The Godfather (1972)

 

The Godfather (1972) 

Reviewing any of The Greats (best of movies of all time) is something I don’t take lightly. To be able to watch a movie so iconic, inspiring and impeccable in almost every way is a real privilege. Being able to write about the film from my perspective, is a real privilege as well.

So I decided it was time to revisit one of, if not the greatest film ever made; The Godfather.

You know the film. Who doesn’t? Even if you haven’t seen it, you know it’s about the rise of the Mafia in America in the early to mid-twentieth century. Or you at least know some of its famous lines. It’s the movie film buffs count as one of their favourite films of all time. It’s the film other filmmakers turn to for inspiration and guidance. It’s the film that launched the careers of everyone involved, or in the case of Marlon Brando’s career, revived it.

I understand at first glance, it won’t appeal to everyone, and possibly won’t warrant the three hours of viewing time required from today’s younger, attention-challenged moviegoers who live by the movies of Marvel, or just stream show after show on their phones.

It was in the 90’s that I watched the entire Godfather trilogy for the first time, as recommended to me by my dad and media teacher. As a teen, my commitment was growing to watching as many movies as I could, and I wanted to be a mature movie goer; one who watched older films, knew about movies my peers didn’t, and could see how the movies of our time were influenced by the movies of way back when. With that passion and intention as a film buff, I rented all three Godfather movies one week, and sat down to watch them.

My memories of watching these films for the first time is hazy, as I probably struggled with the running time, the older look and feel of them and the fact that I had no emotional tie with the films. I wasn’t alive when the first two films were made, and was only about 7 or 8 when the much-maligned third entry came out, but such a film wasn’t on my radar then. I’m sure I would of paused each film a number of times to get a snack, go to the toilet and probably play outside for a break. Even if my recollection of watching the film and what it was about is vague, I still remember the way it made me feel. I was left feeling impressed, challenged and intrigued to come back to The Godfather another day, when I was older, wiser and more mature. Well, that time finally arrived just this week when The Godfather dropped on Netflix.

When it comes to The Godfather and you’re reading this now, I believe you fit into one of the following three groups;

a)      someone who knows nothing about The Godfather and is here to know more;

b)     someone who has seen it many times and wants to relive it’s greatness, or;

c)      you’ve seen it once or in bits and pieces and want to rediscover it.

Set at the end of World War II in New York, we meet the Corleone family, on the day of their daughter’s wedding. The reception is in full swing, as a large gathering of family, friends and associates convenes at the Corleone compound for the special occasion. Rows of tables, too much food and red wine, loud music and even louder Italian-Americans party together outside on a beautiful, sunny day. While inside a dark, secret office, an ageing man sits behind his mahogany desk, listening to another man tell his story. The man behind the desk is Don Vitto Corleone – The Godfather – played by the great Marlon Brando. He is a man of few words, but when he talks you listen. His presence is commanding, his power is undisputable and the respect he garners from everyone in his presence is unrivalled.

Scattered across the wedding are his wife and children, who we all meet and are introduced to in a smart way that quickly reveals their character. There’s Sonny (James Caan), the eldest, and hot-headed son who fools around behind his wife’s back. Fredo (John Cazale) the party boy who drinks first and asks questions later. Connie (Talia Shiare) the bride of the moment and the only girl of the family. Tom (Robert Duvall), half-brother to the family and The Godfathers consiglieri. And finally, Michael (Al Pacino), fresh-faced and newly returned home from serving his country in the war. He tries to his best to separate himself from the family’s lifestyle and reputation, but it won’t be long before events pull him in to fulfill his father’s legacy.

As the title of the film suggests, The Godfather (Brando) is the main focus of proceedings for the first half of the film. He goes about his business, with dignity and grace, but you can tell that under the surface, there is a ruthless, cold-blooded business man who takes what he wants. Maybe those glory days are behind him, but it’s still business as usual for the man from Sicily who made his fortune in America selling olive oil, then expanded out into gambling and prostitution. He moves about his circles with confidence and conviction, not aware that his number is almost up, and the mad scramble for power has begun.

He's gunned down in broad daylight on a city street, but survives the attack. As he recovers, the family tries it’s best to stay together and cling onto it’s hard-earned power. It’s in this moment, that Michael feels a duty and need to step up and be the man his father hoped he would always be. Even if that goes against Michael’s own moral convictions, he would do anything for his father, even if that means abandoning who he was and becoming who he needs to be, no matter what the cost.

The film then focuses on Michael’s journey, as he takes revenge against the other powers of the time who try to break his family and empire apart. In one of the most iconic scenes of the film, and of all time, Michael turns from hero solider into ruthless killer in a moment, gunning down the head of a rival family and a crooked police commissioner in a restaurant. He then absconds to Sicily, hides out and tries to live a peaceful life. But revenge follows him there, and he’s called back to tie up the loose ends in America.

If you’ve seen the film, you’ll know I’ve just recapped the overall setup and key turning points of the story. If you’ve never seen The Godfather, I’ve told you enough to get you interested (I hope) without revealing any spoilers. What I’d like to discuss now is the obvious impact this film has had on the movies, and the impact it’s left on me.

I guess I could say I arrived to the party a bit late, and have only now at age 40, truly discovered this gem of a film and what it’s all about. I knew it was regarded a masterpiece, but to rewatch it now at a time where I can fully understand it and make up my own mind resulted in a viewing experience I thoroughly enjoyed. Being familiar with most of the actors in the film growing up, it was great to see them in their younger years, starting out on their long, respected careers, which for most are still going strong. As I watched the film, my mind fired off on all cylinders as to what other films of this cast I could discover Believe it or not, some of Pacino’s best work I’m still yet to see, including “Dog Day Afternoon”, “Serpico”, “Carlito’s Way” and “Scent of a Woman.” And although De Niro doesn’t show up until Part II (review coming soon), I’ve also yet to watch “Taxi Driver”, “The Deer Hunter” or “Raging Bull.” Even for an avid movie buff like me, I haven’t seen everything. But don’t worry, I’ve seen “Heat” a bunch of times, where the two greats meet face to face.

And from a filmmaking stand point, I can now clearly see the impact The Godfather has had on cinema. I was familiar with the references parodied in The Simpsons, and the attempted clones in other films about the mafia and gangsters that followed. But seeing those key moments of acting or filmmaking on full display in the film that started it all, was a very retrospective viewing experience. But if I knew nothing about the influence of The Godfather now over fifty years later, I could still see it and rewatch it as a standalone film about a family, first and foremost, and the journey. As a studier of the art of filmmaking, there is no doubt in my mind that The Godfather’s legacy as the perfect movie, is powerful, gripping, mesmerizing and unforgettable in every way. Every actor was perfectly cast and gives powerful performances. The dialogue is written with such depth and intelligence, it was enthralled by every word. And let’s not forget that unforgettable score.

A word of warning to those who’ve never seen it; The Godfather is long. But in its three-hour running time, not for one minute was I bored, distracted or had my thoughts pulled elsewhere. I was hooked from the opening scene, enthralled by the extended wedding coverage that is filmed documentary style, then completely invested once each following scene played out, all connected to the next in beautiful fashion, and climbing to the peak of its climax, with Michael becoming the new Godfather.