O/T "The Godfather"

[ecc]

I watched the original "The Godfather" this weekend. All three hours of it.

I had seen it once before back in the seventies when first shown on TV (seem to recall it was shown in two parts given its length).

Really not into Mafia films as I dislike excessive use of gratuitous violence in films. Many Mafia films have no real plot, just violence.

However, Coppola's rendition of Mario Puzo's novel is a superb film. It's a superb film because it tells a story and doesn't glorify the acts of evil men.

The film contrasts stunning depicitions of action with a number of understated performances with the exception of James Caan's Santino.

The cast looks amazing in retrospect however only a handful of the actors were famous at the time. Brando, of course, but also the excellent Richard Conte. Sterling Hayden only played a bit part but managed to break Pacino's jaw with one punch and then die one of Hollywood's most spectecular deaths as he's finishing his dinner during his ten-minute role.

Al Pacino's gradual transition from a returning war hero who played no part in the "family business" to become a stonecold killer is arguably his best-ever performance.

And Robert Duvall proved his worth as one of America's most underrated actors as Tom Hagen, the only non-Sicilian male in the Corleone family.

Brando: nobody was willing to take a chance on him anymore given his conduct and poor choice of films. However, after a score of actors were considered for the role of Don Corleone, Brando got the part after accepting a "low" salary and putting up a bond guaranteeing he'd behave himself.

He won an Oscar for his portrayal. Brando always divided people and some mock his performance. But again, he put in a spare performance as a man who had ordered hundreds of murders.

That "The Godfather" (Part One) has a 9.2 rating on IMDB is no surprise.

Perhaps it only lacked De Niro but that was remedied two years later.

[Big Vinny K]

The first 2 Godfather films are incredible.
I actually think the second one is even better than the first.
Godfather 3 received quite a lot of criticism but I liked it too. Unfortunately the bar had been set too high with the first 2 films so it was inevitable that many people make a comparison rather than look at the film in isolation.

Loved James Caan’s portrayal of Sonny Corleone. One of my favourite characters of all time.

[Eloise Laws]

In my top 5 films, love all three, but 2 is my fave!
The book is also a cracking read.

[ElectroClaret]

The character of Johnny Fontane in the film is thought to be based on Frank Sinatra, though this is still disputed.
The author Mario Puzo always denied this and indeed
Sinatra confronted him in a restaurant on one occasion and is said to have threatened him.
Certain Italian/Americans were also unhappy with the film being made too.

But yes, good films.

[equinox]

Yawn

[ecc]

Yawn

Many thanks for your meaningful input, equinox.

[Rileybobs]

The Offer is a cracking recent drama series based on the making of the film. Would highly recommend if you enjoy the film (and who couldn’t).

[jrgbfc]

Probably my all time number 1. Never really got the hype with part 2 though.

[yTib]

Probably my all time number 1. Never really got the hype with part 2 though.

agreed. it was a great film but the first one was on another planet.

[ecc]

Possibly because of De Niro.

De Niro doesn't speak Italian despite his ancestry. And yet his Sicilian (dialect) accent is widely acclaimed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4S9MkapJIw&t=26s

[Vino blanco]

The actor/singer who played the part of Johnny Fontane in the film was Al Martino. Martino’s other claim to fame was that he had the UK’s first ever number one record “Here in my Heart” in he first ever published UK charts in 1952.

[Clovius Boofus]

My all-time favourite film by a mile.

[claret2018]

Tried to watch it once and made it to about the hour mark and turned it off. I love Goodfellas and similar but don’t enjoy Godfather. I might give it another go one day.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Many people view Godfather 2 as the best movie ever made.

Got to confess being one of them. The first is worthy of an Oscar in its own right. The second is that rare sequel that surpasses the original, though when I watch it I always yearn for the double timeline to flick back to De Niro.

[mikeS]

The first two Godfather films would be in my top ten films. I can watch them over and over.

[mikeS]

The first two Godfather films would be in my top ten films. I can watch them over and over.

[tarkys_ears]

Godfather, I seen that movie two hundred times. Godfather II was definitely the sh*t. The third one… A lot of people didn’t like it. But I think it was just misunderstood.

[GetIntoEm]

i've always said you can judge someones intellect, character & social standing by whether they like The Godfather or not.

[ŽižkovClaret]

Once had the worst hangover of my life, and watched the Godfather trilogy 3 times n rotation.

F**k i was ill

Don't spend 30 quid at 50p a drink night at 5th Ave, kids!

[GetIntoEm]

Once had the worst hangover of my life, and watched the Godfather trilogy 3 times n rotation.

F**k i was ill

Don't spend 30 quid at 50p a drink night at 5th Ave, kids!

5th Ave was lethal back in those days. They once did JD at 50p a shot, ruined me for days.

[TopCat]

Godfather 2 is the greatest film made.
Godfather 1 in itself was a fantastic film, and because 2 was better it may take the shine away from 1.
After this thread it seems like a good time to do the Trilogy again.

[Stalbansclaret]

Just a fantastic film...definitely my favourite film of all time with Godfather 2 pretty much it's equal. So many scenes I can immediately bring to mind and replay the dialogue..it's just full of brilliant characters and magnificent performances, even in the "minor" roles.
Saw the first 4 episodes of The Offer on a transatlantic flight last year bur these were the inly ones available and , as it's on Paramount, which I dont have I haven't seen the remainder. it was very, very good though !

[Devils_Advocate]

My two favourite film sequels are both films where I haven't seen the original. One is 'The Godfather Part II' and the other is 'Rita, Sue and Bob 2'

[Steve1956]

They don't make films like the Godfather anymore,which is a pity....brilliant film.

[Passing Clouds]

It’s my favourite film. Often wondered to myself Why?

It’s understated and takes its time. I love the detail.

The feeling of power and duty and respect without being violent.

The performances. Pacino, Duvall, Caan - just pure screen presence.

The soundtrack.

The feeling of culture and history and legacy.

I just love it and have watched it over and over again…

[Passing Clouds]

The book and audiobook are excellent too. Combines elements of 1 & 2 movies.

[Passing Clouds]

Yes, I’m obsessed

[Passing Clouds]

I’ve also been to Corleone

[HahaYeah]

Long while since I've seen this truly great film but one of the memorable parts was when the family figured out who a traitor was and the hit men moved in but he was calm and resigned to his fate as he was taken away.

[Stalbansclaret]

I think my favourite scene is the meeting of the five families where Don Corleone hushes Sonny. And then the telling-off afterwards …..“Never tell anyone outside the family what you’re thinking again”