The Godfather
The biggest hit and the most sensational mobster movie ever made is The Godfather. It is considered to be a classic, a blueprint for portraying the mob in any movie. The show covers the 1940s era and a New York family that is involved in the mafia. The characters do what they must in order to protect what they have created. There are changes in dynamics among families, loyalties, and leadership. The story spans from 1945 until 1955.
The Godfather was released in March of 1972 and directed by the talented Francis Ford Coppola. The movie is based on the top selling novel that was introduced in 1969. The movie is ranked #1 as the best movies ever made. In that #1 spot is Citizen Kane. It was the #1 box office grossing film in 1972.
Some of the best actors that have ever existed were a part of The Godfather. Their legacy will be here long after they are gone. This includes Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, and Al Pacino. The characters have plenty of depth to them as the story lines intertwine and as they unfold. These men are all very believable in their roles as part of the mafia.
What is very interesting is many in charge at Paramount weren’t impressed with Coppola’s choice of actors. They weren’t fond of Brando and they pushed for him to get Laurence Oliver. However, Oliver was ill at the time and refused to consider any roles. Pacino was virtually unknown at the time, and Coppola felt he was perfect. Yet executives wanted Ryan O’Neal or Robert Redford.
Of course there are those critics out there that feel that The Godfather puts a golden halo on very dangerous criminals. They feel the movie portrays the mafia as family oriented and only trying to do what they can to move forward in life. They don’t show them as criminals and as a danger to society. In 1972, the film was pushing the envelope in terms of some of the dialogue and violence. By todays film standards though, it is very mild.
The Godfather won three Oscars and many other awards. In 1990, this movie was selected to be preserved by the National Film Registry. They feel this movie depicts history, realism, and value to viewers. In 1974, there was a sequel called The Godfather II and in 1990 The Godfather III. The trio of films can be purchased on DVD in a box set.
Gianni Russo from 'The Godfather' signs bottles at The Winery ...
July 13, 2016 - The Star DemocratCHESTER — Standing behind a table with black vodka bottles and cases of liquor waiting to be sold, actor Gianni Russo ate olives and waited for people to...