The Godfather: A Cinematic Masterpiece

If you are a fan of The Godfather films, then you already know where this article is headed. The Godfather, a crime film written by Mario Puzo and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is an epic that has left an indelible mark on cinema. Its historical significance has caused it to be preserved by the National Film Registry. This Italian-American saga won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is considered one of the best movies of all time.

But is The Godfather as good as everyone says it is? What is The Godfather about?

Overview

Set in the world of organized crime, The Godfather tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful mafia dynasty in New York City. Marlon Brando, in his Best Actor-winning role, tries to pass his empire on to his reluctant son, Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, after an assassination attempt leaves him clinging to life. Brando delivers a performance marked by a remarkable subtlety, characterized by a voice that is both wheezy and whispery. His deliberate lack of precision in physical movements creates the effect of a man so accustomed to power that he no longer needs to assert it overtly.

Brando’s embodiment of Don Corleone is further enhanced by meticulous makeup, which lends authenticity to his appearance as the aging patriarch. However, the slightly excessive cotton stuffed in his jowls may render his lower face somewhat immobile, yet this doesn’t detract from his commanding presence. His portrayal captures the essence of a man whose authority is both inherent and undeniable, effortlessly anchoring the narrative in a world of power and legacy.

Michael, the youngest and brightest son, is uniquely positioned to understand the nature of his father’s power. Initially hesitant, he eventually revises and modernizes the old-fashioned ways of the family business. Al Pacino delivers a brilliantly developed performance as Michael, bringing depth and nuance to his character’s transformation from a reluctant outsider to a formidable leader. His portrayal captures the tension and complexity of a man torn between his moral compass and the demands of his family’s legacy, making his role pivotal to the film’s enduring impact.

To explain further, Michael Corleone’s transformation is a central theme of the film. At first, he is an outsider to the world of organized crime, but as he becomes embroiled in the family business, he begins to understand the harsh realities of their lifestyle. With each decision he makes, Michael becomes more hardened and less hesitant to use violence as a means of achieving his goals. By the end of The Godfather, he has fully embraced his role as the leader of the Corleone family, and it is left to the viewer to decide whether his actions were justified or not.

However, the narrative delves deeper than just Michael’s personal journey. The Godfather’s role in the family enterprise is crucial, as he symbolizes the bridge between past traditions and the hope of a future where the family might transition into legitimate enterprises. This generational shift is pivotal, showing the tension between maintaining power and seeking legitimacy.

Those familiar with the novel might be intrigued to see the film focus on Michael rather than Don Corleone. This choice by Coppola serves as an effective way to highlight the core theme of power transfer—a key element in Puzo’s story. This dual focus on both Michael’s transformation and the overarching family dynamics paints a comprehensive picture of the struggle between familial loyalty and the pursuit of power.

If you love gangster movies, yes, The Godfather is as good as everyone says. It is a fun movie to watch for many reasons. However, it does have its faults.

Length

The Godfather is almost three hours long. I realize that recently it had become normal for movies to become three, even close to four hours long. However, I am a believer that a movie should be capped at two hours, or things begin to become tiresome. The Godfather is no different. The movie is great, but after a while you need a bathroom break and begin thinking about other things you need to do, like actually go to work and not just sit around watching movies all day.

Yet, there’s something to be said for how this extended length contributes to the film’s storytelling. The leisurely pace allows the narrative to unfold with a sense of gravity, particularly as we watch Don Corleone pass the reins of power. This measured unfolding would likely feel rushed and less impactful in a shorter film. Even though it tests your patience, it’s precisely this duration that lets you soak in the complex relationships and power dynamics.

While you might find yourself glancing at the clock, the film’s length invites you to engage deeply with characters, understanding them not just through dialogue but through the lingering looks and subtle interactions that a brisker pace might overlook. So, despite its demanding runtime, The Godfather uses its lengthy canvas to paint an intricate portrait that might otherwise be lost in a more hurried version.

Violence

Another thing I want to mention in this Godfather review is that it is violent at some points. Yes, I know, it’s a gangster movie. However, how much blood is in The Godfather Part 2? Very little, and there are no scenes of people being beaten half to death. In the first Godfather movie (the one this article is talking about) there is a scene where a man wakes up in a bed full of blood, and it’s within the first half hour. So yeah, The Godfather is pretty violent.

The Godfather sets itself apart from traditional gangster movies by stripping away the glitzy allure often associated with the mafia lifestyle. Instead of focusing on flamboyant displays of wealth and power, it paints a more nuanced picture of organized crime. The film delves into the everyday realities and intricacies of a mobster’s life, filled with the mundane moments and tensions of cramped spaces, alongside a diet limited to takeout meals.

Rather than highlighting flashy violence or daring heists, The Godfather explores the deep-seated family loyalties and neighborhood disputes that drive the narrative. These fierce allegiances and local conflicts in Brooklyn serve as the story’s backbone. Each act of retaliation in the film is carefully calculated, showcasing a complex and methodical approach to vengeance rather than chaotic brutality.

Ultimately, The Godfather is a masterclass in shifting focus from superficial glamour to the intense, personal struggles and codes that govern the mob’s world, offering viewers a more intimate and gritty portrayal of the mafia than the standard gangster fare.

As always though, the good comes with the bad, and believe me, there is plenty of good! The Godfather locks you in, from beginning to end. The movie begins and ends the same way, with the leader of the crime organization having someone kiss his ring, as a sign of respect. There are a lot of twists and turns, as you see the characters evolve.

Book

The movie adaptation of The Godfather captures the core of the novel’s narrative by skillfully translating its most memorable scenes to the screen. While the book’s strength lies in its gripping storylines, the film excels at bringing these vivid moments to life, effectively preserving the essence of the story.

The filmmakers ensure the inclusion of crucial elements that fans of the book cherish. The iconic opening scene at the wedding of Don Corleone’s daughter sets the tone, mirroring the novel’s introduction. Each dramatic turn—from tense double crosses to explosive car bombs—finds its place in the film, reflecting the novel’s tension and intrigue. Additionally, no major showdown is left unaddressed, as the adaptation stays true to the book’s sequence of events, maintaining the intensity and pace that readers experienced.

In essence, the film mirrors the book’s vivid depictions and sequences, minus a few subplots like the gynecological storyline. This balance of fidelity and cinematic flair helps the movie retain the novel’s core while delivering a visually compelling narrative.

Cast

The Godfather boasts an incredible cast, with James Caan as the hot-headed Sonny Corleone and Robert Duvall as the family consigliere, Tom Hagen. The performances are further enhanced by Nino Rota’s haunting score, which became as iconic as the film itself. Francis Ford Coppola’s direction, coupled with Mario Puzo’s screenplay, brings the world of the Corleone family to life with stunning authenticity.

Behind these achievements is a team of talented individuals responsible for the film’s production:

• Produced by: Albert S. Ruddy, whose vision helped shape the film’s success.
• Screenplay by: The creative genius of Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo, whose collaboration crafted a compelling narrative.
• Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola, whose direction is pivotal in capturing the intricate dynamics of the Corleone family.
• Cinematography and Photography by: Gordon Willis, whose skillful camera work set the film’s iconic visual tone.
• Music by: Nino Rota, whose score added depth and emotion to the storytelling.
• Edited by: Peter Zinner and William Reynolds, who expertly pieced together the film’s narrative flow.

This combination of exceptional talent behind and in front of the camera created a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Theme

Beyond the compelling character arcs, The Godfather distinguishes itself with its authentic depiction of the mafia world. Unlike the flashy glamour often associated with gangster films, this movie portrays a more subdued reality. The life of a mobster is marked by the monotony of stuffy rooms and lackluster meals, interrupted by sudden, violent outbursts. This grounded portrayal adds layers to the film’s atmosphere, emphasizing fierce tribal loyalties and the deadly neighborhood quarrels in Brooklyn.

The decision to shoot everything in the period decor of the late 1940s was crucial. The filmmakers’ choice to immerse viewers in this time with sleek, bulging limousines and postwar fedoras elevates the authenticity, making the movie an uncannily successful period piece.

One of the most memorable aspects of The Godfather is its depiction of Sicily, where Michael Corleone flees after carrying out a pivotal act of revenge. The scenes shot in Sicily not only provide a change of scenery but also delve into the roots of the Corleone family’s heritage, further enriching the film’s intricate tapestry of setting and atmosphere.

The film’s success and authenticity are largely rooted in its meticulous recreation of the 1940s setting. This period backdrop is masterfully brought to life with the visual storytelling, featuring sleek limousines and the iconic postwar fashion of fedoras that instantly evoke the era. The director, along with the cinematographer, skillfully uses color photography to enhance this effect.

Specifically, the early scenes are crafted with a reddish-brown hue and a slightly overexposed look. This creative choice mirrors the appearance and ambiance of a vintage 1946 newspaper rotogravure, immersing audiences in a distinct historical mood. By doing so, the film not only feels authentic but also transports viewers back in time, reinforcing its thematic and narrative depth.

Such attention to detail in set design, costume, and cinematography underscores the film’s commitment to period accuracy, contributing significantly to its enduring appeal and critical acclaim.

The Godfather, produced by Paramount Pictures, was not just a box office success but also a critical darling. It swept the Academy Awards, with Marlon Brando winning Best Actor (which he famously declined), and the film taking home Best Picture. Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo also won for Best Adapted Screenplay, solidifying The Godfather’s place in cinematic history.

If you were to watch The Godfather movie, you would see firsthand what a masterpiece this is. Which, of course, I recommend doing wholeheartedly. I recommend the Coppola restoration (affiliate link) which is a crisper copy than I remember in my youth. Be sure to add this masterpiece to your watch list.

The Godfather, released in 1972, continues to influence filmmakers and audiences alike. Its exploration of family loyalty, power, and the American Dream through the lens of organized crime has made it a cultural touchstone. Whether you’re a fan of Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, or just great storytelling, The Godfather is a film that demands to be seen.