquettish and almost innocent Holly matures. Her decision to get married is the first impulse for change and the second crucial moment comes when she has to deal with a heavy loss for the first time in her life. The pink cocktail dress with the fake pearls, the princess updo and the false eyebrows then make way for a slightly more modest-looking outfit.

The arrival of the southerner Doc also turns things around. Not just in Holly’s character, but even more so in the color of the story. Doc, in cowboy hat and authentic Southern accent is not only a convincing American cowboy, but also sets the tone for a more dramatic atmosphere. He’s not just any type. This in contrast to the slapstick-like photographer who has to pass for Japanese, played by Mickey Rooney. The speech impediment is no doubt due to the false teeth he wears. Although unbelievable and more laughable than funny, he does set the desired light tone and forms a nice contrast with the other characters. Of course, the mafia also peeks into the character of Mr. Tomato, who pays Holly for something she apparently thinks is just an entertaining conversation. After every visit to Mr. Tomato, Holly returns with a very special weather report. The background of this outing in the story and her role in it are not really clear.

All in all, these characters add to the charm of a true, unpretentious classic.