Actors : Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert de
Niro
Release : December 12, 1974
“My father taught me many things here – he taught me in this room. He taught
me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” - Michael Corleone.
As Michael Corleone was saying this now iconic quote to
Frank Pentangeli (portrayed by Michael V. Gazzo), my mind turned back to
the first Godfather movie, which I had watched months prior to watching the
sequel (for the first of many views). The Godfather has so much cultural
significance in today’s society (especially American). There’s a little part of
me, though foolishly, a part that wishes they could experience the life of a
Mafioso, or to be around one. Just to see what goes through their minds. Just
to have a little taste of the lives they lived. That’s the effect the trilogy had on
me. But then again, most gangster movies (or at least the good ones) have
that effect (hats off to you, Scorsese).
When the Godfather first premiered in 1972,
co-screenwriter and novelist Mario Puzo had already started work on the
sequel. But why? What were they thinking? How will they ever reach the
commercial and critical heights of the first movie? It was suicide, trying to
replicate the same, insane amounts of success. But they pulled it off.
The Godfather Part II, released in 1974, acts as both a
sequel and a prequel to the first movie. The sequel storyline follows Michael
Corleone, a different man from when he took over the reins from his father. A
more ruthless, cunning man. Just plain evil . As the film goes on, it is
increasingly evident that Michael is losing his humanity. The innocent and
naive war hero, who didn’t want to get near his father’s profession, is long
gone. Here we see a man who has become what he hated the most. But what
he does, in some capacity, he does for his family. But his actions get the
better of him. The penultimate scene of the movie is proof that Michael has
crossed over to the dark side.
In stark contrast to this is the prequel storyline,
where we see Vito Andolini, later Vito Corleone, through a tragic incident, the
murder of his mother and brother, escape from his hometown village of
Corleone as a young boy, and make it to the Land of Opportunity, America.
This storyline portrays the rise of Vito Corleone, by making friendships and
never compromising his ideals, rising up with the trust and respect of his
peers to finally become The Godfather.
Where the first film tells a narrative oriented story about a
business deal gone bad, the second film is much more sprawling and darker
in tone and focuses on some huge philosophical touchstones, like Michael’s
fading humanity. The movie also provides some ingenious contrast in terms of
theme - the rise of Vito Corleone and the fall of his youngest son, Michael,
decades later.
Along with this incredible script came Francis Ford
Coppola’s expert direction, and some inspired casting. Al Pacino doing some
of his career’s best work and making the character of Michael Corleone a
legend in the process. Robert de Niro, dubbed a rising star after his role in the
Martin Scorsese-directed classic, Mean Streets, was a wild card draw, and
saw one of the greatest actors of his generation come into the spotlight and
cement his place as one of Hollywood’s heavyweights. In this male dominated
film, Diane Keaton quietly steps in and makes one of the standout
performances in the movie.
Cinematographer Gordon Willis with his excellent vision
combined with Nino Rota’s classic Godfather theme, gives us the classic
Italian-American feel. The production was exceptional, making full use of the
gigantic budget they were given. And behind the scenes, we had Coppola,
taking a good script and turning it into a Hollywood classic. The movie was
nominated for eleven Academy Awards and became the first sequel to claim
the Best Picture Award. Coppola grabbed the Best Director title, Robert de
Niro was given his well-deserved Oscar, whilst Coppola and Puzo took away
the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar.
There are people who prefer Part I to II and vice-versa. I
myself prefer the second part, despite loving the first one as well. But in the
end, trying to prove one’s superiority over the other is futile. At this point, one
cannot exist without the other. They must be watched and appreciated
because of the absolute masterpieces they are. The third one isn’t bad either!
But if you haven’t seen this trilogy, then please do. This movie (and the entire
trilogy, of course) is an absolute essential for anyone who wants to watch
some damn good cinema.
That was my two cents. Enjoy the movie!
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