The Godfather Trilogy
With the recent release of the astonishing 5-disc DVD The Godfather Collection, it seems like an appropriate time to revisit a movie trilogy that stands as one of the greatest works in film history. It's a body of work that's consistently entertaining while skillfully exploring such important themes as family, tradition, religion, loyalty and the American dream. The directing, the acting, the cinematography, the music, the art direction -- all stand as majestic artistic achievements, and all have been recognized with countless awards and recognition. The sheer impact of the trilogy on popular culture remains impressive, with references constantly popping up in television shows and in films. Here's a quick synopsis of the three movies, along with comments on each. And don't forget to check out our accompanying features, The 20 Best Godfather Quotes and The Top 10 Godfather Posters.
The Godfather
The original Godfather introduces us to the Corleone clan, led by Don Vito (Marlon Brando). He runs his crime family with the help of his sons, the fiery Sonny (James Caan), consigliere Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) and the dim-witted Fredo (John Cazale). His other son, Michael (Al Pacino) doesn't want anything to do with the family business. But when factors out of his control threaten the family, Michael is slowly pulled into a more active role until, at film's end, he has become the new Godfather.
The oft-maligned Marlon Brando underwent a stunning transformation to play the older Don Vito, a role that won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Equally impressive is the film's three Supporting Actor nominations, for Pacino (of whom one top-ranked Paramount exec once proclaimed, "That midget Pacino will never play Michael!"), Caan and Duvall. Other performances of note: Diane Keaton as Michael's wife Kay, Talia Shire as Michael's sister Connie, and the charismatic Richard Castellano as one of Don Vito's top caporegimes, Clemenza (a personal favorite of mine). And then there's Luca Brasi...
Coppola's direction, such as his much-noted juxtaposition of a baptism and multiple murders, is edgy, classical, insightful and powerful. Ditto Gordon Willis' cinematography, whether filming the gorgeous Sicilian landscape or the shadowy office of Don Vito. Overall, a phenomenal film that won a deserving Best Picture.
Favorite scenes: Don Vito chastising Johnny Fontane ("Is this what they teach you in Hollywood, to cry like a woman?"); the horse's head; Michael visiting Don Vito in the hospital ("I'm with you now pop"); Sonny beating the crap out of Carlo; Michael seeing Appolonia for the first time and getting "hit by the thunderbolt."
The Godfather Part II
In the landmark sequel The Godfather Part II, Coppola makes the audacious decision to tell two separate stories within one film. The "main" story picks up shortly after the first film ended, with Michael running the family and struggling to keep his business prosperous and his family together. The second story, told in flashback and intercut with the first, details a young Don Vito's (Robert DeNiro) rise to power.
Pacino's Oscar-nominated performance ranks among the greatest ever. His devastated facial expression as he stands in a seedy Cuban nightclub after realizing that a close family member has betrayed him stands as one of the most powerful movie moments you'll ever see.
Like the original, the film snared three Supporting Actor Oscar nominations, with DeNiro beating out legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg (making his film debut as Jewish businessman Hyman Roth) and Michael Gazzo (admirably filling the void left by Clemenza's departure as the charismatic Frankie Pentangelli).
Not only is The Godfather Part II undeniably the best sequel ever made (and the only one to win Best Picture), many people (including myself) believe it surpasses the original. It's arguably a more ambitious, darker and devastating work than the original -- and that's saying a lot.
Favorite scenes: Hagen "helping" Sen. Geary out of a sticky situation; Pentangelli testifying in front of the Senate Commission; Kay revealing an ugly secret to Michael; Michael kissing Fredo on the lips ("You broke my heart"); the long look Michael gives Al Neri as he hugs Fredo; The young Don Vito convincing Don Alberto to let a tenant keep her apartment; the festival sequence and the murder of Fannucci; the poignant "other" flashback featuring old faves Sonny, Tessio and Carlo.
The Godfather Part III
Despite garnering multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor, The Godfather Part III remains an oft-maligned film among many Godfather fans. But despite some flaws, most notably the casting of Coppola's daughter Sofia in the key role of Michael's daughter Mary, Part III is a brilliant film that can stand proudly alongside its predecessors.
The film begins approximately 20 years after the end of Part II. Michael has turned himself into a "legitimate" businessman, but he's paid a price. He's lost his wife and children, and he's haunted by memories of his past sins. Can he achieve redemption, or will he be pulled back into a life of crime by other families who envy and resent his newfound "legitimacy," not to mention a corrupt Vatican?
The Godfather Part III suffers the most in comparison to I and II in its acting. Sofia Coppola, an 11th-hour cast addition after Winona Ryder fell sick and was unable to play the role, is mediocre at best. As B.J. Harrison, a charcter that essentially replaces Tom Hagen, George Hamilton doesn't have nearly the heft of Robert Duvall. And Pacino, while generally excellent, shows flashes of the "over-the-top" acting style that would plague many of his performances in the '90s.
Compensating mightily is Andy Garcia as Vincent Corleone, the bastard son of Sonny Corleone. Garcia gives a powerhouse, Oscar-nominated performance that was unfortunately (and unfairly) overshadowed by Joe Pesci's turn in Goodfellas. Talia Shire, Diane Keaton and trilogy newcomer Eli Wallach also contribute fine work.
Coppola is again at the top of his game in Part III, particularly during the film's spectacular final 30 minutes. The third installment is a more bitter, less glamorous and perhaps more tragic film than I or II, and I suspect many fans are turned off by Michael's "weaker" character. Perhaps in time, Part III will receive the respect it deserves.
Memorable Scenes: Vincent biting the ear of Joey Zaza; the helicopter attack during the meeting of the top families; Vincent taking on two intruders who break into his apartment; Michael attempting to reconcile with Kay in Sicily; the poignant song Michael's son Anthony sings to him; the devastating flashback of Michael dancing with the women he loved -- and lost.
The Godfather Legacy Lives On
Taken in total, The Godfather Trilogy stands as one of the most important works in cinematic history. Few films manage to be so entertaining and artistic in one package. If you've never seen these films, by all means place the trilogy at the top of your must-see list. Serious film fans will want to add this DVD, with a wealth of impressive features ranging from Coppola's commentary to rare deleted scenes, to their collection immediately. Suffice it to say that the above comments (and accompanying articles) can't even come close to mentioning all the unforgettable scenes in these films. So grab some vino, cook up some pasta, and get watching!
Send any comments/ feedback to the author.
It's best that you purchase ample amounts of red wine (we recommend jugs of Carlo Rossi Paisano) to consume while you enjoy these films. True aficionados will also want to re-enact the scene in which Clemenza dances a brief jig and then gulps down some wine from a pitcher during Connie's wedding reception.
A mixed bag as romance goes. The greatness of the films, gorgeous Italian scenery and copious amounts of red wine you'll likely consume will add a splash of "amore" to the air, but the movie's long running time and many dysfunctional relationships may work against you.
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Related Articles:
1) The 20 Best Godfather Quotes
2) The Top 10 Godfather Posters
3) The Freshman
4) The Top 10 Vintage Movie Posters
5) The Top 10 "Chewing Out" Scenes
