Breakfast at Tiffany's movie and book comparison

Breakfast at Tiffany's movie and book comparison

Although there are many similarities between Truman Capote’s novel “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and the subsequent movie versions, there are also many differences and changes. One of the most noticeable of these, however, is the plot and how it progresses. The first obvious change is the meeting between Holly and “Fred”.

In the book we are introduced to Holly as she rings “Fred’s” doorbell early in the morning; however the movie portrays this differently. It shows that instead, Paul buzzes Holly, hence hastening their meeting. In this, Paul finds all about Holly’s past and Sally “Tomato” much before it occurs in the novel. This also speeds up the relationship they have and changes the way it develops.   The book emphasis the fact that Holly doesn’t care for the un named protagonist until the night she goes to his room for comfort.

In the movie, however, He finds out about her personality straight away and we are introduced to a new character, his decorator, whom we are led to believe is one of his ‘clients’. Furthermore, this leads to a major change in the timeline of the plot and how the storyline progresses. In the novel we are lead to believe that the actions take place over an extended period of time, whereas, as the movie shows the plot, it seems to only span a few months, as shown by their meeting and the rapid growth of their relationship.

Another large change in the plot concerns Sally ‘Tomato’. In Capote’s version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s ‘Fred’ doesn’t actually know him, merely assumes things about him from what Holly says of him and his own speculation. Yet in the movie, Holly takes him with her and they discuss many things, including the prospect of Paul being published and Holly’s terrible finances. Furthermore, Sally shows his approval of Paul being with Holly, but threatens him subtly to take care of her properly.
Furthermore, as the significance of the golden cage is not shown in the movie, it is merely an object already in the apartment....