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Breakfast at Tiffany

 

            "Based on Truman Capote's novel, Breakfast At Tiffany's is the story of a young, jet-setting woman, Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn), in New York City who meets a young man when he moves into her apartment building. He is being kept by a wealthy, older woman, but wants to be a writer. She is working as a high-priced escort and searching for a rich, older man to marry." The tone of this story is deceivingly light and romantic, with help from Henry Mancini's musical accompaniment. .
             One of the most memorable components of the film Breakfast at Tiffany's is the extraordinary music composed by Henry Mancini. The film's theme song, "Moon River" (co-written with lyrisist Johnny Mercer), was an instant classic and the score went on to win two Acadamy Awards in 1961. Mancini opted for a jazz style of underscoring in the movie, which was a perfect fit for the 1961 movie both historically and for its romantic-comedic genre.
             Holly finds more than a friend in Paul (George Peppard), the hopeful writer. The concept of the score is directed by Paul and Holly's relationship as it bounces back and forth. Yet, the score builds the steam for the grand and inevitable conclusion. You can hear the use of saxophones and trumpets during the highs of their relationship, while the string, piano and flute dominate the down-times of Holly's and Paul's relationship. .
             This everlasting popular romantic comedy has a bittersweet flavor, perfectly captured by the aching mood of "Moon River." The force of Henry Mancini's longing melody echoes throughout the film, giving New York a wonderful atmosphere and depicting Holly Golightly's child-like energy with a touching adult-like sadness. The melody of "Moon River" is heard as Holly sings to Paul on the fire escape while he simultaneously composes a letter to her. We hear reprises of "Moon River" during Doc and Paul's talk in the park, as well as during the search towards the end as Holly realizes that she is in love with Paul.


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