Breakfast at Tiffany's: The Making of a Classic (part 1)

[bervy8]

I love Audrey Hepburn in this role, but the thought of Marilyn in the role is very fascinating also.

[blueeyedconch]

I love and worship Marilyn Monroe, but it wouldn't have been the classic it is today. It's funny how no matter who was meant for the role ... it just never felt right. Fate intervenes.

[NaturalBornHedonist]

I don'T understand why it is such a scandal, how Rooney depicts a Japanese neighbour .... I dont see whats so offencive about that?

Remember Fawlty Towers with John Cleese in the late 70s?

That is ONE example of racist stereotyping Germans ....but there no one seems to have a problem with it up until today ? ! I smell some typical double standards in "Political Corrrectness"

Time to lighten up and just appreciate this great classic of a movie!!!

[lorrainewands]

I STILL don't get what the film was about! I think that, perhaps, that's just it: the film is about NOTHING. A post-modern, materialistic view of life, yes?

[MissRandomIsRandom]

Marilyn Monroe is my favorite actress, but I have to say that the only woman who can be Holly Golightly is Audrey Hepburn! :)

[joyvramos]

A great documentary on the movie...I too would have liked to have seen a true Japanese actor instead of Micky Rooney...but he took the part and went with it....

[PopeFlores]

Audrey Hepburn did to what the world considered sexy in film what Kate Moss did in fashion. Both came along when what was considered beautiful (from Marilyn Monroe for Audrey to the Supermodels for Kate) and both were attacked for being too skinny and being the wrong image for young people. Yet both these little girls changed the world's view.

[objectform]

Its about redemption .. and we all want to be redeemed, to maintain our innocents even in our adult themed lives .. This is why Audrey made the better choice ... Marilyn would have made it just sad .. and funny, but she, in this role, wouldn't have spoken to our soul..

[ami7mina]

Pls don't diss Marilyn.. I love them both!!! :(

[toplaycool21]

7 people never will go to Tiffany's with Audrey.

[Fancylooks]

That scene where the woman gives his check to George Peppard and says "I am a very stylish girl" , that piece of sentence was used in a very nice song from the 90s.

[Fancylooks]

I am sure Marilyn is not as elegant as Audrey, but I have seen her playing the naive character so well that I think she would have been great as , well exploding the angelic side of hers to portrait Holly Golightly

[MrAUDREY64]

mój najbardziej ulubiony film, w którym gra moja ulubiona postać kina (Audrey Hepburn) ...no i "Moon river" klasyka kina!! Dzięki tak naprawdę tej wspaniałej kobiecie jaką była Audrey!

[94Phillies]

Marilyn would've been too much. While Audrey wasn't an innocent little lamb, she appeared that way, making the character of Holly Golightly more tragic and adorable. She made her one of the most complex characters of all time.

[JerryKitich]

the movie is much different than the novella

[deenclassic]

please does anyone know the song that starts from 4:00 to 4:33; where they talk about the first shot/scene...

[esquibelle]

I wish they had made 2 versions.

The brilliant one w/Audrey/Peppard & Blake Edwards.

Another with Marilyn directed by somebody else. The mind reels how steamy it could have been.

[xXPinkGoddessXx]

@LitCrit101 After Paul has sex with Holly and becomes angry with her at the library the next day, he accuses her of treating him like all the other "rats" she's known, and hands her a fifty dollar check "for the powder room". If that isn't an implication that she sleeps with men for money, I don't know what is. Besides, Holly was going to marry Jose for his money, which would simply make her marriage a sex contract, which is no different to prostitution.

[f1ghirl]

@menukjau totally agree with you.. 

[Funkymunkee37]

When I first watched Breakfast At Tiffany's, I didn't even realize Holly was a prostitute. At the most I thought she was a gold digger - but a very interesting, different, adorable and wise gold digger.

[sodapop380]

@Funkymunkee37 me too!

[marakiiiiiiiiii]

when was this made?

[PaintTheSilence1]

@marakiiiiiiiiii 1961. You're talking about the movie right? Not the documentary?

[marakiiiiiiiiii]

@PaintTheSilence1 oh i am sorry i was talking about the documentary.. :)

[TheCatgirl6]

(continued) Also I suspect the character and story made Paramount nervous (this was 1961, after all) and so--in addition to her beauty and many gifts--Audrey was preferred because (as they're all saying in the doc) her unique persona would distract the audience from who Holly really was--I agree with the observation that 1961 audiences probably left the theatre not realizing Audrey had played a hooker. No doubt the fear was that Marilyn's sexiness might have given the game away.

[xXPinkGoddessXx]

@TheCatgirl6 There were many films pre-1961 that employed characters who were prostitutes or gold-diggers, the difference being that audiences then weren't batted over the head with it. The same goes for sex scenes, which were sufficiently demonstrated through implication, as the sex in Breakfast at Tiffany's is.

[TheCatgirl6]

@xXPinkGoddessXx But it's not just or only about what was implied but not shown. Attitudes toward sexuality (and women) were much narrower during that era, regardless of how much the audience saw. My point was that Hepburn was obviously given the role to ensure that audiences would embrace and root for Holly, not condemn her. Audrey Hepburn was so enchanting a screen presence that it was easy, especially in 1961, to forget just how Holly made her living.

[TheCatgirl6]

Thank you for this! Never seen it, though it's probably on the special edition DVD. Though I adore Audrey in what has become her signature role, I'm not sure I completely agree with the assessment of Marilyn as too "obvious" for the role of Holly. Look at any of her films--Monroe was sexy for sure, but she also radiated innocence and vulnerability, someone who'd been deeply hurt and needed protecting. I'm sure that's why Capote preferred her.

[Rab1975bit]

To me, When I think of Audrey Hepburn, I think of Roman Holiday. It was the first time I saw her when It was shown on TV when I was a child. I just thought she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen.

Many of the old Hollywood stars became waxworks of themselves with crazy makeup and all that, but Audry Hepburn stayed as beautiful and elegant as always in her sixties, she seemed so real, kind and down to earth.

[romanewyorkParis]

WOWWWWW !!!

[JustSammthing]

This movie is probably the most inspiring movie ever...

[Eddiesix]

Breakfast at Tifanny's was the best thing Audrey Hepburn ever did!! She was perfect in this role. I love the part where she sings "Moon River" with the guitar! This movie is just classic... all I gotta say is that they better never remake this thing..it's perfect just the way it is!!

[deenclassic]

please does anyone know the song that starts from 4:00 to 4:33; where they talk about the first shot/scene... such a nice song

[piipppy1]

Mickey was simple doing a Japanese stereotype. I see stereotypes of English people all the time. They always depict us as having posh accents like our Queen and horrible teeth. I don't have either of those but I understand that it is just a stereotype. Every race, country, gender, etc has a stereotype. The sooner we get over the politically correct rubbish the better. I personally believe he played that stereotype perfectly.

[BirchBarlow]

@piipppy1: Perhaps, but no one has ever been sent to an internment cap for having bad teeth.

[SirTaylorRyan]

@piipppy1 My God, THANK YOU!!! Everybody needs to stop being so touchy all the fucking time. It's like whenever the subject of race comes up everyone is on the fucking rag instantly. Chill out. American's get the worst rap out of anyone and you aren't gonna see me complaining about it. Alot of American's suck, so everyone's pretty much right, Who cares.

[DIRO1971]

The best Movie ever !!! Audrey, Moon River and New York 1960 ...wonderful.

[Carl6231]

This is very interesting to see. It's neat to see the makings of a movie and the work that was involved in making it. Audrey Hepburn's influence will never be forgotten by those of us that love and admire her. God Bless Her.

[Carl6231]

I agree with you 100%.

[peredebeeste]

and who gives a crap? holywood whent politically correct and turned to a crapmachine! everything is racist today! if you dare to look at someone of different oregin,you're a racist! get over yourselves people! not every whiteguy(or girl) is a racist your all just paranoid!

[PeterFirthFan]

Old Hollywood was crap.

[peredebeeste]

that is your opinion,to wich you have every right! but that does not make it truth! holywood today is all about fast money!back in the old days there where still people with love for the art of cinema! since the death of stanley cubrick its gone downhill even faster,there are still a few people with a real interest for theire audiences feelings but there are so verry few! now its all about explosions and special efects and it has nothing to do with talent!

[PrincessofDarkness79]

@PeterFirthFan No, new Hollyood is crap. The people today have no talent.

[Kjini]

I could kiss you for saying that!!

[Elecin]

There are racist connotations...but if this movie should be banned then there are about a million others that should be banned as well. It's your choice to watch, or not to watch. Sorry, I just don't think it's going anywhere.

[PeterFirthFan]

She was a smoker.

[MirandaSerra]

You are plain DUMB oh peterfilth.

[grainofsandfan]

Audrey Hepburn is exquisite but Marilyn, who Capote wrote the part for, would have been the real character because Marilyn played beauty with ecstasy.

[kamillianne]

tet43 ..Interesting comment. ..I wonder...

[gtanja1]

One of my favourite movies! Audrey really has an X factor in this role.

[tet43]

OK, let's get real here! Yes, it's a beautiful, sweet movie, and Ms Hepburn is as elegant and refined as ever, But believable that she's a hooker?....Please! Sadly for us,Ms Monroe was at the perfect time in her life and career to have made a very poignant Holly Golightly If Mr. Capote could have written the screenplay for her, it could have turned the movie from a Hollywood romantic dramedy, to an actual exploration of the human condition.

Love this, but wonder what might have been too!

[mnecd93]

io amo qst film adoro Audrey qst film è incredibile<3

[SeeBillyRun]

Opinions Please:

I've never seen this movie, but it seems to be very popular. Should I rent the DVD, or should I try to find it online? I ask, 'cause of the quality reasons... if the movie is really as good as people say, then I'd prefer to watch a good quality version, thanks!

[Thoughtfulguy68]

If you are a sensitive, romantic guy who yearns for the the most adorable and vulnerable, yet sophisticated young woman in New York -Don't rent it, BUY IT!!! -You must love to party! This film has coolest, most outrageous party scene!!! -it is really sophisticated and sexually subtle for 1961. Audrey's character is heartwarming -she can take care of herself -hold her whiskey like any man, match wits with the smartest people, yet still maintain a naivety and innocence that melts the heart. :)

[Thoughtfulguy68]

Oh, and there is this great shoplifting scene! -Holly and Paul decide to 'nick' something from a five and dime store -she does it occasionally, just to "keep her hand in" lol! -Tiffany's Jewelers also customizes a toy ring from a Cracker Jack box for her. This is a wonderful "feel happy" movie -just as good as "Roman Holiday" in my opinion

[GeorgesBarras]

Read the book, and then laugh at the film.

[flo3087]

if you want to see it check my chanel.. i'll put it up fully by the end of this week :)

a small teaser is already on :P

[NaturalBornHedonist]

Marilyn Monroe would have been such a huge miscast!!! I am glad they chose Audrey making this movie TIMELESSLY BEAUTIFUL and HEARTBREAKING!!!

[iluvnola123]

I agree, the part of Holly requires an actress that's gamine--Marilyn wasn't gamine, she was sexy.

[JPLV]

@NaturalBornHedonist She would have been a miscast, if she had to play the role like Audrey did. But if you look at the original story by Capote, she would have been much better suited for the role compared to Audrey. Capote himself thought of Audrey as a huge miscast.

But Audrey was absolutely amazing in the way she played the role.

[abbakc]

my favorite film I stopped friendships because they didn't like it so you see I love it!!!!

[MinkEyeLashes]

People forget that Audrey plays an escort in this film, and George Peppard plays a male hustler for older wealthy women. To have the two leads in a commercial film, both playing prostitutes, is extraordinary, and a lot of people forget that. I think because the film is so stylish, loving & non-offensive, you don't really think about it. A true classic. Robbie.

[Beapangi]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!

[toplaycool19]

I did not realize it as well. It doesn't seem to have R rated undertones. I don't know. I never thought of this movie as a prostitute film.

[fdomf]

"a gift from God"

that's the best description of Audrey!!!!

[MKacting4life]

Yes! I totally and completely agree!

[joserramix]

We love you Audrey , you are in our hearts

[fridfreak]

I love Audrey!!

[Louisa110391]

she's one of may fav actresses...

"And i said what about

Breakfast at Tiffany's

She said i remeber that film

And as i recall i think

We both kinda of like it"(Deep Blue Something-Breakfast at Tiffany's)

[Louisa110391]

Breakfast at Tiffany is one of my favourite:D!

[flo3087]

if you want to see it again check my channel...i'll put it on fully by the end of this week :)

[rosanawan]

She's still a "stylish girl".

[6digit]

what year is this documentary about the film and Breakfast at Tiffany is one of the timeless movie ever made, i'm so proud to miss Audrey Hepburn, we miss yah!

[sean2015]

Well, JFK had a wandering eye but I just don't see Audrey having anything to do with him.

[sean2015]

Can you provide us with a source for this?

[hoodridger1]

No Other Person Could Of Did This Like Her, Noone Would Even Come Close.

[sean2015]

Did you know that Audrey Hepburn was President John F. Kennedy's favorite actress.

[hoodridger1]

YA, Im Not Suprised Tho.

[AdArmand]

i would have loved to have seen Marilyn and Audrey in a movie TOGETHER!

[erikasdl]

My favorite movie of all time.

[materialgrl47]

Although I am a HUGE fan of both audrey and marilyn, I still see audrey doing to part. She puts more spunk into the character, Marilyn wouldv'e been more lighthearted, more sad. Marilyn had a better on screen look, but Audrey made the character into a lengend

[7thheavenfan007]

I love Audrey Hepburn! She is one of the greatest actress of all time and she does such a wonderful job in every film she's done. I love her I wish I go to meet her.

[TheDarkMitzuki]

@7thheavenfan007 she died, but of course will live on......<3

[pinklover0208]

i absolutely love blake edwards!!!!!

and his wife!

[helschinki]

George Peppard, the chief of the A-Team! :)

[menukjau]

Marilyn would have made the character obvious, because of Audrey we don't feel that this story is about an adult theme. Even a child could watch it, she gave the character a sense of innocence. Marilyn would have made it just sexy. There's more to a character than acting sexy. Audrey was a goddess, we will never have another actress like her again.

[knickerbacker]

Amen.

[xXPinkGoddessXx]

@menukjau The story IS adult-themed by it's very nature, therefore it shouldn't be child-friendly in the first place. Why do you think Marilyn's performance would have detracted from the character? She gave a number of skilled, in-depth performances playing sexy roles (Niagara, Don't Bother To Knock, Bus Stop, The Misfits). To dismiss an actor's talent merely because of their sexuality is downright shallow. What detracted from character was watering it down so it was safe by Hollywood standards.

[b3witch3d]

Thankyou so much

[tribute2elegance]

Hi Princess!

[b3witch3d]

hi tortoise :)

[hiphopislove21]

george peppard is good looking

[hamposh12]

i did'nt know that Marilyn was the first priority for this film. I have nothing against audrey, she's bautiful and all but it just makes me wonder if the role would've been done by marilyn. It would've been one of her greatest films.. Anyway, i both love those two classic beauties. All we have now is someone like nicole kidman :(

[guacamoleroxmysox]

the director seems very bitter and unsatisfied.

[Shubael1809]

that director is Blake Edwards (Julie Andrews' husband). He's not bitter he's telling the truth.

He's ashamed he mocked Oriental people by casting Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi (and rightly so..)

Otherwise he's famous for the Pink Panther series as well as Victor Victoria. He's a master.

[aronthegreat]

the directer is a little bitter! i think he's just unhappy because this is his most famous work and it wasn't made the way he really wanted! true what you said about Mr Yunioshi thow it was in bad taste but it wouldnt be the same without it and im asian!

[canyagrabmiaz]

When they discuss the first scene (4:00), there is music in the background.......Anybody know what song this is? Is it by Henry Mancini?

[RatWrangler]

I loved the short story (read it if you haven't yet!) and am absolutely dazzled by the beautiful Audrey Hepburn. Could she be more lovely - and frankly funny? I just hated the Mickey Rooney - Japanese stereotype tho. Makes me cringe. But overall - fan-fricken-tastic movie.

[bouncingbongo]

This film couldn't have been cast with two better actors and a cat!

[scudder99]

you're too young. don't worry about it now. just enjoy the film.

[plenty2see]

its a suttle story , about Holly golightly, is a movie of its time and audiences would have known that Holly was an escort, its obvious to me as it is for others, george peppard is an everyman character, I find im like him today with my gf whos like Holly , so I dont know if im going to win...

[n2cora]

headley62--people that are hurting tends to hurt other people--and as a rule they become opinionated. you cannot direct your future if you are always looking backwards! and its nice to glamorize tv stars (who don't even know you exist) but get a handle on your reality and just start today by saying: i'm going to be a better person--then ACT on it!!!

[headley62]

I'm a 45 year old male, took care of my mother for ten years. Started to date and found out that women are not sincere, at least most of them are not. I'm better off with a regular escort than wasting my time with women who have no interest in me. I'm decent looling, tall and thin. Women want perfection. I've found someone who does care.

[headley62]

Escorts, if your lucky enough to find a good one are far better than having a girl friend. Much cheaper too. Emotionally, financially and in other obvious ways that don't need to be mentioned here. Find a good one you can see on a regular basis. Respect them and they will follow in return.

[lesjeunes]

Holly Golighty actually is an escort girl. They just don't play it up so much in the film.

[headley62]

They didn't need to in those days. People used their imaginations. Now they have to show everything. I'm tired and bored of watching sex scenes in movies. They use to be able to imply it and not have to show everything that is so obvious. This generation behaves like they invented sex.

[lesjeunes]

That is true as well, but I'm sure Audrey would never have agreed to a film where it was obvious she was an escort girl. They even changed the ending, making it into a love story. I agree with you on that there is too much sex in today's cinema. Sometimes it helps the story, but most of the time it just doesn't. It almost seems to be obligatory now.

[headley62]

I never met her, but I'm sure she was intelligent and understood the character. I don't like watching people in movies having sex. I'm 45, call me old fashioned, but to me it's like peeping into a window and watching two people.

Sex is normal, but it should be kept private between two

people in my opinion. In older movies you knew they were having it, the audience was sophisticated enough to know.

I guess that's not the case today.

[Shubael1809]

of course Audrey knew her role was that of a call girl...

For the love of Pete she knew additionally that Truman Capote wanted Monroe for the part. Audrey was human and realistic and wordly. She was an advocate for human rights recall and I'm sure she did not judge anyone or anything unless it was unkind.

Give the woman some credit for being the brilliant and informed woman she was lesjeunes.

[LILBRAZ]

I've seen this movie and I never knew she was a hooker. WTF!

[jack2breeze]

oh yeah

[butch1026]

t this movie is more than about a hooker in designer dress,

[sirensplash9]

one of my favoritist movies. <3

[nicolecleopatra]

thank you

[jilliesl]

i never saw this before.... thanks!

[martikauk87]

great!!