Jackson Reed
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a 1961 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Blake Edwards and starring Audrey Hepburn, which was adapted from Truman Capote's 1958 novella of the same name. The film centres around a charismatic young woman from high society and an aspiring writer who develop a special relationship. Hepburn's portrayal of the unconventional Holly Golightly is considered one of her most memorable roles, and the film as a whole was a commercial success. However, it has also been criticised for its anachronisms and use of yellowface.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Romantic comedy, drama |
| Based on | Truman Capote's 1958 novella of the same name |
| Plot | A love story between two hustlers, a charismatic girl from high society and an unfulfilled writer |
| Themes | Childhood trauma, anxiety, loss of a brother, independence |
| Setting | 1940s New York, Upper East Side |
| Main characters | Holly Golightly, the writer (unnamed in the novella), Doc Golightly, Patricia Neal |
| Cast | Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Martin Balsam, Buddy Ebsen, Mickey Rooney, Alan Reed, John McGiver |
| Director | Blake Edwards |
| Release date | 1961 |
| Reception | Positive; scored 7.5/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and 77/100 on Metacritic |
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What You'll Learn
Holly Golightly's childhood trauma
Holly Golightly, the main protagonist in Truman Capote's novella Breakfast at Tiffany's, is a complex and intriguing character. She is a self-reliant woman navigating the challenges of mid-century metropolitan life in New York City. Her childhood trauma plays a significant role in shaping her personality and behaviour, and the story reveals bits and pieces of her past as it unfolds.
Holly had a rough childhood, orphaned at a young age and forced to live with abusive relatives. She eventually runs away with her brother, Fred, and they end up living with Doc Golightly, a veterinarian from Texas, after they are caught stealing milk and turkey eggs by his daughter. Holly marries Doc at the age of 13 or 14, becoming the stepmother to his four children. She first moves to Los Angeles and then to New York, adopting the name Holly Golightly and embarking on a journey of self-discovery.
Holly's past trauma manifests in various ways. She is a free spirit who doesn't settle down, constantly seeking elegance and beauty to hide the emptiness inside. She has a distant personality and an aversion to commitment due to her insecure upbringing. Holly's relationships seem fleeting and meaningless, and she uses men to borrow money from them. She also struggles with panic attacks and insecurities about not knowing where she belongs. Her brother, Fred, is the shining light in her difficult childhood, providing her with warmth and comfort.
Despite her traumatic past, Holly is a strong and inspirational character. She is sophisticated, blunt, and unapologetic about her lifestyle. Her never-say-die attitude and belief in love make her a compelling and empathetic figure. Holly's transformation from a flittering socialite to a woman facing her past and accepting vulnerability adds complexity to the story.
Overall, Holly Golightly's childhood trauma is a central theme in Breakfast at Tiffany's, influencing her actions, thoughts, and expectations. Her character development and journey of self-discovery make her a fascinating and memorable literary figure.
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Holly's love story with the writer
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a love story between two hustlers of sorts. The film is based on Truman Capote's 1958 novella of the same name. In the film, Audrey Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a charismatic girl from high society. Holly is a scatterbrained, fiercely independent young woman who walks around early in the morning, looking in shop windows. She wants to marry a rich man.
The writer, played by George Peppard, is the new tenant in her building. He is a pleasant and somewhat confused young man. The two develop a special relationship, and the writer slowly falls in love with Holly. Holly and the writer must both give up some important goals in their lives for the sake of their love. In the end, they fall in love and stay together.
In the novella, there is no love affair between Holly and the writer. Instead, they are simply very close friends who break up towards the end of the story. Holly leaves the United States, and the writer has no idea what happened to her, except for a photograph of a wood carving found years later in Africa that bears a striking resemblance to Holly.
Hepburn's portrayal of Holly is said to be "not much different from Capote's character." She is described as "jolly Holly who runs away to find some of the finer things in life." Hepburn's performance received rave reviews, with many considering it to be one of her most memorable and identifiable roles.
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Holly's independence
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a classic novel and film that tells the story of Holly Golightly, a young, sophisticated, and eccentric socialite in New York City. The plot revolves around her unique lifestyle and her relationships, particularly with her neighbour, the narrator, and the man she eventually falls in love with. Holly's independence is a central theme and a key characteristic of her personality.
Holly is introduced as a mysterious and free-spirited young woman who appears to float through life without a care. She is charming, elegant, and always well-dressed, frequenting high-class parties and socializing with wealthy men. However, beneath this glamorous exterior lies a fiercely independent woman who values her freedom above all else. Holly moves to New York from rural Texas and creates a new identity for herself, severing ties with her past and reinventing herself as a sophisticated socialite. This new identity is a means to an end, a way for her to ensure her independence and freedom.
Her independence is reflected in her unconventional lifestyle choices. She refuses to be tied down by societal norms and expectations, choosing to live her life on her own terms. She is not interested in the traditional path of marriage and domesticity. Instead, she values her freedom and the ability to do as she pleases. This is evident in her numerous male companions, who provide her with financial support and companionship, but she carefully maintains emotional distance to ensure her independence.
Holly's past reveals a deeper motivation for her independence. She experienced abandonment and loss at a young age, which taught her not to rely on others. Her brother Fred left her, and her husband Doc Golightly, whom she married at 13, left her as well. These experiences shaped her belief that relying on others only leads to disappointment and heartbreak. As a result, she keeps people at arm's length, carefully guarding her emotions and independence.
Despite her guarded nature, Holly craves connection and a sense of belonging. This is evident in her friendship with the narrator, a writer who moves into her apartment building. She finds a companion and a sense of family in him, someone who accepts her for who she is. Through this relationship, Holly begins to realize that true independence doesn't mean shutting people out but rather finding those who respect and support your freedom.
Ultimately, Holly's independence is both a shield and a source of empowerment. It is a defence mechanism born from past hurt, but it also allows her to navigate a male-dominated world on her own terms. Her journey in Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of self-discovery, learning that independence can coexist with love and companionship. This theme of a woman forging her path and defining her identity in a society that often tries to constrain her remains relevant and inspiring.
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Holly's past and identity
Holly Golightly, the central character of Breakfast at Tiffany's, is an aspiring young writer who has moved into a New York City apartment during World War II. She is described as 19 years old, blonde, and beautiful, with a mysterious allure that captivates those around her. Holly is an "unconventional wanderer", an escapee of underage marriage, a sex worker, and an accomplice to a drug ring. She is also said to be a "kindred spirit" of Miss Lily Jane Bobbit, the central character of Truman Capote's short story "Children on Their Birthdays".
Holly's past is shrouded in secrecy, and she is defensive when people inquire about it. It is revealed that she was married at 14 and ran away from her first life in rural Texas. Holly's brother Fred, whom she closely resembles, is also mentioned. She visits a prisoner, Sally Tomato, every Thursday in exchange for $100. Holly's grief and sadness, which she must keep hidden, are central to her character. She describes her feelings of dread as "the mean reds", a consuming fear that drives her to push people away and destroy the things she loves.
Holly's identity is that of a glamorous, free-spirited young woman in New York City. She is an aspiring writer and an "American Geisha", a term used by Capote to describe her as an escort or sex worker. Holly has a tendency to want to know everything about a person but becomes defensive when they want to know about her. She is also portrayed as an entrepreneur, with a plan to marry for money, and a desire to be rich and famous. Holly's identity is closely tied to Tiffany's, the only place that calms her when she's feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
The character of Holly Golightly has become an icon of glamour, survival, and tenacity. Despite the film's glitz and glamour, Holly's story is one of coping with horrible childhood trauma, disguised as a love story.
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The film's soundtrack
The soundtrack to Breakfast at Tiffany's was composed by Henry Mancini and has been described as "timeless", "sophisticated", "cool", "quirkily amusing", and "exquisite". The music has been said to add depth to the film, with its many moods reflecting the exploits of Miss Holly Golightly.
The soundtrack includes the well-known "Moon River", which was the main title theme and was performed by Audrey Hepburn on guitar and vocals. The melody recurs throughout the soundtrack, which topped the Billboard pop charts for 12 weeks in 1961. Other tracks include "Sally's Tomato", "Something for the Cat", "Mr. Yunioshi", and "Latin Golightly".
The album released alongside the film was a re-recording. In 2013, Intrada released the complete score in its original film performance, along with Hepburn's recording.
The soundtrack is available to purchase on CD and vinyl, and can also be streamed on Apple Music and Spotify.
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Frequently asked questions
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a romantic comedy-drama film about a charismatic girl from high society and an unfulfilled writer. The film is loosely based on Truman Capote's novella of the same name.
The film centres on Holly Golightly, a young, elegantly dressed woman who wants to marry a rich man. She meets a confused writer who is the new tenant in her building, and they develop a special relationship. The writer slowly falls in love with Holly, and they must both give up some important goals for the sake of their love.
The title refers to a scene in the novella where Holly Golightly explains that having breakfast in front of the Tiffany & Co. store window is what calms her down during a panic or anxiety attack.
