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Analysis of the plot structure of "Breakfast at Tiffany's"
The film opens with Holly Golightly eating breakfast on the streets of New York when a mysterious man, Paul Varjak, appears. This encounter became the beginning of the whole story, arousing the curiosity of the audience.
Character introduction and setting: Next, the film introduces Lucy, an alternative and mysterious woman, through Paul's perspective. The audience gradually learns about Lucy's lifestyle and personality, as well as her motivation for pursuing a luxurious life.
Paul and Lucy's relationship develops: Paul becomes an important figure in Lucy's life, and the two gradually develop a deep friendship. The film shows their relationship of interdependence and understanding through dialogue and mutual care between them.
Symbolism of Tiffany's jewelry: Tiffany's jewelry became an important symbol in the film, representing Lucy's desire for luxury and reflecting the context of the prevalence of social consumerism. Lucy's connection to Tiffany's jewelry is revealed through a series of scenes.
Lucy's Past and Inner Conflict: As the story progresses, the audience gradually learns the secrets of Lucy's past and her true inner feelings. She struggles to find happiness, but is also troubled by obstacles and responsibilities from the past, which leads her to emotional and decision conflicts.
Climax and Turning Point: The climax of the film appears in Lucy's emotional entanglements and conflicts. She faces choices and growth, but also real-world trials and dilemmas. This section shows Lucy's inner exploration and transformation.
Ending: The film ends with a scene of Lucy chasing in the alley, and Lucy finally pursues true happiness, breaks through the shackles of the past, and further grows and looks forward to the future.
The entire plot structure shows the story of a woman who pursues a luxurious life while also looking for self-identity and happiness through the depiction of Lucy's growth and inner world. Through the gradual progression of clues, it arouses the audience's attention and thinking about the fate of the protagonist.
Characterization
The characterization in Breakfast at Tiffany is an important part of the storyline, and here is an analysis of the shaping of several main characters:
Holly Golightly: Lucy is the protagonist of the movie, she is a woman who pursues a luxurious life, independent and mysterious. Her image shows a free, debauched and unruly side, while hiding a fragile and lonely heart. Through her actions and dialogues, the film reveals her illusory pursuit of material pursuits and her search for true happiness.
Paul Varjak: Paul is the male lead in the film, he is a writer and Lucy's neighbor. Paul plays the viewer's point of view, through his eyes we see Lucy's life from different angles. He developed a deep friendship with Lucy, he understood and supported Lucy, and at the same time gradually grew and pursued himself in his interactions with her.
Old Man: The old man is Lucy's neighbor in an apartment building in New York, and he is a wealthy businessman. Although he has not appeared for much, the old man shows a warm and caring image through his behavior and concern for Lucy, becoming Lucy's safe haven in an unfamiliar environment.
These characterization shows the emotions, cognition, and inner world of the characters through their personality traits, behaviors, and dialogues. Lucy's complexity contrasts with her desire for a luxurious life and inner loneliness, and her image creates a tension between superficial charm and inner struggle. Paul's role as a substitute for the audience triggers reflections on relationships and self-growth through his interaction with Lucy. The image of the old man represents warmth and love, providing Lucy with a human support.
Characterization makes the story of the film more fleshed out and interesting, and the audience can resonate with the story through their characters and develop a deeper understanding of the storyline and theme.
Director's approach
Blake Edwards, director of Breakfast at Tiffany's, used a variety of techniques to shape the film's unique style and emotional atmosphere, and here are some examples of directorial techniques:
Photography style: The director gives the film a classic texture and sense of the times by using black and white photography. The black-and-white image provides a unique aesthetic effect for the expression of the story, emphasizing the depth of emotion and the complexity of the story.
Use of music: The soundtrack in a film is an important part of its unique atmosphere and emotional expression. The director uses luxurious, romantic music to emphasize Lucy's impulse to pursue a luxurious life and the background of social consumerism, while also shaping inner emotions and contradictions through changes in tunes and quiet fragments.
Editing and lens use: Through the use of editing and lens, the director shows Lucy's unique lifestyle and inner world. The quick editing and psychedelic camera transitions create an atmosphere that makes the audience feel both fantastical and intimate, while also reflecting Lucy's free-spirited personality and determination to pursue happiness.
Visual Symbols and Symbolism: The director expresses Lucy's quest for luxury and the background of social consumerism through the symbolic use of objects such as Tiffany's jewelry. These visual symbols reinforce the depth of the story and the cohesion of the theme through their association with the protagonist.
Contrast and reversal: The director uses contrast and reversal to enhance the drama of the story and the emotional resonance of the audience. Through the contrasting portrayal of Lucy's appearance and heart, as well as the opposition and harmony between material and emotional, the director creates moments of emotional conflict and transformation that leave the audience in mind.
Themes and symbolism
Breakfast at Tiffany explores many themes and conveys deeper meaning through symbolism. Here are a few themes and associated symbolisms:
Materialism and Inner Truth: The film criticizes the illusory nature of material pursuits in the context of the prevalence of social consumerism. Tiffany jewelry represents luxury and material comfort, and Lucy's fascination with it symbolizes vanity that pursues superficial prosperity while ignoring inner truth. Through Lucy's story, the film promotes the importance of finding true happiness and reconciliation with oneself.
Loneliness and Heart-to-Heart Connection: The film explores an individual's loneliness and loss in the city. Lucy and Paul are both characters looking for belonging and connections in the hustle and bustle of New York. The friendship and mutual understanding between them shows inner connection and support for each other. This theme is highlighted through Lucy's chase scene in the alley, emphasizing the importance of individuals finding belonging and emotional resonance.
Reconciliation of Past and Future: Lucy's past and sense of responsibility for the past are important plot threads in the film. In her quest for happiness, she must face the shadow of her past and reconcile with it. Symbolically, Lucy chases her hat at the end of the movie, which can be understood as her gradually letting go of the shackles of the past and stepping into the future on the road of life.
Self-Identity and Self-Growth: Through the relationship between Lucy and Paul, the film explores the growth process of individuals in the search for self-identity and the pursuit of happiness. While pursuing luxury, Lucy is also trying to find her true self and happiness. This theme is embodied through Lucy's constant exploration and decision-making, and Paul's growth in companionship and understanding.
Impact and evaluation
Cultural classics: Breakfast at Tiffany is widely regarded as a classic in film history and has had a profound impact on later film and culture. Its photographic style, music, characterization and thematic exploration all inspired and influenced later filmmaking.
Influence the fashion world: Lucy's fashion style and image in the film became representative of popular culture, especially her famous black morning dress and grub-raising hair accessories, which were imitated and praised. Tiffany's jewelry in the film has also gained more attention and popularity.
epilogue
The film explored social values such as materialism, loneliness, authenticity and happiness, and provoked extensive discussion of these issues at the time. The characters and plot it presents provokes the viewer to think about social and personal pursuits.
Performance: The film's lauded performance of Audrey Hepburn successfully portrayed the unique character of Lucy, giving her complex emotions and charm. The superb acting skills of the actors add drama and emotional resonance to the film.
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