The Godfather - Part 1
Michael contemplates the enemy.
This movie is an acting master class from Brando, Pacino, James Caan and Robert Duvall. Plus the second tier actors give performances of stunning depth. This movie has it all. A sweeping saga of intrigue, pathos, revenge, honour, deceit and ascendant power. The themes are ageless. Executed on screen with such skill that every scene needs careful watching.
Let us take one small scene that's pivotal. Don Corleone is approached by the Turk to enter a drug dealing syndicate. The Turk wants Don Corleone's connections for protection. Plus some seed money to kick off this lucrative venture would help. With the deal rejected by the Don, Sonny interrupts to speak in favour. He earns the wrath of his father. The undertone of the scene is that Sonny has invited the Turk to kill the Don, thereby clearing the way for the deal. Sonny’s impetuous nature has exposed a path for the Turk to exploit. Sonny has sealed his father’s fate. This is all done with least dialogue possible. Facial tics and deft editing capture the reactions around the room.
The transformation of Michael from the runt of the litter to the head of the family is foreshadowed by his calmness. Pacino manages to portray the young Micheal as thoughtful and composed. Yet, a brooding ruthlessness is below the surface.
The Godfather Part 1 remains my favourite of the trilogy. Although each instalment is watchable for its unfolding drama, Part 1 is the rock on which its all built.
Let us take one small scene that's pivotal. Don Corleone is approached by the Turk to enter a drug dealing syndicate. The Turk wants Don Corleone's connections for protection. Plus some seed money to kick off this lucrative venture would help. With the deal rejected by the Don, Sonny interrupts to speak in favour. He earns the wrath of his father. The undertone of the scene is that Sonny has invited the Turk to kill the Don, thereby clearing the way for the deal. Sonny’s impetuous nature has exposed a path for the Turk to exploit. Sonny has sealed his father’s fate. This is all done with least dialogue possible. Facial tics and deft editing capture the reactions around the room.
The transformation of Michael from the runt of the litter to the head of the family is foreshadowed by his calmness. Pacino manages to portray the young Micheal as thoughtful and composed. Yet, a brooding ruthlessness is below the surface.
The Godfather Part 1 remains my favourite of the trilogy. Although each instalment is watchable for its unfolding drama, Part 1 is the rock on which its all built.