Review of The Godfather (1972) by Amy Z — 12 Jul 2014

Been meaning to see this forever but have avoided it thus far because: A. I don't much like gangster movies, and B. Its reputation is so overinflated that it seemed bound to disappoint. This film defined the modern Mafia drama so every famous scene in here has been reproduced, parodied, and imitated countless times since then. Even the lines that were new and fresh at the time ("make him an offer he can't refuse", "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli", or even "what can I do for you on this, the day of my daughter's wedding") have been so publicized that everyone knows them.

But there's a reason the film has the reputation it does. It combines some truly incredible performances with a tragic arc which focuses so tightly on the family that it can occasionally be hard to keep track of the big picture. I've never been a huge Pacino fan but here he shows that he can actually act without veering between the extremes of hamming it up ridiculously and seeming half asleep. Brando is often billed as the big star of the piece but to my mind it's Pacino, in what is clearly the lead role, who steals the show. His transition from a man who, while not exactly estranged from his family, isn't a big fan of their behavior or methods, to the leader of the crime syndicate is well constructed and emphasizes the corruption that comes from such power. As Michael becomes less sympathetic his story becomes more compelling. Subsequent mob films tend to avoid the broad epic scale of these movies in favor of more intimate views, which means that in some ways this film still feels fresh. Even in those areas where mob dramas are simply continuing themes established in these films the Godfather often does it better despite being the first. And the way that the film is shot, edited, and arranged is dmn near perfect.