Breakfast at Tiffany's

Definition

Breakfast at Tiffany's is a 1961 romantic comedy film directed by Blake Edwards, based on Truman Capote's novella. The film explores themes of identity, social class, and personal freedom, while its iconic protagonist, Holly Golightly, embodies a complex representation of femininity and cultural identity during the early 1960s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The film is set in New York City and reflects the social dynamics and cultural attitudes of the early 1960s, particularly regarding gender roles and class distinctions.
2. Holly Golightly is often seen as a symbol of the modern woman, representing both independence and vulnerability as she navigates relationships and societal expectations.
3. Breakfast at Tiffany's is famous for its fashion statements, especially Hepburn's iconic black dress designed by Givenchy, which has become a lasting symbol of elegance.
4. The film’s use of music, particularly the song 'Moon River' composed by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, plays a critical role in establishing its emotional tone and connection to Holly’s character.
5. Critics have pointed out that while the film is celebrated for its charm and style, it also presents problematic representations of race and class that reflect its historical context.

Review Questions

• How does Holly Golightly's character challenge traditional gender roles in Breakfast at Tiffany's?
  • Holly Golightly challenges traditional gender roles by portraying a woman who is both independent and nonconformist. She lives on her own terms, seeking financial security through relationships while also displaying a desire for genuine emotional connections. This complexity makes her an emblematic figure of the evolving roles of women during the early 1960s, as she embodies both freedom and vulnerability in her pursuit of happiness.
• Discuss the impact of New York City as a setting in Breakfast at Tiffany's on the film’s representation of social class.
  • New York City serves as a crucial backdrop in Breakfast at Tiffany's, highlighting the stark contrasts between different social classes. The glamorous lifestyle associated with wealthy characters like Holly stands in sharp contrast to the struggles of those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The city itself becomes a character that shapes the narratives of aspiration and disenchantment, revealing how wealth influences personal relationships and self-identity within an urban landscape.
• Evaluate how Breakfast at Tiffany's reflects and critiques societal norms related to race and class during its time period.
  • Breakfast at Tiffany's both reflects and critiques societal norms related to race and class through its portrayal of characters and their interactions. While Holly Golightly represents a type of aspirational femininity associated with wealth and privilege, other characters, such as Mr. Yunioshi, highlight racial stereotypes prevalent in the 1960s. This juxtaposition allows for an examination of how race intersects with class dynamics, offering insight into both the charm and shortcomings of the era's cultural values. As audiences engage with these complex portrayals, they are prompted to reconsider the implications of social hierarchies and representation in cinema.

Related terms

Holly Golightly: The main character in Breakfast at Tiffany's, portrayed by Audrey Hepburn, who navigates her life as a New York City socialite while searching for love and her true identity.

Truman Capote: An American author known for his distinctive literary style, Capote wrote the novella that served as the basis for the film Breakfast at Tiffany's, infusing it with themes of loneliness and aspiration.

Cultural Identity: A concept that refers to the sense of belonging to a particular cultural group, which can be influenced by factors like ethnicity, nationality, and social class; central to understanding the characters in Breakfast at Tiffany's.