"Breakfast at Tiffany's" is a prime example of a film that often splits the audience from the critics. While it seems to spell magic for many, it is a movie that leaves itself open for professional vilification.
Time is unfortunately not a healer in this case, as our two romantic leads smoke, litter, steal for fun and have questionable morals. And then of course there is Mickey Rooney made-up as a Japanese caricature that sledgehammers through even the most liberal political correctness. Added to that you have the usual complaints about the film not being as good as the book (the easiest comment to make about any movie). And that overall it's a sickly sweet mess of outdated nonsense.
But such standard reviews will not do for a film that evokes such warm reactions from many. Both Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard display so many character flaws, that most people watching can start to feel quite good about themselves. Added to that, any logical reasons for disapproval melt away with Hepburn's wickedly kooky and intoxicating performance.
She bridges a gap between female and male viewers, offering so much to like and plenty to sympathise with. And George Peppard perfectly captures some of the frustration that arises when perfect love is within your grasp but yet so unobtainable.
Woven into this heady romance is chic Hollywood comedy at it's finest, combined with evocative cinematography. And key to allowing seamless transitions between melodrama and humour is the superb music score from the underrated Henry Mancini.
Read a review of the DVD.