I know we're only a few minutes into it, but for me, this shot says it all. Holly Golightly's world is elegant, lonely, lovely, haunting, full, empty, sophisticated, charming, enviable, tragic.
For today, let's examine how we as audience members are supposed to react to three characters...
...Holly...
...Paul/"Fred"...
and, of course, Mr. Yunioshi...
What are we supposed to think about each of them? How much are we supposed to like them? Are they funny? Sad? Tragic? Happy? Fulfilled? What do they seem to want from life? Any thoughts?
(Remember, one thoughtful, thorough comment is required for a grade. Any additional comments will be counted as extra credit. So feel free to comment on your peers' entries.)
Each character has it's own very clear and unique personality. Holly seems to come off as pathetic. She almost seems like she was forced to be self sufficient, but was never able to be on her own. she seems lost in her ways and the choices she makes, almost as if she is lacking something. Paul fit's in a very similar boat as Holly. he is more self sufficient in his day to day life, but he seems to lack what holly has, life. he seems very structured in his ways, but the way he lives his life shows that he seems to lack something, almost like lacking the happiness of life. i feel that they in the end, will make a connection and fill each others lacking aspects (what a typical happy ending 8/ ). Mr.Yunioshi though, is simply on a different planet. his character is so ridiculously racist, that he seems to simply be there for nothing but comedic relief. he's funny in his character, but as a human he seems almost like an accident, his work is clearly unknown and really doesn't seem to be making much of himself. he lives alone and is a middle-aged grumpy asian man. there is not much else to say about this ridiculous, and i might add, unneeded character.
ReplyDeleteHolly Golightly is supposed to be portrayed as an innocent yet somewhat engaging and interesting character that will grab the audience's attention. From her outer appearance she looks very put together and elegant. While truthfully her apartment is a mess and she makes money by going out with escorts and visiting an ex-mobster in Sing Sing. The fact that there are two different sides to Holly make her an interesting character to watch. Holly is also the character that audiences are supposed to like the most because of her down to earth and realistic attitude. It seems like Holly is happy with her life and all she wants to do is have fun and never get too caught up in anything.
ReplyDeleteNot too much of the personality of the character, Paul, has been seen. As for now, he seems a lot like Holly. He has a job as a writer but also partakes in other activities. Paul also seems to be a very likable character and viewers can see that from the way that he acts with Holly. It looks like what he wants from his life is a larger writing career and love life.
Mr. Yunioshi is used as the comedic part of this movie. All we know about him is that he gets very angry when he constantly has to open the door for Holly because she keeps losing her keys. It seems as though he has a somewhat tragic and isolated life because so far, all he has done is stay home and sleep.
Holly Golightly is a likable person. She is confident, outgoing, and talkative. It seems hard to believe that anyone would not like sure. She does seem very carefree and sometimes that can cause her to be forgetful. But at the same time she seems like the person who can easily be forgiven because of her bubbly personality. The audience is supposed to like her a lot and be very entertained at the things that she says and does. Also, the fact that her name is Holly Golightly can make anybody love her character.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the audience is supposed to feel somewhat bad for Paul. He is a struggling writer who is a sort of male prostitute for an older woman (his "decorator"). He doesn't seem very satisfied with his life. The audience will want Paul to finally get a break, maybe he will write a best-seller or fall in love with a woman instead of being in this "relationship" with the older woman.
As for Mr. Yunioshi, the audience is supposed to think he is just crazy. His character is there to make the audience laugh and enjoy the movie more. He is crazy because of the fact that he sleeps with a light above his bed and every time he wakes up he hits his head! He doesn't really serve an important purpose in the movie, he's just there for the comedy.
the characters Holly,Pual,and Mr.Yunioshi are three different people they have different personalities and they also have different ways with other. As for Holly she is a very nice person she is also very attracted to older men. She likes to taunt them and telling them things but end up running away from them. Paul is somelike Holly in way of getting women.He likes getting money from women by spending time with them. As for Mr. Yunioshi, he has diffenet ways orf decribing him. He is a very cranky and very loud person. He doesnt like people annoying him when he is sleeping.But also he has a thing for Holly. He is just in the movie for some fun entertainment.
ReplyDeleteholly is a very likable but not so loving lady. she goes on fancy dates with men and has them pay for the bill, then she runs. she lives in luxury through other peoples pockets. though she flirts with so many people, she seems lonely.
ReplyDeletepaul is a struggling writer who seems to have given up on his creative side and has decided to rent himself to a woman he does not care about. he is lonely and seems to have given up.
Mr. Yunioshi is comic relief. though he may turn out to be something more later on in the movie, that is all that he is currently.
Holly Golightly is a quirky and sort of witty young woman. It's only been about thirty minutes into the movie, and it already seems as though we know exactly who she is. She portrays herself to be extremely elegant and classy, but truly she is more of a care free person who does exactly what she wants. Although being an escort is not something we look for in a person, Holly has an addictive presence. She is entirely comfortable with herself, and letting people get to know her. That part of her personality adds a bit of humor to her character not because it's actually funny but because of the odd and shocking way she presents herself. From first glance, her true personality seems unlikely. Although not known for sure, Holly also has a bit of a tragic presence. She seems like a dreamer at heart, but has a protective wall between herself and true love.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, who Paul really is seems like a mystery. There are little details and facts given up till now, but what is known is that he is a writer struggling with his career. Although he did not exactly admit it, he may be an escort too. That part of his character seemed so unlikely because he presents himself like a successful business man. He portrays a kindhearted attitude towards Holly. It also seems as though his loneliness overwhelms him, and with the lack of money his last resort is to be a male escort for an older woman.
Most of us can say that Mr. Yunioshi leaves us speechless. But with the development of the other characters and figuring out who they are, this film clearly states who Mr. Yunioshi's character is. Although his character is racist, it's difficult not to laugh at his situation. He is a middle aged asian man who is completely disoriented and cranky when Holly causes commotion. It's easy to say, you can't not like the man.
Holly Golightly is a quirky and sort of witty young woman. It's only been about thirty minutes into the movie, and it already seems as though we know exactly who she is. She portrays herself to be extremely elegant and classy, but truly she is more of a care free person who does exactly what she wants. Although being an escort is not something we look for in a person, Holly has an addictive presence. She is entirely comfortable with herself, and letting people get to know her. That part of her personality adds a bit of humor to her character not because it's actually funny but because of the odd and shocking way she presents herself. From first glance, her true personality seems unlikely. Although not known for sure, Holly also has a bit of a tragic presence. She seems like a dreamer at heart, but has a protective wall between herself and true love.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, who Paul really is seems like a mystery. There are little details and facts given up till now, but what is known is that he is a writer struggling with his career. Although he did not exactly admit it, he may be an escort too. That part of his character seemed so unlikely because he presents himself like a successful business man. He portrays a kindhearted attitude towards Holly. It also seems as though his loneliness overwhelms him, and with the lack of money his last resort is to be a male escort for an older woman.
Most of us can say that Mr. Yunioshi leaves us speechless. But with the development of the other characters and figuring out who they are, this film clearly states who Mr. Yunioshi's character is. Although his character is racist, it's difficult not to laugh at his situation. He is a middle aged asian man who is completely disoriented and cranky when Holly causes commotion. It's easy to say, you can't not like the man.
The audience members and men in the film are automatically drawn towards Holly, as we talked about in class, because she is naturally flirty and draws in those men whom she talks to in the film. She is mysterious, where she says enough about her life to not say too much and destroy curiosity but she says enough to keep people guessing as to what she does and what kind of a person she is. The audience is naturally supposed to like Holly just because she is attractive and seems quite kind-hearted and fun. Maybe audience members are even supposed to develop a slight infatuation with Holly (Mr. Cowlin ;)).
ReplyDeleteRegarding Paul, he is sketchy. I think the difference between Paul and Holly and the different ways people percieve them is because of our different views of gender. A mysterious woman is sexy and intriguing whereas a mysterious man is sketchy and up to no good. That is the feeling I get from Paul--that he is not as innocent as Holly and has a story behind him that is not so pretty. He is nervous and very curious about Holly, obviously pulled into Holly's spell. I get a bad feeling about him because of his "decorator" and what he does for her and also, his reasons for doing such.
Mr. Yunioshi is a stereotypical Japanese man depicted back when this movie came out. It probably was not that offensive when the movie came out because it was a common view of foreigners. He is the comedic relief. He is depicted as stupid and clumsy and that is how the audience is supposed to respond to his witlessness.
For me, both Holly and Paul exist in a world that I would like to sample. That New York, metropolitan, sophisticate world where people are cool and hip. And I think these characters, at least in part, help create that world through their attitiude. Yes, I think 'attitude' is more important for these characters than 'actions' or 'words.'
ReplyDeleteHere's another thought: I wonder if their witty banter (which is way more witty than people could ever hope to be in real life) is an attempt to plug gaps, to fills holes, to hide sadness. Maybe not, but it seems like there might be a chance this is true. I think more viewing will make this more clear.
One thing is for sure...my crush on Audry Hepburn has in no way faltered. My wife was not happy to hear this last night when I told her, but I think she'll get over it.
As for Mr. Yunioshi, I'll be posting an extra credit post later today that addresses that character.
Andrew: "she almost seems like she was forced to be self sufficient, but was never able to be on her own." Well done. Good call.
ReplyDeleteTanya: "As for now, [Paul] seems a lot like Holly." I agree, but I'm confused about Paul's initial bewilderment when he first meets Holly. He acts like he's never seen this world before, even though he lives in it. Confusing.
Julie: "He doesn't seem very satisfied with his life. The audience will want Paul to finally get a break, maybe he will write a best-seller or fall in love with a woman instead of being in this "relationship" with the older woman." Yes.
ReplyDeleteRuby: Mr. Yunioshi "is just in the movie for some fun entertainment." In your opinion, does he still work as entertainment in the 21st century?
Stacey: Holly "seems like a dreamer at heart, but has a protective wall between herself and true love." Yes. I agree. I think we need to see if we can figure out where this wall came from and why it's up.
And regarding Mr. Yunioshi: "Although his character is racist, it's difficult not to laugh at his situation." Again, I agree. Good call.
TaraG: "The audience members and men in the film are automatically drawn towards Holly, as we talked about in class, because she is naturally flirty and draws in those men whom she talks to in the film." Wow. You nailed it. You are 100% right...Holly plays the audience like she plays the men in the film. Wow. I did not see that. What a sap I am. I'm looking forward to today's viewing to test your theory...now that I know what kind of a game Holly is playing with me. (Man, feel like a SUCKER!)
Every character is different. Holly is a naive care free character. She lookes classy and sophisticated even though her apartment is a complete mess. I personally think that the weather tips she gives to the mafia man in jail is some kind of coe for stuff thats going in on the outside.
ReplyDeletePaul is supposed to be kind of a normal guy. Despite his man whoreness he acts normal by the way he talks to people and acts through out the movie so far. I think him and Holly have a thing.
Mr. Yunioshi is supposed to be a classic stereotypical japaneese guy. Everything from hitting his head on the lamp every morning to his buck teeth and big eyes says it all. We all know it's completely racist.
Each character is completely different from one another, and none of them are characters i can relate to in my life. Holly is a very sophisticated and beautiful woman, who keeps it very classy and keeps the audience wanting more. Paul is the charmer, a good looking guy who "woo's" women off their feet and into his arms without even trying, the women come to him, just like Hally did. Mr. Yunioshi is the stereotypical Asian guy who acts as the annoyed neighbor. if you lived in an apartment/condo your whole life like i have, you can relate.
ReplyDeleteEach character is unique in different ways. Holly is an outgoing, flirty, and confident woman. She will do whatever it takes to get money for Tiffany's, even though she often runs away from the men. She does whatever she wants, and does not listen to the people around her. Her confidence and looks draws men towards her as well. She's also very unhappy and will have a conversation with anyone who is willing to listen.
ReplyDeletePaul's character is a mystery right now. Sometimes he looks like a good guy other times, a bad guy. We as the audience aren't sure yet what to think of him and wants to know more about him. He, like Holly, whores himself off to other women even though doesn't admit it. You also see Paul falling for Holly early on.
I think Paul and Holly both have mysterious aspects to them as well as an 'empty' part to their lives.
Mr. Yunioshi is unhappy and cranky man. His charactier is the stereotypical Asian. When the movie came out, I'm sure it was offensive to some but now it is just looked at as a joke.
Upon the first viewing, I believe the audience is supposed to sympathize with Holly. Although she is classy on the outside, in reality she is a clusmy, unorganized woman who doesn't hold a real job. Even though she's talkative, to me she has a deep sense of vulnerability. She also seems extremely blind to what people think of her, whether it be dislike or love.
ReplyDeletePaul/Fred at this point is rather unknown. His motives are unclear. I believe the audience is meant to feel this uneasiness around his character. His job as an author seems a bit sketchy as we also know that he is basically a 'man whore.' I don't believe Paul has fallen for Holly yet, but it is clear that he shows an interest in her strong behavior. However, from what we've seen, Paul seems to be a gentlman.
Whenever scenes of Mr. Yunioshi come up, I can only look down and slowly shake my head. He is put in the movie for comic relief, sprouting from his constantly-jabbering and clumsly personality. He can be hilarious, though.
Once the movie starts, you are drawn to Holly. She is a beautiful, witty, classy, young lady. She seems to have life down, but as the movie progresses the viewer starts to see some underlying things. She is afraid of being dictated and told what to do. She is afraid of being caged in and having no way out. She is afraid of being attached, which is why she won't give the cat a name and why she runs away from Paul when he tells her he loves her. Although her persona is elegant and classy, she is really a bit pathetic and lacking in structure in her life.
ReplyDeletePaul also seems to have a lack of structure. Everything he is and has is because of his decorator lady friend. He has yet to make a name for himself. And he seems very...unhappy with the path that he has chosen, like this isnt the way he had wanted things to turn out. Paul wants to be more, to do more in life, but can't seem to find his way, just like Holly. They are very similar creatures.
While both Holly and Paul have specific attributes to them, Mr Yunioshi is simply in the movie for laughs. He is the complete stereotype of an asian back in those days and i find it to be extremely racist. I have to admit though, I do find him to be funny.