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The Godfather (1972) Marlon Brando, James Caan, Al Pacino Go the mattresses but only to curl up and watch this movie, one of those rare film's that's a lot better than the book. Mario Puzo took his own unwieldy novel, honed it down, and polished it up to achieve a brilliant screenplay and, ultimately, a masterpiece of film-making. The actors also helped to convert a sex-drenched mafia story into a near-epic paean to family loyalty and devotion. But this isn't one for the family values crowd: it's tough, gritty and violent. But oh! so luscious you can smell the ziti in the oven. Ultimately the story is about the corrupting influence of violence, loss of innocence, and the power, and price, of tribal loyalty. Young Michael's donning his father's mantle at the end is a chilling scene. It's particularly fun to see the young, unknown actors who have since become icons (or, like James Caan, descended into oblivion): Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. Dragging Marlon Brando out of hiding to play Don Corleone was pure genius. (Sadly, in later movies, he became a parody of his character here. Too bad.) There are two sequels, Godfather II and III. Go for II-it's terrific. Skip III. |
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