Not quite sure I liked it until I finished it.

I've never been a big Truman Capote fan, Audrey Hepburn is a movie actress I can largely take or leave, and I was completely bored throughout all of the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's when I watched it a million years ago. So why exactly did I get Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Womanout of the library? I have no idea.

What's even weirder is that I read the whole book, and enjoyed it. It delivers exactly what its subtitle promises: an in-depth look at the making of the classic movie, from Capote's writing of the story on which it's based, through its screenplay development, casting, and filming. It didn't hurt that it was only about 200 pages long.

I would think any film buff would enjoy this book; likewise, anyone who's ever had any interest in Truman Capote or Audrey Hepburn might find a lot to like here. It's a nice look at film and social history, and it's very readable, broken up into workable chunks throughout each chapter. (I particularly enjoyed the bits about how Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe to be cast in the lead, and how the screenwriter had to fight the studio/film censors on every teensy little risque item. It must have been a different world. 

Comments

[Nan]

I am a big fan of both the author and the actress, but I didn't like his book or the movie. :<)

[Donna]

I've seen the movie and read the book last year marveling at how different it was from the film. I heard this reviewed on NPR and wanted to read it. Thanks for the reminder.

[Citizen Reader]

Nan,
I think I tried to read "Breakfast at Tiffany's," but I've never really been much for Capote's fiction. This book actually give me the urge to rewatch B at T, but I don't think I'm going to get to it.

Donna,
Yup, lots of very interesting stuff in this book about how they had to caress various aspects of the original storyline (e.g., homosexual themes) to get the movie past the censors. I'm surprised people even tried to adapt it, so much had to be changed.

[Eva]

I'm not a Capote fan (I know I read the original novella and that it was different, but that's all I remember), and while I love Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany's isn't my favourite of hers by a long shot, but I'm still kind of interested in this one. lol

[bybee]

Sounds like fun...I've always meant to read the book.

[rick]

While both the book and the movie seem pretty tame now, they were pretty daring in their time. They still work for mood. My daughter and her friends were very charmed by the movie - I think they all wanted to be as beautiful and quirky as Hepburn. I preferred the book, which seemed more complete to me.

[Citizen Reader]

Eva,
I know just what you mean (re: not a huge fan of Capote, and still being interested in this book). For one thing, it's got a fantastic cover. Who doesn't know that image? I'd give it a try if I were you--it's a quick read and has more to do with society and the time period, really, than film criticism.

Bybee,
I'm almost tempted to revisit the book myself. Maybe I'd like it better this time around?

Rick,
I think you're absolutely right (re: daring), and that's a lot of what this title points out. I particularly enjoyed the insight into Hepburn's marriage and life, as I didn't know much about her and have never been a huge fan (except I'm always pleased when film actresses can pull off short hair--it's rare!). I'm glad your daughter liked the movie--I think I was already too old and jaded when I saw it, although I remember thinking I wouldn't mind being up early in Manhattan, having my coffee and enjoying the quiet streets and Tiffany's.

[Venta]

Yes,CR! I forgot about the short hair! What is it about hair? Even my beautician (stylist, hair designer, who knows what to call these people anymore) was hesitant when I said I would like to go shorter. She took a piece a piece of my hair and said this rounds out your face. I answered, "If you cut that off I would look like a boy" and she said yes. Annie Lennox had it right with the hair although I don't know if she keeps it short/shaved anymore.