Rent Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Sixties Time Capsule. - Breakfast at Tiffany's review by Steve

A case of style over content, but what style. The mood of the film is established by Henry Mancini's era defining lounge-jazz score. The luminous colour photography of Manhattan makes for a gallery of classic New York images. These are the setting for Audrey Hepburn's irresistible portrayal of Holly Golightly, a gamine in a little black dress.

It's a loose adaptation of Truman Capote's novella. George Peppard is a writer-gigolo who moves into Holly's brownstone apartment. She is a paid escort. The film backtracks on Capote's implication this involves prostitution, but there remains an obvious correlation between the two characters. Because they are mercenary, but also, lost souls adrift in a city where people come to reinvent themselves.

If it is a role of cinema to enchant then Breakfast of Tiffany's is a classic. The scene when Audrey sits at the window singing Moon River is is one of the most lovely in films. But it's also phoney! There's no reason why Holly should be singing at all! There's no other reference to her being musical. For all its magic, the film makes little sense.

The climax is disappointing. And everyone surely wishes Mickey's Rooney's role as a Japanese neighbour could be snipped out and burned. Peppard is big and handsome, but stuck on one bum note- his sanctimony. It feel cruel to be so harsh because the film is delightful and Hepburn is truly iconic. And it has the greatest party scene in celluloid history. It's a sugary treat.

New York romance - Breakfast at Tiffany's review by TF

Audrey Hepburn is the star of the movie and iconic in the role. I have read the book, and Hollywood has managed to turn a rather off beat observational novella into a 'happily ever after' rom-com.

A charming romantic comedy that has not aged at all - Breakfast at Tiffany's review by Philip in Paradiso

The film, considered to be a classic, was made in 1961. It stars Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly and George Peppard as Paul Varjak. Both monetize their charm and sex appeal, in different ways, and lead unconventional lifestyles. A Hepburn is both naive and calculating, forever looking for Prince Charming. G Peppard is a struggling writer. They are neighbours in a New York block of flats, and the movie is largely about the interaction between them.

The movie is delightfully charming and entertaining, with many funny moments and good dialogues; all the actors and actresses are excellent. (The cantankerous Japanese neighbour is a caricature and could not feature in a film, today, but he is undeniably comical.) What is amazing is that the film has not aged at all, in my opinion. It feels fresh, unconventional, original and full of energy. And A Hepburn is simply irresistible as the zany central character of the story, which she totally dominates effortlessly and with immense charm.

There is nothing intrinsically profound about the storyline, but the film is very good. I strongly recommend it.