Of all the "Godfather" films, this is the one that has
seeped most deeply into our popular culture. How many times have you
heard the line "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse"?
How many references have you heard to the horse's head in the producer's
bed? How many times have you heard about the moment in the Italian
restaurant when Pacino emerges from the restroom with a handgun? The
answer to any of these questions would be "A lot".
"The Godfather" is the story of the largest mafia family
in New York: The Corleones. It immerses us in the world of organized
crime in a way that few films ever have. We get to know the head of
the "family": Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). We get to meet
his hotheaded son, Sonny (James Caan). We get acquainted with his
son Michael (Al Pacino) who wants no part of the family business.
During the course of this film, "favors" are done. People
are betrayed. Murders are contracted. Horses are decapitated. People
are intimidated. And, most involving of all, Michael is slowly forced
by circumstances to ease into the family business. The story arc of
Michael's character is the thing that is most absorbing about this
film. It hooks you and draws you in. Unlike most of the other characters,
who exist and live by rules and protocols that most of us cannot relate
to, we can relate to Michael. Michael is nothing more than a normal
guy who wants no part of his family's shady business. As played by
Al Pacino, he more than gains our sympathy and interest. Pacino is
absolutely riveting here.
Not to knock any of the other actors, however, everyone in the film
gives a great performance. Much has been said of Brando's performance
(perhaps too much) and it is rather excellent. He delves deep into
the psychology of this powerful man and gives us a glimpse of what
makes him tick. We see that he is not really an evil man. He is a
good man who has someone managed to retain his soul despite the evil
business that he is in. He takes care of his family and he takes care
of his friends and he assures that they are well provided for. He
wants no part of the narcotics rackets because he senses that it is
wrong. He aids those who have shown him loyalty. He is a respectable
man who gains our respect as we watch. It is a very involving performance,
one of the man's best. If not his absolute best.
James Caan is perfectly cast as the hotheaded and ill-tempered Sonny.
He has been playing a variation on this character for his entire career,
in fact. He invests himself wholly in Sonny.
Sonny becomes a volatile force of nature in his hands, one whose decisions
we often dread.
Talia Shire does an admirable job as Connie, the sister in the family.
John Cazale is also quite excellent as the neglected son of Vito Corleone,
Fredo. Fredo tries to do the right thing, but he is a fuck-up. I,
for one, can appreciate a character like this. And Cazale does a remarkable
job with him. I don't think that enough has been said of this man.
But the real treat here is Robert Duvall. Duvall is excellent as Tom
Hagan, adopted brother into the Corleone clan who has emerged as Vito's
consigliere and makes many suggestions about the family business.
He's a quietly compelling man, stealing almost every scene in which
he's involved and without even seeming to try. Duvall has a subtle,
understated grace with his role that is sadly lacking in the third
film of the series.
The music, the lush scenery, the remarkable use of shadow and light
as they play across the screen, the great performances. All of these
ingredients help "The Godfather" emerge as a truly remarkable
film with its head and shoulders above most of the films of its genre.
No, I don't think that it's quite as good as "Once Upon a Time
in America" or "Goodfellas", but it does have dozens
of moments that live in your memory long after the film is over. There
are many lines of dialogue that you might find yourself quoting days
or even years later (much like Tom Hanks in "You've Got Mail").
If you haven't seen it yet, you owe it to yourself to at least acquaint
yourself with this world. It's an offer that you probably shouldn't
refuse.
