Rating 18
Length 2h55
Release 24.08.1972
Director Francis Ford Coppola
About Don Vito Corleone, head of a mafia family, decides to hand over his empire to his youngest son, Michael. However, his decision unintentionally puts the lives of his loved ones in grave danger.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Channel 4 OD
Trailer:
The Good
There’s no doubt in that this is a well made film and a demonstration of excellence. The opening slow zoom out and the choice of beginning the film with an incident being retold is just one of many examples of the skill and craft of film.
The cast is incredible and each gives their all to the performances. From a young James Caan to a barely recognisable Robert Duvall, you can see how these men have become the silver screen staples over the years.
Al Pacino is incredible as Michael and his arc as outcast military man through his evolution to Don of the family.
The Bad
I’m sure upon first viewings, Marlon Brando’s muffled and puffed up chatter was what added to the film. However, every actor and half-cut lad ever since has mimicked the hamster-cheeked uttering that it feels like mockery. It also doesn’t help that my deafness rendered almost all of Brando’s dialogue incomprehensible without subtitles (albeit about a minute behind the action).
As much as I found the film a little too long, and I would very much love to see Coppola’s parred-down director’s cut, I also wished that Michael’s exile in Scilly was it’s own film. It would make for a beautiful romantic entry and allow for Brando to be the protagonist of the first film; ending with his shooting.
The Ugly
If I could compare it to anything else, it would be a Stephen King book. It meanders at what feels like a needlessly and painfully slow pace. I found myself engaging more with the plot once Al Pacino’s Michael, however it takes over an hour to establish him as the leading man.
Not the film’s fault, but some lines are now so entrenched as pop culture references, this watch felt a little like parody… of course, that was until I remembered that this film originated the lines.
Final Thoughts
Much in a similar way to Shawshank Redemption, I recognise the craft and skill that is demonstrated in the film, but I do not understand what I’m missing about it that makes it so beloved.
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