” To be in the cinema and experience
A world that others have created
- With wide open senses-
To lose oneself
And gain a real treasure in turn
Is one of the most vital experiences
One can have.
An experience - perhaps - more vital than love. “

Erica Joy Obert (2000)

Ah, the magical world of cinema…..Movies can work the most wondrous of wonders, as anyone who has sat in a dark cinema and been transported from the real world into a fantasy one, knows. I’m Mara, or as I’ve fondly and cheekily nicknamed myself- Little Miss Applebox- and I’ve just joined the team here at Railway Place. Attempting to compile and review classic films of the 20th century is no small task in a century when movies became an art form in their own right, a part of our societal fabric, and a huge business. I do, however, endeavour to give it a go…

Over the next few months my ambition is to share with APPLEBOX members my love of film, my favourite classics of the 20th century and to offer readers the opportunity to take a look, enjoy, and perhaps contradict……Above all though, I hope to share with you my most memorable movies of the 20th century- those movies II think are the most beautiful, most important, most moving, most artistic and most daring…….I may even give my very own apple- rating…….

Breakfast At Tiffanys, USA, 1960…
Directed by Blake Edwards
With: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Mickey Rooney…

One of Lil Miss Applebox’s all time favourite films, this classic film was definately Audrey’s best role. I’m a huge Hepburn fan and am continually mesmerised by Audrey’s portrayal of New York escort Holly Golightly- her fragility, child like innocence and quirky waywardness is endearing and inimitable. I can watch this film over and over again for the sheer pleasure of Audrey. I dont want to say too much about this film -for if you havent seen it, I want you to rent it, and enjoy it.. however, what makes this a classic? Definately the quirkiness of Holly- a bohemian who takes her brekky at, or rather, in front of Tiffany’s ( how gorgeously charming). The way she hails a cab, calls every one darling, gracefully wields a cigarette, and keeps her shoes in a fruit bowl is undeniably unforgettable. In a few words, this film is a bitter sweet love story full of mischievousness, humour, sensuality and wonder. Quite simply, a girl looking for happiness. And arent we all? I definately give this film 5 apples….If you’ve never seen it, you must! if you have seen it, hire it again for sheer pleasure.!

Two quick facts….Before Hepburn was given the role of Holly, Marilyn Monroe turned it down feeling it was too risque.
Hepburns wardrobe, designed by Givency and intended to resemble ready to wear clothing in its simplicity launched a fashion trend that is still popular today.
Oh yeah, I went to the Audrey Hepburn exhibition in Florence about 8 years ago and saw a lot of her original costumes from this film, as well as diaries and numerous memorabilia. I guess you can tell, I wish I was Audrey Hepburn…..

More coming soon…

Posted November 27th, 2007 under Movie Reviews.
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