The Godfather Review

        It’s a whole new year now and I’m going to do something differently this time. If you’ve been following me for about two years now, every January I talk about failed franchises. From the DCEU movies of the past to The Matrix series. This time, I’ll be talking about The Godfather series. And it’ll come as a shocker that I haven’t seen either of them. So think of this as a gateway to why this franchise has been a classic. With all that out of the way, here’s The Godfather. 

1. The Corleone Family

        Take it from me that this is my first Frances Ford Coppola film that I’ve seen so far. He’s part of the illustrious group of directors that came out during the late 60s to the 70s. All of them have changed cinema and filmmaking. Additionally, the era suited with newfound level of violence that can be shown on a silver screen. Trust me, this film doesn’t shy away from that at all. 

        Anyways, you would think this film would be about the rise or fall of the mob family. It’s far from that assumption. Instead, the story is mostly about the family as it transitions from one Don to another. The main highlight of the story is seeing the camaraderie between the family and how it operates. Obviously, the best representation of this is in the beginning as the Corleone’s are celebrating a wedding. 

        We see the behind-the-scenes dealings that Don Vito is in the veil of darkness. All the while, everyone is celebrating the wedding of Vito’s daughter. It’s such a great contrast between what’s being shown and what’s going on. Making it more malevolent is that a select few go to the Don and ask for a favor to help with their problems. This leads to one of the film’s best, horrifying or offensive scene. Depending on who you ask.

        To begin with, the singer at the wedding Johnny Fontane asks Vito for help in making it in Hollywood. Vito then sends his second in command to have the producer get Fontane into more movies. This is when we get to see that infamously famous shot. I love the overall setup within the shot. The music overall is gentle when it starts, and it gets more menacing with the producer realizes what’s under his blanket. 

        I think the scene perfectly represents just how far the mob families go as far as getting what they want. For once, it never shies away with getting their hands dirty or being deceptive for their own gains. And that’s what makes this movie such a classic as far as storytelling. We see just when Vito gets injured, everyone within the family thinks the next step for retribution. This is where Michael fits in. 

        Just before I talk about Michael, I really want to talk about the representation that the movie has going for it. To put it into context, people usually think of mobsters as one dimensionally malevolent. The film broke ground by making a crime family appear to be empathetic, when to be clear aren't. Even showing just how Italian they were, by showcasing the family dynamics. That's what makes the Corleone's so interesting since Vito basically controlled everything. And setting up how Michael will run the family. 

2. Michael’s Story

        There’s probably no actor who had an early successful run than Al Pacino. I mean there probably hasn’t been or will be another actor/actress that will have a critically acclaimed career opener than Pacino. I can sing praises all I want about him, but his role as Michael steals the entire show whenever Vito isn’t on the screen. 

        What makes him so fascinating is that he starts as the odd one out. It’s established that he wants to have a normal life that has no association with his family. With circumstances happening, he’s thrusted into a role where his father thought he’ll be in other powerful positions. All that goes to the wayside when he’s slowly being morphed to be the new Don. It’s honestly an interesting thing to see as his character change and do the acts that’s beyond him. From him committing a murder and marrying an Italian woman in Sicily. 

        That whole scene of him being in Italy is practically the best moment in the entire film. With Michael seemingly making a new life in Italy to let off the heat from the rival families. He has his humanity when he marries the woman Apollonia, and I believe sets him up to be untrustworthy when he doesn't reveal that detail to his actual wife. As a side note, some of the deaths are effective. Especially with the way that the film goes about it. None more when that moment when Apollonia gets killed. That's the turning point when Michael now becomes the Don. 

        I think the best scene that perfectly captures his whole evolution is in the baptism scene. Seeing the baptism of his godchild intersperse with his family’s hitmen is a perfect side by side of what kind of life Michael is now going to be living. It’s ironic and simply cathartic seeing the other Don’s being eliminated while Michael is already getting accustomed. 

3. Legacy

        Without a doubt this movie had an influential impact as soon as it came out. Just before the film, the book was already successful by being in the best sellers list for weeks when it was published. In fact, the author Mario Puzo co-wrote the screenplay with Coppola. One of the few instances where the author had a hand in the adaptation.

        When it came out, it was the highest grossing movie. So much so that it became successful Awards wise when it won a slew of awards including Best Picture. No one would’ve imagined just how much the people wanted to see more of the Corleone family. The sequels came out in later years and have been successful. Don’t worry, I’ll talk about them later this month. 

4. Overall

        The Godfather is considered one of the best films ever to be made. Need I say more?