The Godfather (a look back)
The Godfather is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time, and with good reason. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1972, it tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful mafia clan in New York City. The film is a masterful portrayal of the violence, power, and corruption that pervade the world of organized crime.
At the center of the film is Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the patriarch of the Corleone family. Known as “The Godfather,” Don Corleone is a complex and compelling character. He is a man of great power and influence, but he is also deeply moral and fiercely loyal to his family. Brando’s performance is legendary, and it earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
The film opens with the wedding of Don Corleone’s daughter, Connie (Talia Shire). It is here that we are introduced to the many characters who make up the Corleone family, as well as their rivals in the other mafia families. It quickly becomes clear that this is a world where violence is never far away, and where loyalty is the only currency that matters.
One of the central conflicts in the film is the struggle between Don Corleone and Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo (Al Lettieri), a rival gangster who wants to get involved in the Corleone family’s drug trafficking business. Don Corleone refuses, citing his moral objections to drugs. But Sollozzo is persistent, and he launches a violent attack on Don Corleone that nearly kills him.
As Don Corleone recovers, his youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) becomes increasingly involved in the family’s business. Michael is a war hero and a college-educated outsider who is initially reluctant to get involved in the family’s criminal activities. But as he sees his family under attack, he steps up to protect them.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is the assassination of Sollozzo and corrupt police captain McCluskey (Sterling Hayden) in a restaurant. Michael, who had been sent to Italy to hide after the attempt on his father’s life, returns to New York and takes revenge on the men who tried to kill his family. It is a shocking scene, but it is also a turning point in the film. Michael’s transformation from outsider to ruthless gangster is complete.
The Godfather is a film that is both sweeping and intimate. It tells the story of a powerful family, but it also delves deeply into the personal relationships between the characters. Don Corleone’s relationship with his oldest son Sonny (James Caan) is one of the most interesting in the film. Sonny is a hotheaded and impulsive man who is constantly at odds with his father’s more measured approach. When Sonny is killed in a violent attack, it is a devastating blow to the family.
The film is also notable for its portrayal of women. While they are not central to the plot, the female characters in The Godfather are complex and interesting in their own right. Connie, Don Corleone’s daughter, is a tragic figure who is trapped in a loveless marriage. Kay (Diane Keaton), Michael’s girlfriend, is initially an outsider who is drawn into the Corleone family’s web of violence and corruption. Her ultimate rejection of Michael is a powerful moment in the film.
One of the most remarkable things about The Godfather is its use of music. The film’s score, composed by Nino Rota, is now iconic. The main theme, with its haunting melody played on the trumpet, perfectly captures the film’s mood of nostalgia and tragedy.
In the midst of all of this chaos, Michael, the youngest Corleone brother, returns from World War II and initially refuses to get involved in the family business. However, after an assassination attempt on his father’s life, Michael takes matters into his own hands and becomes deeply involved in the family’s criminal affairs.
Throughout the film, we see Michael’s transformation from a war hero and outsider to a ruthless and cunning mafia boss. He proves to be just as cunning as his father, using his intelligence and military training to outmaneuver his enemies and take control of the family’s operations.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is the baptism scene, where Michael stands as the godfather to his sister’s child while his henchmen carry out a series of assassinations across the city. This scene perfectly showcases Michael’s transformation into a man who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family and maintain their power.
The performances in The Godfather are truly exceptional, with Marlon Brando delivering an iconic performance as Vito Corleone. Brando brings a sense of gravitas and power to the role, making it clear that Vito is a man who commands respect and fear from those around him. Al Pacino, meanwhile, is equally impressive as Michael Corleone, bringing a quiet intensity to the role that makes it clear that he is a force to be reckoned with.
Overall, The Godfather is a masterpiece of cinema that continues to captivate audiences decades after its initial release. It tells a powerful story of family, loyalty, and the dark side of the American Dream, and it does so with incredible performances, stunning cinematography, and a haunting score. It’s a film that everyone should see at least once in their lives, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.
The Godfather is not just a movie about the mafia and its workings; it is a complex exploration of the nature of power and the human condition. This is particularly evident in the character of Michael Corleone, who starts off as an outsider to the family business and gradually becomes its most ruthless member.
The transformation of Michael Corleone from a war hero and outsider to a ruthless crime boss is one of the most compelling aspects of the film. Michael initially wants nothing to do with his family’s business, preferring to stay out of the spotlight and lead a quiet life with his girlfriend Kay. However, when his father is shot and nearly killed, Michael takes it upon himself to seek revenge and protect his family.
As Michael becomes more deeply involved in the family business, he begins to shed his former idealism and embrace the brutal realities of the criminal underworld. He starts to see the world in terms of power and manipulation, and becomes more and more ruthless in his pursuit of it.
One of the most powerful scenes in the movie is when Michael visits his brother Fredo in Las Vegas. Fredo has betrayed the family, and Michael confronts him about it. As the two men sit down to talk, Michael’s demeanor is calm and controlled, but there is a palpable sense of danger in the air. Michael tells Fredo that he knows he betrayed the family, and that he is going to have to pay for it. Fredo pleads for mercy, but Michael shows none. He tells Fredo that he’s been banished from the family and will never be allowed to return. The scene is a powerful illustration of Michael’s transformation into a ruthless crime boss, and the lengths to which he will go to protect his power and his family.
The Godfather is also a movie about the complexities of family relationships, and the sacrifices that people are willing to make for their loved ones. At its core, the film is a tragedy, as we watch the Corleone family tear itself apart from the inside out. Michael’s rise to power comes at a terrible cost, as he loses the love of his life and becomes estranged from his remaining family members.
The final scene of the movie, in which Michael is left alone at his father’s birthday party, is one of the most haunting and unforgettable in cinematic history. The room is empty except for Michael, who sits alone in a chair, contemplating the terrible price he has paid for his power. In this moment, we see the true tragedy of Michael’s story, and the ultimate futility of his pursuit of power.
In conclusion, The Godfather is a masterpiece of filmmaking, and one of the most important movies ever made. It is a complex exploration of power, family, and the human condition, and its influence on popular culture cannot be overstated. Its legacy continues to be felt today, nearly 50 years after its release, and it remains a timeless and unforgettable work of art.