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To me “The Godfather” is like a buffet, something for everyone and it tastes great. I can’t watch that film without eating. It would be a sacrilege to not have Italian food while watching this first rate film. It is a movie which promotes a zesty atmosphere, so much so that I threw an Italian Gangster potluck party complete with a paper mache horse’s head on my bed. The flyer suggested “Lavish Attire” and asked the participants to bring Italian cuisine. It was a smash.
The Godfather is the kind of movie that I enjoy watching every couple of years. It is timeless and it tells a story that says “Without one’s family life is worthless.” That’s loyalty for you. “My Three Sons.”
“I believe in America.” It is the first line of one of the greatest films in the history of American cinema. “The Godfather” released in the spring of 1972 was eagerly anticipated. No one was quite sure what Marlon Brando would look like in the role of the Don. He had never played an Italian before on film. The book, a best-seller by Mario Puzo was extremely popular at the time and everyone had their own idea on who should play the characters.
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Finding out, I was surprised and disappointed. What did I know? With the exception of Brando, who were these people? For some weird reason I had envisioned a young Tony Curtis type for the role of Michael. Who in the hell was Al Pacino? I was suspicious. All my fears were assuaged after sitting down during the first 20 minutes.
The characters are introduced in the beginning at a garden party. It is the last Saturday in September of 1945 and America is ablaze with hope. The other two Godfather films introduce their main characters in similar fashion; at the beginning at a party. It is his daughter Connie’s wedding day and according to tradition people line up to ask favors from the mighty. So the Don spends a good part of that day granting wishes in his office. Can’t he just get a day off? He’s looking for peace, but life is just one damn thing after another. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to go to my daughter’s Wedding.”
My favorite part of the movie was Michael and Kay leaving the film :”The Bells of St. Mary’s” and Michael realising that his father had been shot. The camera follows Kay’s reaction before Michael knows. it’s much as though JFK is coming from behind the Stemonds Freeway sign. At that moment the film changes its tone. Michael is now involved and that involvement will lead him to rule. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Or does it? Watch the movie and find out and if you already know, watch it anyway. It’s a movie you can’t refuse.
Always
Marc Marrs
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