To summarize the three Godfather films is an incredibly daunting and potentially spoiler-filled task, one that I am opting to gracefully sidestep. However, for the sake of everyone out there that has no idea what The Godfather is about, I will attempt to give you a brief primer on each film.
A true American cinematic classic.
Ranked by the AFI as the #2 film of all time — second only to “Citizen Kane” — Francis Ford Coppola’s mafia masterwork has made an indelible mark upon the film making and viewing communities. It was Coppola’s introspective gaze and humanistic approach to the mafia and the Corleone family that made the film so iconic, memorable, and compelling.
If you didn’t know it already, The Godfather’s central focus is Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), the son of Mafia Don, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). Being the first of three films, Coppola establishes the framework for a beautiful, tragic familial tale, that centers intently on the Corleone family as they struggle to maintain power amongst turbulent, and violent times within the world of organized crime.
Unlike most mafia films, it isn’t over zealousness or greed that sets the plot into motion, rather, it is a strict adherence to principles that triggers unrest within the Corleone family, as well as the competing crime families. Specifically, Vito’s reluctance to push drugs, and provide security for the dealers ultimately gives way to an attempt on his life. He survives, but due to poor health and his recovery, is forced to allow his sons to lead the Corleone family. Sonny (James Caan), Michael, and Fredo (John Cazale) seek to re-establish rapport with their fellow crime families, each in their own way, while exacting revenge upon the traitors who made the assassination attempt on their father.
Following in the wake of the successes of “The Godfather” (having won three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor - Marlon Brando) expectations for “The Godfather: Part II” were remarkably high. Could Coppola match, or perhaps top his previous work?
The answer is yes. Not only did Coppola succeed in delivering a stellar sequel, he did so by expanding on the story of Michael Corleone through the delicate interweaving of flashbacks. The non-linear narrative served as a means to chronicle the life of his father, Vito Corleone, effectively mirroring both Vito’s and Michael’s rise to power, and their struggles to maintain order throughout their organizations, family, and communities at large.
“The Godfather: Part II” excels by all accounts. It not only strengthens the viewer’s bond with Michael, but it also manages to shed light on points of contention between the two Dons, in addition to their many parallel experiences. This choice by Coppola and Puzo allows for a remarkable amount of depth to be instilled within The Godfather universe, not to mention Michael’s character. All of this works in tandem to give the viewer far greater insight into Michael’s mind — a feat that would not have been achieved as easily through a linear narrative.
“The Godfather: Part II” remains as one of the greatest films sequels of all time in addition to being one of the greatest films of all time as well, which is no small accomplishment.
Often dubbed the “black sheep” of the Godfather saga, the third installment has met with a substantial amount of criticism, and for the life of me, I can’t fully understand why.
Perhaps it’s because no one likes to see an epic tale come to an end, or maybe everyone thinks they could have done it better. Either way, while the film isn’t necessarily Oscar-caliber like the first two installments, I still wouldn’t change a thing. The reason? Much like the film’s tagline suggests, destiny is unavoidable, and I believe the same can be said for the progression of the saga’s narrative. From the moment Michael became the new Don, his fate was sealed.
Throughout the third and final chapter of the story, Michael works tirelessly to achieve his life-long dream of legitimizing his family’s business, in an attempt to live a life free from crime and fear — a dream that slipped through his fingers the moment his father was nearly murdered. Suffice it to say, Michael Corleone’s desire to atone for his sins, are too little too late, and whether or not he ultimately dies at the hands of his enemies, or peacefully in his sleep, it’s readily apparent that there will be no salvation for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way that Coppola deftly tied off the Michael Corleone story, and I personally believe that the resulting film is both a powerful bookend to the series, as well as a somber, tragic Shakespearean-like tale of a man who yearns for redemption, but receives very little in return. Because of this alone, I think that The Godfather: Part III is far better than most people are willing to acknowledge.
As you might have guessed from the synopses above, the story of the Corleone family is so epic, and detailed that it barely fits within the cumulative running times of the three films. Even then, much is left to the imagination with regard to the goings-on throughout the gaps in time between the three films — though Mark Winegardner’s recent novels (The Godfather’s Return, and The Godfather’s Revenge) do a rather commendable job stringing the three films together, should you be so inclined to read them.
What I find most impressive about “The Godfather”, is it’s profound legacy, and its extensive influence on the “Gangster Film” genre. Were it not for “The Godfather”, there’s little chance that the genre would have ever shed it’s pulpy roots and grown to become one of the most respected film genres the world over.
Each film transcended genre-based limitations in nearly every way, which ultimately redefined the way we came to expect crime dramas to perform. Because of this, they have been accurately referred to as “timeless classics.” But really, they’re more than just timeless classics. Many films have defied time, but only a select few have defined a generation of films as well – “The Godfather” is one of them.
If you’ve yet to see any of the “The Godfather” films, consider this latest restorative effort an offer you simply can’t refuse. If you’ve previously owned the films, and you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth upgrading, the answer is a definitive yes.
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