O/T "The Godfather"
O/T "The Godfather"
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.
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.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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.
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.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
In my top 5 films, love all three, but 2 is my fave!
The book is also a cracking read.
The book is also a cracking read.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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.
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.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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).
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
Probably my all time number 1. Never really got the hype with part 2 though.
Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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
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
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
My all-time favourite film by a mile.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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.
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.
Re: O/T "The Godfather"
The first two Godfather films would be in my top ten films. I can watch them over and over.
Re: O/T "The Godfather"
The first two Godfather films would be in my top ten films. I can watch them over and over.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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.
Re: O/T "The Godfather"
i've always said you can judge someones intellect, character & social standing by whether they like The Godfather or not.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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!
F**k i was ill
Don't spend 30 quid at 50p a drink night at 5th Ave, kids!
Re: O/T "The Godfather"
5th Ave was lethal back in those days. They once did JD at 50p a shot, ruined me for days.ŽižkovClaret wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 10:05 amOnce 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!
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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.
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.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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 !
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 !
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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'
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
They don't make films like the Godfather anymore,which is a pity....brilliant film.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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…
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…
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
The book and audiobook are excellent too. Combines elements of 1 & 2 movies.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
Yes, I’m obsessed
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
I’ve also been to Corleone
Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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.
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Re: O/T "The Godfather"
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”