Review of The Godfather (1972) by Andy S — 25 May 2018

Holy shit it's insane how intensely this movie starts out. Right off the damn bat! The slow camera pull out to reveal he's talking to Don Corleone, really nice. I love how he's still respectful in paying him money but disrespectful in the way that he does it. That part with the old man singing. What a classic moment in cinema history.

I think what's so amazing about this beginning sequence with whole marriage at the house thing, is the way it was filmed. It's almost as if your getting to see everything unfold through a guests point of view. Almost like your looking from the outside in. But then contrast that with the very serious things that are going on inside the house with Don Corleone.

Don Corleone seems like an earnest guy. A guy who just wants to help out. Things back then seemed to be able to be dealt with in a more simpler way. You had a problem, you just settled it by talking or by threatening lol. You just needed a big pair on you. It's incredible how they scouted for these locations and nailed it each time. You really feel immersed in the 40's.

Either they had a hell of a special effects make up team for that time, or that horses head was real. It's crazy how the story progresses and easily slides you into what the family is about and then starts getting into deeper stuff heavier stuff. Really phenomenal writing. I can see why Marlon Brando is regarded as one of the best actors of all time. It's apparent in this movie. The way he is able to camouflage himself into the character he plays. He has a knack for this, being a chameleon.

Holy shit! I was not expecting that death! WTF?! Oh but wait, the tables turn. Can't leave that cannoli behind. God forbid lol.

Wow, the whole hospital scene right from the beginning the mood is set. It's creepy ominous almost uneasy and uncomfortable. Crooked cop. Seeing Mike get involved in the families dirty business is pretty damn exciting and seeing the whole plan come together is interesting to watch.

I love how Mike's face says it all. You can tell how everything's going to go down just by the smirk on his face. That evil glance he gives to the other family member at the restaurant. Sound and music play such a big role in this movie. And it's almost unnoticeable unless your really paying attention to it. This is brilliant because it blends with everything that's going on.

It think what's so attractive about this movie other than the acting and the writing, is that some of these shots are almost like paintings. You can freeze some of these scenes and it's like looking at a still painting. You imagine seeing a girl like that in the Italian countryside? Any man would be interested.

This movie is all about the subtitles and the small nuances. Example: when Apollonia and Mike are walking down that trail in the beautiful countryside, you think they are finally alone. But that's not the case. With the camera positioned perfectly, we see her family is walking right behind them and right behind them is Mike's bodyguards. It's almost comical.

Amazing to see how close they stick to their culture. That was way too quick of a weeding. I hope there good for each other. I can see why Mike didn't even think about Keaton's character. She's not really looking her best in this movie. Holy shit! When I saw what they did to Sonny, I told myself, "Oh, they're screwed". It's nice but also sad to see a vulnerable side of Corleone.

What I took from this movie mostly, is that family business is really messy. One family thing to get at the other. Innocent people dying. It's terrible. But damn, is this movie good. It's funny to see how Vegas has changed Fredo. He looks like a pimp. I'm glad the Don was able to go out like that, playing with his grandson. Even at the funeral there doing business! It's ridiculous.

Holy shit! The baptism scene with all the other preparation evil stuff that's going on with the ominous organ music in the background! Genius. Damn, who would've thought Mike would be so ruthless.

Wow, what a classic movie! Legendary.