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kevin_shepherd 's review for:
Breakfast at Tiffany's
by Truman Capote
The problem with seeing classic films before reading the classic novels that inspired them is that we forever associate the cinematic characters with the literary characters. I can’t read “Dorothy Gale” without picturing Judy Garland. “Atticus Finch” is forever Gregory Peck. “Sam Spade” is forever Humphrey Bogart. “Captain Yossarian” is forever Alan Arkin. “Holly Golightly” is forever Audrey Hepburn. etc. etc. etc.
Now picture, in your mind’s eye, Audrey Hepburn using the “N” word in casual conversation. If this doesn’t sicken you at least a little then I don’t think I want to know you.
I’ve heard all the arguments. I understand that things were different in 1958. I understand that ‘course language’ adds a sense of realism. I get all those things, but when it comes to acceptable flaws of supposedly likable characters I draw the line at racism.
*NOTE: Since I’m drawing comparisons between the 1958 novella and the 1961 film, I should point out that Mickey Rooney’s character, an appallingly racist stereotype of a Japanese man, is just as bad (if not worse) than anything in Capote’s book. It’s all so sadly unnecessary.
Now picture, in your mind’s eye, Audrey Hepburn using the “N” word in casual conversation. If this doesn’t sicken you at least a little then I don’t think I want to know you.
I’ve heard all the arguments. I understand that things were different in 1958. I understand that ‘course language’ adds a sense of realism. I get all those things, but when it comes to acceptable flaws of supposedly likable characters I draw the line at racism.
*NOTE: Since I’m drawing comparisons between the 1958 novella and the 1961 film, I should point out that Mickey Rooney’s character, an appallingly racist stereotype of a Japanese man, is just as bad (if not worse) than anything in Capote’s book. It’s all so sadly unnecessary.