Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a film that honors its name. In the beginning, it does so by introducing main character Holly Golightly (played by the iconic Audrey Hepburn) having a literal breakfast at Tiffany’s. She does so by getting out of the taxi cab, standing in front of the shop and pulling out a coffee and pastry from a bag. She starts eating, sipping her coffee and enjoying the scene. Having her breakfast there shows she feels right at home.
Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The second instance or the second few, rather, is how often the name “Tiffany’s” is mentioned, whether by Holly Golightly herself or her love interest Paul Varjak (played by George Peppard). When Holly explains her adoration for Tiffany’s to Paul, that adoration remains even when it’s slightly subdued as the film’s plot thickens. Then, halfway through, we have Holly finally enter Tiffany’s, the abode she’s been waiting for.
This is the third instance in which the film’s name is recognized, and it is even more so when Paul purchases the engraved ring for Holly. The way in which he carries it for a long, couple months, the shot of him exiting Tiffany’s with the ring box in hand… somehow, it shows how connected Holly is to Tiffany’s, how it’s truly her very own soulmate.
What’s more important is the connection between Holly and Tiffany’s. It means so much because it taught me a few things. I thought, “How nice it must be to have a connection with something.” The way in which Holly seems tethered to Tiffany’s is similar to how people feel connected to a particular passion. It shows how, no matter what we go through in life, if we have at least something that makes us happy, we should keep it in our lives.
It also made me realize that it’s okay to have a passion. Whether it’s a hobby or a career or a simple, daily walk in the park, that’s important when it comes to looking for happiness.
Throughout the film, Holly’s afraid to be happy because of a number of things. Then, when she finally wears the ring from Tiffany’s, finds her “nameless” cat and embraces Paul, she’s finally accepted happiness. Whether that came from acknowledging her love for Tiffany’s or elsewhere, I believe that can be up for debate.
Holly’s connection with Tiffany’s is always there, lingering, waiting. From her breakfast at Tiffany’s, to Paul buying her the ring, and her finally wearing it, her relationship with the store means so much. All in all, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is an excellent film. And as always, Audrey Hepburn is simply stellar.