The Godfather (1972)

One more item to check off the 'things to do before I die' list. The Godfather heralded as cinematic masterpiece, found on AFI's and everyone else's Top Everything List. It's loved, hated, copied, spoofed, derided, but ultimately celebrated. I suppose the final push for viewing this one was finishing up Steven Spielberg's five recoms.

In truth, I knew only of The Godfather from various pop culture references but dismissed watching it because it was a 'gangster' movie. Oh, and the endless hype of being the 'best movie...ever...'

With Francis Ford Coppola at the helm, The Godfather is a masterful production. The writing, direction, casting, score... it all blends seamlessly to create a world of family, greed, deception, murder, loyalty and revenge. It's a film of beautiful contrast worthy of distinction.

Marlon Brando is exceptional as Don Corleone--a pitch-perfect benefactor with equal tenderness and icy brutality. A young James Caan and Robert Duvall are fascinating, but Al Pacino is simply riveting. As the youngest Corleone son, the only one not in the family business, baby-faced Pacino is spot-on. Imbuing the son with tempered innocence and hopeful determination his evolution from student to Don is remarkable. Pacino grows subtly; his face more grim and hardened as the film progresses. It's an interesting character study.

The conscience and unconscious intricacies of the film are overwhelming. Plots weave in and out; each character seemingly at the center of the viewer's world. Death comes swiftly, without regret. Family is first. Respect is demanded, trust earned.

The film is visually arresting. The production is dark and lavish. From pinstripes to suicide doors, the execution of every detail is top-notch. With cinematography that makes the most of each frame, Coppola speaks volumes in a whisper. The balance between heavy-handed Coppola and the screenplay from Mario Puzo is brilliant.

As I see it, The Godfather is an investment clocking in at nearly three hours. Still with untold extravagance, the film delivers eloquent storytelling in masterful form.

J4T: 4 stars