Audrey Hepburn shines in this film, as one might expect. She is actually playing a most unlikable character, Holly Golightly, a stuck-up, shallow socialite on the make, sucking the goodness out of anyone around her with honest intentions and genuine values. But through all that, she's an attractive beauty and a lovable rogue to whom the audience can't help but warm.
She carries the show of course, and kudos to her, as most of the dialogue is hers - it must have taken a dedication to learn it all - the quick-fire dialogue with those around her - and the rest of the time talking to herself or her cat! I've had a go at some amateur acting in my youth and learning lines is one of the most underrated skills which actors execute. Particularly back then when scenes were long and shots were short.
Enter George Peppard playing Paul Varjak, the unsuccessful but honest writer. On the face of it, not really on Holly's radar - for someone to use and abuse, as he has little money. But guess what - he falls for her and this sets the film up for the bitter-sweet, the sadness embedded into the characters and the RomCom. Peppard plays his part with just the right amount of control and interest against disapproval and attention. It's a star turn, often overlooked because of the leading lady.
The setting is 1960's New York and the title refers to Holly's love of the jewellery store in New York, Tiffany's - and the breakfast she is eating stood outside one morning window-shopping in the opening scene. Much of Holly's attire, jewellery and accessories are symbolic of the socialite class of the day and of the monied elite. Of course, all the men, depicted as sad, ageing and lonely, are chasing her and, on the face of it, provide a glut from which she can pick and choose as she leaps from party to bar each afternoon/evening.
The lesser known actors around the pair do a super job and are all clearly accomplished. The almost unrecognisable Mickey Rooney turns up in a comic turn as the irate Asian man upstairs in the apartment block, which they all share. The apartment block which has an outside fire escape stairway, on which the cast regularly leap up and down and Hepburn performs the iconic twee version of the song Moon River.
It's a delightful film, a mark in time, a joy to watch Audrey Hepburn at her best and a super feel-good addition to any Sunday afternoon without falling into the unfair category of girlie-flick. It's fabulous for all and recommended highly.
I must mention Hors de Prix (Priceless) here before I finish as a wonderful virtual remake of Breakfast at Tiffany's starring Audrey Tautou. Highly recommended to look at the historic nods.(https://plus.google.com/u/0/+TedSalmon/posts/gi2mritgEXL)
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