The Godfather

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⭐10/10

You know I had to go back and watch after reading the book. I know I'm not breaking any news by saying this movie is a masterpiece, but this movie is a masterpiece. I can't say I have any specific attachment to the movie, but it's one that I think is truly flawless. The classic lines, the timeless scenes, all delivered by the best actors in perfect roles. 

I watched this one for the first time as a teenager and I think it was something of a gateway for me, introducing me to these stronger thematic elements in movies, starting to understand that a story can be told in the subtext, that a movie can say something without saying it. In retrospect the themes aren't exactly subtle, but I think this movie was so popular for a reason as anyone can understand what it's trying to say, but everyone can also acknowledge that it's said with some deftness. I remember getting to that final, striking scene and things all clicking and having one of those silent "holy shit" moments as the credits rolled. Again, I think it's even more effective here than in the book which is less interested in telling Michael's story specifically. 

A lot of the scoring of this movie for me goes back to that first viewing. I love rewatching this movie to see how nicely all the pieces fit, but I can't say much particularly stood out on this rewatch. In fact, I couldn't get over what an odd choice it was for Brando to have golf balls in his mouth for this performance. It's a brilliant, iconic performance for so many reasons, but I kinda think it would have been just as good without it? He can hardly talk sometimes! 

I guess I will just add that these performances are just brilliant. Both Brando and short king Pacino turn in all-timers (Pacino with the greatest collection of glowers ever), but then everyone else is perfect on their role. What a loaded cast, with great stuff from Duval and James Caan, and Diane Keaton as kinda the soul here. But other standouts are Tessio and Clamenza in their opposite roles, Johnny Fontane who I could believe is the biggest star here, Fredo doing so much in such little time, Connie, Moe Green. I mean I could go on and on, and maybe my takeaway is that this is one of the greatest collections of perfect performances in one movie. 

So yeah, perfect movie. Copppola has had a very odd career in some ways, but his genius is undeniable here. I have only seen the sequel once, and that was also as a teen, so I'm really looking forward to getting to a rewatch of that. 

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