Here I am on Sunday night almost through watching The Godfather for the fourth time on AMC, and I am convinced that this is filmmaking at its finest. Everything is so perfect. Could the casting/direction/story in this movie be any better? Pacino gives the best performance that I have ever seen, Caan makes a great Sonny, Cazale(He really does most of his work in Part II) portrays the troubled Fredo perfectly. Brando, Duvall, Vigoda, Talia Shire...I don't care about the big names, this is the greatest cast ever. Coppola has made such a beatiful movie, that he has convinced me to pick up the book. And, of course, the story is amazing. The rise to power(Though, you really see more of this in Part II), Michael's conflict, Fredo's conflict...I can't even describe how good a movie I think this is. I have mixed feelings about Part IV coming out, but I will definitely see it. I just don't know if they will be able to live up to expectations. If you have not seen it, you should run to the video store IMMEDIATELY. I haven't seen all of the classics, but this is surely one of the best, if not the best of all time.
I totally agree. One of the best pictures of all-time if not the best. I've seen it countless of times and many times when I come across it on tv I'll end up watching it. I didn't know they were coming out with a part IV. Talk about selling out. Duval was the only one with integrity by chosing not to be in part III.
Part III didn't live up to expectations. Is Coppola going to end up being involved in Part IV? I recall his saying that he couldn't imagine revisiting those characters without his buddy Mario Puzo teaming with him to write it. But that was some time ago, and I guess opinions sometimes change.
Hmm, maybe tomorrow. You know it's sad when your mom and dad have seen a classic movie and you haven't.
My understanding was that was a money issue rather than an issue of integrity. At least that's what I got from the Coppola biography I read not too long ago. Granted, that could well have been inaccurate.
I met Robert Duval. vj36k, I totally agree with you. I am a huge fan of The Godfather, I've gone so far as to call myself Don Grahamleone on this site. Near perfect movie.
The only thing more amazing than The Godfather is the fact that Coppola could make such an equally amazing sequel... Godfather Part 2, which has to be the best sequel ever made, imho.
Okay, don't go out on a limb here..... the Godfather a great movie.... nawwww..... Come on people, what next "I think Bonds can hit for distance" or "This Elvis guy, you should really download one of his songs...they're great!"
Believe it or not, I've still not seen The Godfather, Part II. And it was only a couple of years ago that I finally saw The Godfather. I have the DVD set. I just haven't gotten around to watching that second disc yet.
Oh, you know if I go turn on the DVD player, I'm just going to end up watching Saving Silverman again. I really am intimidated by the sheer length of The Godfather, Part II. It's what? Three hours and twenty minutes long? Plus, no Jimmy Caan. I'll watch it eventually, though.
i love mob stuff and The Godfather is awesome. one of the few movies you'll hear mentioned as classics that i actually like, and it's one of my favorite movies ever to boot. i'm not sure i've actually seen II by itself b/c i think whenever i catch it on amc it's the I/II combo movie. definitely a movie i'll keep watching if i tune into the middle on tv.
From what I remember, Coppola had a major influence writing the script of Part III after Puzo's passing, and we all know how that turned out. The first two parts are classics and would be burned in my memory if possible. Making a part IV in my eyes would be like having Jordan come back again...two years from now. =/
I'll always wonder if the Godfather 3 would have been easier to swallow if Winona Ryder hadn't backed out at the last second, giving Sophia Coppola the ability to stink it up.
I agree........ Coppolla's daughter was terrible in Godfather III.........although I watch the Trilogy at least once a month
Personally, I favor the 2nd Godfather over the 1st. The 1st was a classic, but I thought the second one was a masterpiece. Robert De Niro, Pacino taking over the family. One of my all-time favs. BTW, Robert Duvall never gets alot of credit for his roles in these films. His performance in both was top notch.
I'm not sure of Coppola's influence on the script of Part III, but it definitely had nothing to do with Puzo's passing since he didn't die until 1999.
Somebody kick me in the ass now because I have yet to see any of the Godfather flicks........ I know. I suck.
