The Godfather: A Masterpiece of Cinema
The Godfather is one of the most acclaimed and influential films of all time. It is a crime drama that tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful mafia clan in New York, and their struggle to maintain their power and honor in a changing world. The film is based on the novel by Mario Puzo, and was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Puzo. The film features an ensemble cast of legendary actors, including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and many more. The film was released in 1972 and was a huge success, both critically and commercially. It won three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Coppola and Puzo. It also spawned two sequels, The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990), which together form an epic saga of the Corleone family.
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In this article, we will explore why The Godfather is considered a masterpiece of cinema, and what makes it so compelling and timeless. We will look at the story, the themes, the making, and the legacy of this film, and how it has influenced generations of filmmakers and audiences.
Introduction
What is The Godfather about?
The Godfather is a film that chronicles the life and times of the Corleone family, a Sicilian-American crime family that operates in New York City in the 1940s and 1950s. The film focuses on two main characters: Don Vito Corleone (Brando), the aging patriarch of the family and the respected leader of one of the Five Families that control organized crime in the city; and his youngest son Michael (Pacino), a war hero who initially wants nothing to do with his father's business, but eventually becomes his successor and transforms into a ruthless and powerful mob boss.
The film depicts the rise and fall of the Corleone family, as they face various threats and challenges from their rivals, their allies, their enemies, and their own members. It also shows how their actions affect their personal lives, their relationships, their morals, and their destiny.
Why is The Godfather considered a masterpiece?
The Godfather is considered a masterpiece for many reasons. It is a film that transcends its genre and becomes a universal story of human nature, ambition, loyalty, betrayal, love, hate, violence, justice, and fate. It is a film that combines artistic excellence with commercial appeal, creating a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and profound. It is a film that showcases the talents of its creators, from the brilliant direction of Coppola, to the masterful screenplay of Coppola and Puzo, to the unforgettable performances of its cast. It is a film that has influenced countless other films, both in its style and in its substance. It is a film that has become a part of popular culture, inspiring parodies, references, quotes, memes, and more. It is a film that has stood the test of time, remaining relevant and captivating for generations of viewers.
The Story of The Godfather
The plot of The Godfather
Part I: The Corle Part I: The Corleone family and the Five Families war
The film begins with the wedding of Don Vito's daughter Connie (Talia Shire) to Carlo Rizzi (Gianni Russo), a small-time hoodlum. During the wedding, we are introduced to the main characters of the film, such as Don Vito's sons Sonny (Caan), Fredo (John Cazale), and Michael, his consigliere Tom Hagen (Duvall), his caporegimes Clemenza (Richard Castellano) and Tessio (Abe Vigoda), and his godson Johnny Fontane (Al Martino), a famous singer. We also learn that Don Vito is a benevolent and respected leader, who grants favors to those who ask him for help, but also expects loyalty and respect in return.
The conflict of the film begins when Don Vito is approached by Virgil Sollozzo (Al Lettieri), a drug dealer who works for the Tattaglia family, one of the rival Five Families. Sollozzo asks Don Vito for his protection and investment in his narcotics business, but Don Vito refuses, fearing that it would ruin his reputation and attract the attention of the law. Sollozzo, with the support of the other families, decides to assassinate Don Vito, but fails. However, Don Vito is severely wounded and hospitalized, leaving his family vulnerable and in chaos.
Sonny, who is hot-headed and impulsive, takes over as the acting boss of the family, and orders a hit on Sollozzo and his police protector, Captain McCluskey (Sterling Hayden). Michael, who is smart and calm, volunteers to carry out the hit, despite having no experience in the family business. He succeeds in killing Sollozzo and McCluskey at a restaurant, but has to flee to Sicily to avoid the police and the wrath of the other families. This sparks a bloody war between the Corleone family and the other families, which lasts for several months.
Part II: Michael's rise to power and his moral downfall
In Sicily, Michael falls in love with and marries a local girl named Apollonia (Simonetta Stefanelli), but she is killed by a car bomb intended for him. Meanwhile, in New York, Don Vito recovers from his wounds and tries to end the war with the other families. He arranges a meeting with the heads of the other families, where he agrees to enter the drug business on certain conditions. He also learns that one of his caporegimes, Tessio, has betrayed him and planned to assassinate him at the meeting.
Michael returns to New York and reunites with his family. He also rekindles his relationship with his old girlfriend Kay Adams (Keaton), whom he had left behind when he fled to Sicily. He tells her that he intends to legitimize the family business and marry her. Don Vito retires and passes on his power to Michael, who becomes the new Don of the Corleone family.
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However, Michael soon proves to be more ruthless and cold-blooded than his father. He orders the execution of all his enemies, including Tessio, Carlo (who had conspired with Sonny's killers), Moe Greene (Alex Rocco), a casino owner who had insulted Fredo, and Barzini (Richard Conte), the head of another rival family who had masterminded the plot against Don Vito. He also has his brother-in-law Carlo killed in front of Connie, who accuses him of being a murderer. Michael denies it, but Kay sees through his lies. The film ends with Michael being hailed as the new Godfather by his men, while Kay looks on with horror and sadness.
The themes of The Godfather
Family and loyalty
One of the main themes of The Godfather is family and loyalty. The film shows how the Corleone family is bound by blood, tradition, honor, and love. The family is also loyal to those who are loyal to them, such as Tom Hagen, Johnny Fontane, and Bonasera (Salvatore Corsitto), a funeral director who owes Don Vito a favor. The film also shows how loyalty is tested by betrayal, such as when Tessio turns against Don Vito, or when Carlo sets up Sonny's murder.
The film also explores how family loyalty can conflict with personal morality or happiness. For example, Michael sacrifices his own innocence and integrity to protect his father and take over his business. He also lies to Kay about his involvement in crime, which strains their relationship. Similarly, Connie suffers from an abusive marriage with Carlo, but remains loyal to him until he is killed by Michael.
<h Power and corruption
Another theme of The Godfather is power and corruption. The film shows how the Corleone family, and the mafia in general, wield immense power and influence in the society, both legally and illegally. They have connections with politicians, judges, police, media, business, and entertainment. They also use violence, intimidation, bribery, and blackmail to get what they want. The film also shows how power corrupts those who have it, and how it can be abused or challenged by others. For example, Don Vito is corrupted by his power, as he becomes involved in crime and violence, despite his initial reluctance. He also faces opposition from Sollozzo, who wants to take over his territory and business. Similarly, Michael is corrupted by his power, as he becomes more ruthless and paranoid, and loses his moral compass. He also faces threats from his enemies, such as Barzini, who wants to eliminate him and his family.
Violence and justice
A third theme of The Godfather is violence and justice. The film shows how violence is a part of the mafia culture and lifestyle, and how it is used as a means of enforcing justice or revenge. The film depicts many scenes of violence, such as shootings, stabbings, bombings, stranglings, garrotings, and horse-headings. The film also shows how violence affects the characters emotionally and psychologically, such as when Michael kills Sollozzo and McCluskey, or when Sonny is killed by a hail of bullets. The film also explores the concept of justice, and how it differs from the law or morality. For example, Don Vito believes that justice is based on honor and respect, and that he has the right to judge and punish those who wrong him or his family. He also believes that justice can be negotiated or compromised, as he does with the other families. However, Michael believes that justice is based on absolute power and control, and that he has the right to kill anyone who poses a threat to him or his family. He also believes that justice cannot be negotiated or compromised, as he does not trust anyone.
The Making of The Godfather
The adaptation of Mario Puzo's novel
The Godfather is based on the 1969 novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, a writer who had experience in writing about the mafia. Puzo had originally written the novel as a way of making money to pay off his gambling debts, but it became a bestseller and attracted the attention of Hollywood. Paramount Pictures bought the rights to the novel for $80,000 in 1969, and hired Puzo to write the screenplay. Puzo agreed to work with a director who would respect his vision and collaborate with him on the script.
The direction of Francis Ford Coppola
The director who was chosen to work with Puzo was Francis Ford Coppola, a young and talented filmmaker who had made a name for himself with films like The Rain People (1969) and Patton (1970). Coppola was initially reluctant to direct The Godfather, as he felt that it was a commercial project that did not interest him artistically. However, he accepted the offer after being persuaded by his friend George Lucas (who would later direct Star Wars), and after being given creative control over the film by Paramount.
Coppola faced many challenges and difficulties in making The Godfather. He had to deal with a low budget ($6 million), a tight schedule (83 days), a hostile studio (Paramount), a demanding author (Puzo), a rebellious cast (Brando), and a skeptical public (who doubted his ability to direct such a film). He also had to overcome his own doubts and fears about his career and his personal life. However, Coppola managed to overcome these obstacles with his passion, vision, skill, and perseverance. He created a film that was faithful to the novel but also added his own artistic touches. He used innovative techniques such as low-lighting, long takes, deep focus, cross-cutting, flashbacks, music, sound effects , and symbolism to create a rich and realistic atmosphere and a powerful and emotional story. He also collaborated with Puzo on the screenplay, and with the cast on their performances, giving them freedom and guidance to bring their characters to life.
The cast and the performances
The Godfather features an outstanding cast of actors, who deliver some of the most memorable and iconic performances in film history. The cast includes:
Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone, the aging and respected leader of the Corleone family. Brando was one of the most acclaimed and influential actors of his generation, known for his method acting and his rebellious persona. He was initially reluctant to play Don Vito, as he felt that he was too young and too famous for the role. He also had a reputation for being difficult and unpredictable on set. However, he agreed to audition for the role after being convinced by Coppola, who admired his talent and charisma. Brando transformed himself into Don Vito by using makeup, prosthetics, costumes, voice, gestures, and mannerisms. He created a character that was both powerful and vulnerable, both menacing and sympathetic, both ruthless and compassionate. He won his second Oscar for his performance, but declined to accept it in protest of the treatment of Native Americans by Hollywood.
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, the youngest son of Don Vito and his successor as the new Godfather. Pacino was a relatively unknown actor at the time, who had only appeared in a few films and stage plays. He was not the first choice for the role of Michael, as he was considered too short, too skinny, and too ethnic for the part. He also faced opposition from Paramount, who wanted a more established and handsome actor for the role. However, Coppola fought for Pacino, who impressed him with his audition and his screen test. Pacino portrayed Michael as a complex and conflicted character, who undergoes a dramatic transformation from a naive and innocent war hero to a cunning and ruthless mob boss. He earned his first Oscar nomination for his performance, but lost to his co-star Brando.
James Caan as Sonny Corleone, the eldest son of Don Vito and the hot-headed and impulsive acting boss of the family. Caan was a rising star in Hollywood, who had appeared in films like Brian's Song (1971) and El Dorado (1967). He was originally auditioned for the role of Michael, but was cast as Sonny instead. Caan played Sonny as a loyal and passionate character, who loves his family but also has a temper and a lust that get him into trouble. He also added some humor and charm to his role, making Sonny more likable and relatable. He received an Oscar nomination for his performance.
Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen, the adopted son of Don Vito and his consigliere or advisor. Duvall was an established character actor, who had worked with Coppola before on The Rain People (1969). He was also a friend of Caan, who recommended him for the role of Tom. Duvall portrayed Tom as a calm and rational character, who balances out Sonny's impulsiveness and Michael's coldness. He also showed Tom's loyalty and devotion to Don Vito and his family, despite not being a blood relative. He earned an Oscar nomination for his performance.
Diane Keaton as Kay Adams, Michael's girlfriend and later wife. Keaton was a newcomer in Hollywood, who had only appeared in one film before The Godfather (Lovers and Other Strangers (1970)). She was cast as Kay after Coppola saw her in a play called Play It Again, Sam (1970), which was written by Woody Allen (who would later become her partner and frequent collaborator). Keaton played Kay as a naive and innocent character, who is unaware of Michael's involvement in crime until it is too late. She also showed Kay's love for Michael, but also her fear and disgust of his actions.
Talia Shire as Connie Corleone Rizzi , the daughter of Don Vito and the wife of Carlo Rizzi. Shire was Coppola's sister, and had appeared in a few films before The Godfather (such as The Dunwich Horror (1970) and The Christian Licorice Store (1971)). She was cast as Connie after Coppola saw her in a play called The Time of Your Life (1971). Shire played Connie as a spoiled and naive character, who marries Carlo for love but suffers from his abuse and infidelity. She also showed Connie's anger and grief after Sonny's death, and her resentment and fear of Michael.
John Cazale as Fredo Corleone, the middle son of Don Vito and the weakest and most insecure member of the family. Cazale was a stage actor, who had never appeared in a film before The Godfather. He was cast as Fredo after Coppola saw him in an off-Broadway play called Line (1971). Cazale played Fredo as a sympathetic and tragic character, who tries to prove himself to his father and his brothers, but fails miserably. He also showed Fredo's jealousy and resentment of Michael, which would lead to his downfall in the sequel.
Richard Castellano as Peter Clemenza, one of Don Vito's caporegimes or lieutenants. Castellano was a veteran actor, who had appeared in films like Lovers and Other Strangers (1970) and The Super Cops (1974). He was cast as Clemenza after Coppola saw him in a play called Lovers and Other Strangers (1970), which was written by his cousin Joseph Bologna. Castellano played Clemenza as a loyal and jovial character, who provides some comic relief and some memorable lines in the film. He also showed Clemenza's pragmatism and survival skills, as he switches sides to support Michael.
Abe Vigoda as Salvatore Tessio, another one of Don Vito's caporegimes. Vigoda was a stage actor, who had never appeared in a film before The Godfather. He was cast as Tessio after Coppola saw him in an off-Broadway play called The Man in the Glass Booth (1971). Vigoda played Tessio as a loyal and respectful character, who is close to Don Vito and Tom Hagen. He also showed Tessio's betrayal and regret, as he plots to kill Michael but is caught and executed.
Al Lettieri as Virgil Sollozzo, a drug dealer who works for the Tattaglia family and tries to assassinate Don Vito. Lettieri was an actor and a writer, who had appeared in films like The Getaway (1972) and Mr. Majestyk (1974). He was cast as Sollozzo after Coppola saw him in a film called Halls of Anger (1970). Lettieri played Sollozzo as a ruthless and ambitious character, who challenges Don Vito's authority and power. He also showed Sollozzo's cunning and intelligence, as he uses McCluskey as his protector and tries to lure Michael into a trap.
Sterling Hayden as Captain Mark McCluskey, a corrupt police captain who works for Sollozzo and is killed by Michael. Hayden was a famous actor, who had appeared in films like Dr. Strangelove (1964) and The Asphalt Jungle (1950). He was cast as McCluskey after Coppola saw him in a film called Loving (1970). Hayden played McCluskey as a brutal and arrogant character, who abuses his power and authority. He also showed McCluskey's greed and stupidity, as he accepts Sollozzo's bribe and underestimates Michael.
The cast of The Godfather also includes many other actors who play minor but important roles, such as Alex Rocco as Moe Greene, Richard Conte as Emilio Barzini, Gianni Russo as Carlo Rizzi, Simonetta Stefanelli as Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone, Al Martino as Johnny Fontane, Salvatore Corsitto as Amerigo Bonasera, Lenny Montana as Luca Brasi, John Marley as Jack Woltz, Richard Bright as Al Neri, Morgana King as Carmela Corleone, Corrado Gaipa as Don Tommasino, Franco Citti play for Coppola and Puzo. The film also received many other awards and honors, such as the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Drama, the BAFTA for Best Film, the National Board of Review for Top Ten Films, and the National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". The film is widely considered as one of the best films ever made, and has been ranked highly by various critics, publications, and organizations. For example, the film is ranked as the second greatest film of all time by the American Film Institute, the fourth greatest film of all time by Sight & Sound, and the fifth greatest film of all time by IMDb.
The cultural impact of The Godfather
The Godfather has also had a huge impact on the culture and society, both in America and around the world. The film has influenced many aspects of popular culture, such as literature, music, television, video games, comics, art, and more. The film has also inspired many parodies, references, quotes, memes, and homages in various media and genres. The film has also introduced many terms, phrases, concepts, and symbols that have become part of the common language and knowledge, such as "the Godfather", "an offer he can't refuse", "going to the mattresses", "sleeping with the fishes", "leave the gun, take the cannoli", "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse", "it's not personal, it's business", "I know it was you, Fredo", "keep your friends close, but your enemies closer", "just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in", "the Don", "the consigliere", "the caporegime", "the horse head", and more. The film has also influenced many people's views and perceptions of the mafia, crime, family, power, morality, and America.
The sequels and the saga of The Godfather
The Godfather was followed by two sequels that continued and completed the story of the Corleone family. The first sequel was The Godfather Part II (1974), which was also directed by Coppola and co-written by Coppola and Puzo. The film is both a prequel and a sequel to The Godfather, as it interweaves two parallel stories: one that follows Michael's reign as the new Godfather in the 1950s and 1960s, and one that follows Don Vito's rise from a young immigrant to a powerful mobster in the 1910s and 1920s. The film features most of the original cast members from The Godfather, as well as new actors such as Robert De Niro as a young Don Vito, John Cazale as a older Fredo, Lee Strasberg as Hyman Roth, Michael V. Gazzo as Frankie Pentangeli, G.D. Spradlin as Senator Pat Geary , and Bruno Kirby as a young Clemenza. The film was also a critical and commercial success, winning six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Coppola, and Best Supporting Actor for De Niro. The film is widely regarded as one of the best sequels ever made, and as a masterpiece in its own right. The second sequel was The Godfather Part III (1990), which was also directed by Coppola and co-written by Coppola and Puzo. The film is set in 1979 and 1980, and follows Michael's attempts to legitimize his business and redeem his soul, while facing new enemies and old sins. The film features some of the original cast members from The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, as well as new actors such as Andy Garcia as Vincent Mancini, Michael's nephew and protege, Sofia Coppola as Mary Corleone, Michael's daughter and Vincent's love interest, Eli Wallach as Don Altobello, an old friend and rival of Michael, Joe Mantegna as Joey Zasa, a greedy and treacherous mobster, and George Hamilton as B.J. Harrison, Michael's lawyer. The film was less successful than the previous two films, both critically and commercially. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its ambition and themes, but criticized its plot, pace, tone, and casting. It also earned less money than the previous two films, grossing $136 million worldwide on a budget of $54 million. It received seven Oscar nominations, but did not win any. The film is widely regarded as the weakest of the trilogy, but still has some merits and fans. The three films of The Godfather trilogy form an epic saga of the Corleone family, spanning over six decades and three generations. The saga is widely regarded as one of the greatest cinematic achievements of all time, and as a landmark in American culture and history.
Conclusion
The Godfather is a film that has captivated and inspired millions of people around the world. It is a film that tells a compelling and timeless story of family, power, morality, and fate. It is a film that showcases the talents of its creators, from the brilliant direction of Coppola, to the masterful screenplay of Coppola and Puzo, to the unforgettable performances of its cast. It is a film that has influenced countless other films, both in its style and in its substance. It is a film that has become a part of popular culture, inspiring parodies, references, quotes, memes, and more. It is a film that has stood the test of time, remaining relevant and captivating for generations of viewers.
The Godfather is more than just a film. It is a masterpiece of cinema.
FAQs
Q: When was The Godfather released?
A: The Godfather was released on March 15, 1972.
Q: Who directed The Godfather?
A: Francis Ford Coppola directed The Godfather.
Q: Who wrote The Godfather?
A: Mario Puzo wrote the novel The Godfather, and co-wrote the screenplay with Francis Ford Coppola.
Q: Who starred in The Godfather?
A: Marlon Brando starred as Don Vito Corleone, Al Pacino starred as Michael Corleone, James Caan starred as Sonny Corleone , Robert Duvall starred as Tom Hagen, Diane Keaton starred as Kay Adams, and many more actors starred in supporting roles.
Q: How many Oscars did The Godfather win?
A: The Godfather won three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Coppola and Puzo.
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