“We’re Cultured!” Thursdays: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Yes, I’ve decided to do a review on a movie, as this topic was first intended to be. And what else defines culture and class like Audrey Hepburn and that black Givenchy dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s?

And then, there’s Moon River.

 

I wouldn’t go into the synopsis of the movie, or go on about how beautiful Hepburn is, or how Moon River is one of the most iconic songs of the past and how many thousands of covers there are of the song. But its just the idea of it – ever wondered why Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Moon River, seem to become things people associate with class, with dreams (or dreaminess), idealism?

I think its the character of Holly Golightly which Hepburn plays. She portrayed a girl who had dreams bigger than herself, who has a free spirit, who didn’t let her situations and society limit what she can do.

But in the same way, it is about escapism. Quoting lines from the movie:

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?

Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?

Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

Paul Varjak: Sure.

Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!

I can go about on how the idea or concept of this whole show, or even the story it was adapted from (which has a different, non-fairytale ending, and very much more literary and dark) and how Tiffany & Co. becomes the sanctuary of peace, and everything and how it parallels with how we should go to God instead of Tiffany’s… (yes I’m over spiritualizing it lol)

But I think it’s just how beautiful the whole movie is, and how beautiful the song Moon River is. Or how classic this show is that it touches our heart although made 40 years ago. God has created us in a way where we recognise and appreciate beauty, not only in looks, but in sound, and in feelings as well.

And don’t feel guilty about watching it, and not just only because the “Holly Golightly is actually a social escort” theme in the movie was much more downplayed than in the book, but also I think the lyrics of Moon River can be expounded into a literature essay as well.

Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.

So if you’ve not watched it, watch it at least once and know what people are talking about when they talk about Breakfast at Tiffany’s. And maybe you might fall in love with the beauty of the show and the music as well.