memento_mori's Movie Review of The Godfather

My 100th Review: The Godfather
memento_mori - wrote on 08/12/13

This is a special event for me, because this is my 100th review, so I thought: why not do something special this time and review the film that contributed to my early love for film, the official king of all movies?
So here it is: my review for 'The Godfather'.

Rarely does a movie influence something. Especially today. After all, it is just a movie. it would take a lot to change something in a person.
For a long time, I had forgotten about the Godfather and started dismissing it as overrated.
Then I remembered, what I owed this movie.
It truly is life-changing for me, when something as simple as a fictional flick can change you in a way that you stop looking at movies as flicks, and start to refer to them as art. The Godfather is a good example that displays this, because this, along with some other films changed the way I look at films.

I was twelve when I watched The Godfather. Some may say that's too young, but I couldn't be happier that I made the decision to spend six dollars on this film. If I hadn't seen the Godfather at that point, who knows where I would be now? Probably watching a Transformers movie somewhere and thinking it was the best thing ever, and when I think about it now, it's crazy. But when I compare my taste in movies to my friends' taste and hear them speaking so highly of some of the worst movies I've ever seen, I keep looking back at the movies that showed me what was a true masterpiece, like The Godfather or American Beauty, and I feel thankful.
Sometimes it's hard to say what you like or don't like about a certain movie. You hear the expression 'That's a great movie!' all the time. But what's so good about it? Well, ever since I watched the Godfather I've wanted to express and explain the details of what I like about a film.
So, is it bad I watched it so early? No. I'm glad I watched the Godfather. I may have been six years too young for it, but it changed my perspective forever and allowed me to enter a world where I learned to love the art of film and got to express my love of the art of film. It's my happy place and a huge part of my life now. And I have this film to thank in particular.

Whew, thanks for listening. Now to the review.

Francis Ford Coppola is not necessarily one of my favorite directors. I wasn't a big fan of Apocalypse Now and I was definitely not a big fan of Jack (that was just silly). But the movies of his that I flat out love are The Godfather Parts One and Two.
The visceral and darkly realistic feel of the Godfather is fascinating. I like to think of it as a reflection. It basically is a shade of real mafia, because it explores all themes of the real thing. The honor, the family, the traditions, the way they talk and of course the organized crime.
Everyone deserves some kind of reward for this film. Marlon Brando filled his mouth with cotton balls for the audition, so that he would look like a frail, old man. Oscar right there. Al Pacino in one of his first starring roles pulled off a performance that went down in history as one of the most iconic things in film history. Oscar right there.
The set design, the motion of the camera, the simple lighting all contributed to the excellent smokey atmosphere, as well.

The script was co-written by the author of the book, which was a great decision. He was Italian himself, so it was understandable he understood the meaning behind this distinct culture and together with Coppola he pulled off something divine.
So many quotes. Leave the gun, take the cannoli. It insults my intelligence and makes me very angry. I believe in America. I'm gonna make him an offer he cannot refuse. A man in my position cannot afford to be made look ridiculous!
It may be the most quotable script of all time.

It's perfect. For a long time I tried to think of something bad with this movie, but I always arrive at the same conclusion. It's spotless.
One could go on about what's brilliant and what was intended with whatever scene and how it reaches the level of 'best movie of all time'.
I don't think there is a best movie of all time. But this movie comes damn well close to perfect. And I think that's praise sufficient.

It may sound a little far fetched when I say the Godfather changed me as a person. But if it's brought me this far, watching and criticizing and talking about movies in the special way I do, I'd like to take the time to thank Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo and Al Pacino and Marlon Brando and the whole set for making a piece of art, that influenced me then and still influences me now.

Truly a TIMELESS classic.