Throughout the history of film, the word masterpiece is loosely thrown around to films that are undeserving of that merit. When discussing masterpieces, cinephiles often bring up Gone With The Wind, Casablanca, and Citizen Kane. While those films are deserving of that label, one film as always stood out for me as the definitive masterpiece. As The Godfather celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, the one constant over the past four decades is that this film is not only transcendent of a genre but one that has helped shaped the foundation of American cinema, the must have qualifications for a true masterpiece.
What can be said about The Godfather that has not already been said?
At the forefront, The Godfather seems like another mob film and while its premise is quite simplistic as it is centered around the Cosa Nostra or the Sicilian mafia in layman’s terms, The Godfather is more than that. A film about the ideology of family and respect. All acts done in the film are to protect the family and keep respect. This theme is brilliantly captured in the opening scene, where we open at a wedding; the wedding of Vito Corleone’s daughter, Connie.
After Nino Rota’s masterful theme sets the tone, the film opens with Bonasera, who asks the Don to commit murder for money, which he feels disrespected by the request.
“I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. So you didn’t need a friend like me. Now you come and say “Don Corleone, give me justice.” But you don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship. You don’t even think to call me “Godfather.” You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder – for money.”
The opening scene captures the essence of what the film is really about. To most, the Corleones’ actions throughout are heinous, however, director Francis Ford Coppola is able to turn this family into the protagonist of the film and by the film’s end, we as cinephiles understand why the Corleones have these values. A testament to Coppola’s masterful direction of this film.
While the script is as good as it comes, these words must be taken off the page and put on the big screen. Cue one of the finest ensembles ever put together on film. The performances in The Godfather are close to perfect. From James Cann as the hot-tempered Sonny to Robert Duvall as trusted lawyer Tom Hagen, to the late, great John Cazale as the lovable Fredo, there is a character for everyone to love and connect with in The Godfather.
As with any film, there is always a performance that stands out as best in show. It is no surprise that The Godfather has two performances that not only steal the film but have stood the test of time as two of the finest performances of all time. Marlon Brando in his Academy Award-winning performance as Don Vito Corleone. From his look to stuffing his cheeks with cotton, Brando reinvents himself in this role and shows once again why he is considered to be one if not the greatest actors of all time.
Then comes that newcomer Al Pacino. His breathtaking transformation from war hero to Don is a joy to watch. The Michael Corleone in the first 20 minutes of the film, who needed nothing but the love of Kay to the ruthless leader of the Corleone family who will do what is necessary to protect his family shows the depth of Pacino’s performance as his mindset and motivations for his character changes throughout. Spoiler Alert! This is not even Pacino’s best performance in the series, which is a testament to not only how good he is in this film but in its sequel.
The Godfather is a rarity in film as every element off and on screen work here. From its script all the way down to its cinematography, this film is simply perfect. Coppola’s ability to bring psychological depth and understanding was unprecedented at the time for a “mob film” and has only been matched by The Godfather Part II. To the surprise of no one, the film took home 3 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Like one of Don Vito Corleone’s offers, The Godfather is simply a film no one could refuse.
Reel Talk gives The Godfather 4 Reels
