Few films can boast of the legendary status that Coppola’s movie has earned. Frequently The Godfather enjoys pride of place at the top of favourite films lists, and many refer to it as the greatest film ever made. It was written by Mario Puzo, both as a novel and for the screen, and tells the beautifully tragic story of an Italian-American family heavily involved in organised crime, and their transition into modern America. Marlon Brando stars as Don Vito Corleone, the head of this mafia family, whose seeks to transfer his immense legacy and power to his unwilling son Michael (Al Pacino).
Set in the inglorious streets of New York during a time when the most powerful criminal families had control of the city, the Corleone family must endure and overcome violent attempts to overthrow their power from rival syndicates, whilst creating a future for themselves.
It is a masterful film, juxtaposing the dark and brutal world of organised crime against the beautiful backdrop of Italian culture. Coppola shows true genius in recreating Puzo’s imagery and themes, which are both romantic and dangerous. The performances are downright outstanding: from Brando’s brilliant portrayal of the complicated Don, to Pacino as the troubled Michael. James Caan captures the hot-tempered Sonny with savage excellence, and Robert Duvall is simply brilliant as the Corleone’s family lawyer Tom Hagen.
The themes of the story are as enduring as the film, exploring issues of family, race, honour and greed within American society, and depict a terribly distorted version of the American dream. The Godfather is arguably one of the most deepest critical explorations into the tragic side-effects of a powerful capitalist society ever put on screen.
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