The Godfather

The Godfather-1972

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

America loves a bad guy. While that may be evident today, it wasn’t always necessarily true. One movie contributed to anti-hero adoration unlike any other: The Godfather. To see this film is to love it. It took the American “Goomba” and added depth, character, and integrity to a lifestyle commonly associated with highly questionable morality. If you don’t absolutely adore this photodrama, then maybe you should “Sleep with the fishes”.

Francis Ford Coppola’s name today is associated with quality film making and artistic storytelling. That wasn’t always so, but The Godfather made believers of the faithless. This was the first in a series of hit films in his portfolio.  Nominated for a whopping 11 academy awards, a feat rarely mimicked, it commanded attention from critics and fans alike. It went on to win 3 of those academy awards for Best Picture, Best Actor for the work of Marlon Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Looking at the cast today, it was a star studded affair.  With names like Brando, Caan, Pacino, Duvall (a personal favorite), Keaton, and Shire it’s a who’s who of classic film greatness.




Business

What makes this film so deep is its ability to make us root for the nasty. The Corleones are in the business of crime, but it comes off as hard day’s work, a job, a business. Coppola had strong material to work with. The films are based on the works of Mario Puzo; the themes resonate with its audiences.

These men are murderers, racketeers, and intimidation artists; but we absolutely love them. We view the world from their perspective, almost believing for ourselves that they commit “victimless” crimes. By revealing a lighter side to these typically dark men Godfather humanized the mob, allowing us to see some of ourselves in them. By making the opposing crime families ruthless and lacking any code of honor we view the Corleones as men of integrity, sympathizing with their actions.

Look at some of the classic films in attempt to compare that style of violence to what you see in Coppola’s epic and what do you get? Two incredibly different degrees of what a violent act is. In traditional films, say the early westerns, a man can be shot, with absolutely no blood. His reaction: to place a hand over the wound and keel over almost telegraphing the pain.  Now look at the classic scene with Michael (Al Pacino) taking his revenge on a corrupt Police officer and the man behind his father's assassination. The result is a bloody shot to the neck, followed by another directly to the skull, ensuring a man’s demise. Gory depictions of death (23 in total) can be seen, but it is also truer to life. if we decide to be honest with ourselves then we can admit the violence also appeals to our baser instincts, we may cringe, but our eyes are glued to the screen.  




The Corleones-a beautiful family

With all the crime and murder what ties us emotionally to these people is “family” in every sense of the word. They are fathers, sons, cousins and lovers. We see them amidst all the traditions life has to offer. The wedding of Vito’s only daughter, the Baptism of Michael’s nephew, and countless scenes filled  with them sitting together over a meal together. They may not be perfect, but they are more like us then some care to admit. We witness their story unfold from within, making viewers a member of this unconventional yet compelling family.  
  

Article: The Godfather

By Paul Tatara
Link- http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/140791%7C0/The-Godfather.html

Paul Tatara’s article basically summarizes all the turmoil that plagued the film. The thing about movies, even these timeless classics, is that you can’t guarantee success. You can never fully know what you have in your hands. The process is daunting, full of complexities, and time consuming. The Godfather is one of those films with a huge amount of hype, and it lives up to it. There will always be reasons not to see a goal through the end, but you only need one good reason to accomplish it.




Coppola on set

One anecdote in particular encompasses the doubt that filled this movie. Coppola had heard of rumors that paramount intended to replace him. On one bad day he made a trip to the restroom. While conducting “business” on the stall two crew members entered. While washing their hands they vented about his incompetence. Embarrassed, Coppola lifted his legs up in fear that the men may recognize his shoes. That is what crew members thought of Coppola’s work.

Coppola himself was doubtful of the film. He was reluctant to accept the job only doing so to work off a $300,000 debt to Warner Bros. after his production company’s most recent failure. “That was fine with Paramount - several name directors had already turned them down, and they basically approached Coppola because they knew he was Italian. After all, somebody had to direct it,” (Tatara).  He finally changed his mind when he saw the film in a new light; as a family drama and examination of the American corporate structure.

It’s hard to picture anyone other than Brando or Pacino playing the father and son Godfathers. Surprisingly, casting these two roles was Coppola’s biggest struggle. Brando was known for being the monkey wrench in his own films. His utter lack of professionalism was well known. Producers were openly against his casting. They finally gave way to Coppola on the condition that Brando receives a portion of the profits and no direct salary, followed by a humbling screen test. Coppola obliged and made his way to Brando’s home where the test began, never actually using the words “Screen Test” to describe the exercise. Brando’s transformation was remarkable and won him the role. Pacino was considered “too Italian” for a member of the family that should be americanized. One producer was said to referred to Pacino as “runty”. There were many who held their reservations, but no one else could have filled these shoes. He manages to balance the innocence of the character early on with the ruthlessness and ability to command we witness by the time that office door closes upon Kate.

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class

With nearly every film I’ve come to witness this semester the behind-the-scenes revelations have surprised me. Years ago I was first introduced to Brando through this film, and was surprised to see that he was considered a ladies man in his hey-day. Most shocking is that this world famous actor could be such an abysmal person to work with. This amazing actor behind such amazing films like On the Waterfront and A Street Car Named Desire was a difficult man to work with. Eccentric doesn’t begin to describe him, yet his performance was phenomenal. It hard for us to see someone on-screen and picture their actual personality off of it, but that may be a very good thing. Brando’s performance was outstanding regardless of his on-set antics (he was said to have enjoyed mooning the crew on several occasions). When you think of the Godfather you can’t help but picture Vito with that puffy jaw line and unique cadence.




Brando as Vito

It also surprises me to know that Coppola was so averse to signing on for this film. From the cast to the crew, the doubt that loomed over the making of Godfather is almost unbelievable. One story tells that upon viewing the dailies one producer joked “it’s too dark, but other than that it’s magnificent”. Yet critics praise the opening scene. There is a contrast from the dimly lit office of the don conducting his “dark” business and the brightly lit outdoor wedding full of life and vigor. It is beautifully done; this provides an inspiring thought. Sometimes it is best to deny the naysayers and continue on your desired path.

Godfather has come under the gun for romanticizing gangsters. The real mob isn’t as strict to abide by any code. That may be true, but that’s the beauty of film. It allows us to see viewpoints and worlds we know nothing of from a new light. That is what the Godfather does so well. Most would consider the “mafia” (a word rarely said in the film) as nothing more than an amoral crime syndicate. That is not how most people view themselves. Rarely does a criminal consider himself to be the villain but just misunderstood.

The film pays just as much attention to their everyday life as it does their criminal activity; from their violent tendencies to their loving sides. They kiss their mother on the cheek, respect their father regardless of age or position, and we witness a tender moment between Grandfather and Granchild. The first time I saw the Godfather I was roughly 12 years old. I had always heard so many things about this movie and wanted to understand what all the praise was about. Even at that young age I was blown away. Did I focus on how dated the film was, or lack of  high definition? No, I was amazed with these people and the lives they lived. Most us tend to have core values or a fear of authority that prevents us from conducting our lives like a Corleone. What the film does so well is allow us to live vicariously through the atypical yet relatable domestic unit.

One of my favorite aspects is Michael’s transformation. He is an honest war hero turned mafia don, the successor to the throne. prior to this dark metamorphasis he tells Kate “That’s my family, that’s not me”. I can’t say clearly if this powerful character turn was inevitable. Did Michael always have the Mafioso in him or did his father’s attempted murder act as the catalyst to his moral 180? Just as audiences came to understand these men and what drives their  decisions... so did Michael. He lost his brother and his wife Appolonia, maybe assuming the position of the head of the family was in a way, his manner of taking control of the world he lives in. A world thrust into chaos. The Mantle of the Godfather wasn't merely granted, he takes the reigns and never looks back.



The new King

The Godfather is a standout film from start to finish; with every viewing you gain a greater respect for the film. I think if comes as no surprise that this film with its themes of crime, family, and capitalism is hands down my favorite film this semester. I think most would agree. Even in 2013 the Godfather is not be missed, take a chance and become a Corleone for 3 hours.