How normal people watch Breakfast at Tiffany's vs. How crazy cat ladies watch Breakfast at Tiffany's

January 03, 2011


Breakfast at Tiffany's was on TCM last week, and so I watched it for the bazillionth time, as usual. However, during this particular viewing I realized something that I hadn't before. I couldn't care less if Audrey and George Peppard end up together at the end. To me, the film reaches its emotional climax not because George and Audrey embrace, but because they have Cat between them.

From the moment that the cab scene starts, my stomach is filled with wasps. I know that any moment she'll be tossing Cat out into the rain. When Cat grabs onto the car, trying desperately and hopelessly to stay in the warm dry cab, the tears start to flow. I don't think I've ever really paid attention to any dialogue that occurs after Cat is thrown out, because I'm screaming at my tv "STOP THE CAR! YOU NEED TO SAVE CAT!" If I could, I'd jump into my tv and look for him myself.

If I have one of my cats nearby whilst watching, they are at this point being hugged tightly while I anxiously await the moment when Cat is found.

Normal people are relieved when Audrey shows up in the alley calling for her cat -- but not for the same reasons I am. They believe she's seen the error of her ways; she's going to let George love her; a happy ending is on the horizon for our newly minted couple. But for me, and crazy cat ladies across the globe, it's ALL ABOUT THE CAT.

Honestly, this is the whole movie. Holly's husband, brother, fiance? All totally inconsequential to Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's about the cat. Sally Tomato, the 5 and dime robbery, Patricia Neal? They mean squat. It's all about the cat. It's all just leading up to that one super-charged emotional moment when Audrey scoops Cat up in her arms and gives her a "I should never have tossed you out of the cab, you wonderful feline" gigantic smooshy hug.

And THAT makes it a happy ending. George could have slipped and fell in the rain, got hit by a cab and ended up in the ER right before the credits rolled. As long as Cat is out of the rain, and reunited with Audrey Hepburn, I'm a happy camper.


15 comments:

JavaBeanRush said...

Wow.
Holly does seem to have greater chemistry with the cat and supporting players than with Peppard.

Peppard's character is too full of himself to make me cheer for their marrying or having any contact at all.

I do like the cat better ... and the bathtub couch.

Rina said...

ahahhahahaha!
I know EXACTLY how you feel!
I felt the same way around the second time I saw Breakfast Tiffany's.
needless to say, this is probably one of my favorite talkies: not because of the actors and actresses, not because of the storyline, because of the CAT.
Honestly, George could have gotten stuck by lightening, and all I would be thinking about: IS THE CAT OKAY?!?!?!!!? ;A;

why aren't there more talkies with super awesome cats like this one? Seriously.
D;

Matthew Coniam said...

Not just crazy cat ladies either! I feel exactly the same way.

Jacqueline T. Lynch said...

I admit to worrying about the cat getting wet. His expression seems to scream "Put me back in the box! Put me back in the box! I'm getting WET! Kiss later!"

DKoren said...

Oh my gosh. I've never seen this movie, but I'm so glad I read this. I would have FREAKED out about the cat if not forewarned.

Terence Towles Canote said...

LOL. I have to admit that I worry about Cat's fate as well. Every time I watch the movie I worry about Cat and always hold one of my kitties if one is near. Of course, my sister--a crazy cat lady to my crazy cat gentleman--had a more intense reaction. After Holly put Cat out on the street, she refused to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's ever again!

Dylana Suarez said...

I love that movie and this is such an interesting post!

Lovely blog!

xoxo,

colormenana.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

so I'm a crazy cat lady too. :D

Millie said...

This post is brilliance! AHAHAHAHAHHAA!

The nameless cat really is the coolest character, besides Audrey. ;-D

And I always feel so sorry for that cat (and I don't even really like cats that much)!

And George REALLY could have disappeared...like before the opening credits...;-D

Elizabeth said...

Great post! And I'm with you, it is all about the cat. From the beginning of the movie that is all I can think of, that poor cat!

Anonymous said...

Team Cat, all the way! In fact... I kinda use this movie as a barometer of whether or not a friendship is gonna work out. If he/she doesn't in SOME way make SOME comment about finding/saving Cat or the words 'POOR CAT' or 'WHAT ABOUT THE CAT' don't formulate in any variation... stick a fork in it. (Wish I were joking. Sadly, I am not!)

BU (Mai-Cat) said...

Great site and post, Kate. Although Missy's at the top of my list, I'm an Audrey follower too!

I actually named my first cat, CAT! It's all about the CAT. True and very therapeutic!

Oh, and you're art works are wonderful!

Jill Davidson said...

So true!! I caught the end of the film a couple of weeks ago having not seen it for years, and actually though I would've loved to have seen it all - this is the bit that matters, and yes I felt a huge lump in my chest and almost held my breath until she goes back to get.
Mad cat ladies, oh yes indeedy!

J said...

Completely agree! My heart was breaking the first time I saw cat get thrown out in the rain, and still does break every time I see it! Love your blogs :)

Jasmin

xxx

Unknown said...

Had to come here to comment because couldn't at SB.. But that is the way i have always watched the movie, it's all about the cat. I showed the movie to my newish boyfriend and for him it was all about the cat too. Im never letting him go. And we are getting a cat.