Breakfast at Tiffany’s: A Meager But Delightful Meal

I absolutely adore Audrey Hepburn, and almost all of her films. So you may be surprised that Breakfast at Tiffany’s isn’t one of my top favorites from her collection. That’s not to say that I don’t like it—I love the clothes, the score and most of all Hepburn. But overall, I think it’s overrated. Why? Well, let me tell you.

There are two crucial elements missing for me in this film: chemistry and characterization. The dynamic between Hepburn and Peppard falls flat and feels a bit forced at times. This draws attention to the lack of characterization of Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak, while exacerbating the disjointed feeling of the film.

That said, the film still works. And it works primarily because of Hepburn. Nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Holly, Hepburn shines through all the film’s flaws, even behind her oversized shades.

Hepburn herself thought she was wrong for the role and so did writer Truman Capote. Less than thrilled with the casting decision, Capote originally envisioned Marilyn Monroe in the role of Holly.

However, Hepburn was a smash as Holly, creating an image that women all around the world still emulate today—simple elegance. The film would lose its entire mystique with an overtly sexy lead like Monroe. The beauty of Hepburn as Holly is that you don’t see her as a call girl. You just see her as a sophisticated socialite that leads an unconventional and somewhat quirky lifestyle.

Even when she’s disheveled and disoriented, Holly seems perfectly polished, which is the inner Audrey shining through. Hepburn brings an innate grace to the character that makes her strikingly glamorous. No other actress could bring the heartfelt innocence and infectious sweetness to this character as effortlessly as Hepburn.

Let's face it—if you look at the character and remove Hepburn, there isn’t anything substantial there. She’s a lost party girl who subsists on the wealth of rich men. She doesn’t have much integrity and her backstory is a bit preposterous. Despite all of these things, Hepburn makes the character likeable, bringing an authentically darling dimension to her.

I think we can all agree that Capote was wrong about his misgivings about Hepburn in this role. The scene with Hepburn in front of the Tiffany’s window in this film is just as lasting as the image of the breeze blowing up Monroe’s dress in the Seven Year Itch. Hepburn is the effervescent life and charm of Breakfast at Tiffany's, delivering a delicious and delightful performance.

#audreyhepburn #breakfastattiffanys #trumancapote #classicfilm #style #georgepeppard