BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S 🤩

^{Have you ever wondered what is considered a “classic” film? I have. So, I decided to create a new section on SFR called ESTA’S ECLECTIC CLASSICAL CORNER. Movies that have stood the test of time throughout past decades and made a difference in my life. Films that I could watch over and over and still love as much as the first viewing. They are like “comfort food” for me. I have been influenced, inspired, and enraptured. Each week I will review a classic that I have loved, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you.}

^{Please note, that there will be some spoilers in these reviews. I will have to share some of my favorite scenes and dialogue to back up my personal reflections. Since I am 73, I have much to say. I hope you enjoy the ride down memory lane. I am who l am because of theatre and movies.}

^{For this first week, I started with three beloved and controversial films. What do I think of them in 2022?} 

When I was sixteen years old and visiting relatives in New York City, I made my cousin lie down on the street in front of Tiffany’s on 5th Avenue and take a picture of me eating a donut and coffee. Of course, I was wearing the obligatory black dress,  big pearls, and a huge, wide-brim hat holding an empty Tiffany’s gift bag. BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S had left its indelible mark on me forever. 

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S premiered in 1961. It is based upon a novel by Truman Capote. It is a film about a quirky love story involving Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) and “Fred” or Paul (George Peppard). It is a look back to heavy drinking, smoking, and trips to the “powder room.” Unfortunately, it also miscasts Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi. I adore Mickey, but this role should have been cast Asian and not be so stereotyped. 

Times were different in the ’60s. Audrey was mesmerizing to watch. Her performance was light, humorous, honest, and compelling. She drew the viewers into each scene. We had to know why she acted the way she did around men and why she used such a long cigarette holder. It ended up being a deeper story than anticipated. The final scene was a tear-jerker, to be sure. The audience watched a damaged, flawed woman become strong and sure of herself. She chose love in the end, along with “cat.” It was a classic romantic ending in the pouring rain drenching everyone while the orchestra swells to MOON RIVER. I am smiling through my tears. 

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S is about two lost souls who believe no one sees them as they are. It caught me in its web as a young teen. I ached to be seen as well and not ever experience the “mean reds.” Holly gave me hope and an additional zest for life. She “encouraged” me to be brave and live in Israel for a year when I was 22, just because I had never been there before. Of course, I took my sunglasses and hats.  

I have watched BREAKFAST AND TIFFANY’S dozens of times over the years. It makes me feel young, carefree, and able to find the path I am meant to travel. It is a classic in every sense. 

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S is available to stream on AMAZON PRIME.