It’s impossible to have any conversation about the ‘greatest film ever made’ without The Godfather or its sequel being mentioned. Even back in 1972 on its original release, audiences could sense this adaptation of the novel by Mario Puzo was something truly special.
Cinephiles will be only too aware that this year marks the 45th Anniversary of The Godfather. This event was even marked by a recent reunion, bringing together Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Diane Keaton, amongst other members of the cast. To celebrate, Paramount is re-releasing the whole trilogy in a new Anniversary series, available from May 9th.
The Godfather
When the aging head of a famous crime family decides to transfer his position to one of his subalterns, a series of unfortunate events start happening to the family, and a war begins between all the well-known families leading to insolence, deportation, murder and revenge, and ends with the favorable successor being finally chosen.
Books have been written about the impact, importance, and stunning cinematic accomplishment that is The Godfather. It feel egregious to cram sentiments about this film, or indeed its sequel, into a few brief paragraphs, such is its contribution to film.
The opening wedding scene is a perfect introduction and encapsulation of what the film(s) are about, setting up the hierarchy of this family, the respect, the fear, the loyalty, and the love. It’s a deeply personal glimpse into this clan, showcasing the family melodrama that forms the core of the film, as well as the criminal trappings that hang off it. Themes of power, loyalty, and greed are laid out with operatic violence, an exquisite script and production design, and a stellar cast. There are few roles more iconic than Brando’s portrayal of Vito Corleone, the patriarch of this family, but the trilogy belongs to Al Pacino’s character. Coppola’s original title for his saga was ‘The Death of Michael Corleone’, an apt description for this pure soul, claimed by darkness. Forty-five years have even strengthened its standing as a landmark of film-making, a testament to a director’s vision and how powerful cinema can be.
This anniversary release includes the “Coppola Restoration” that made its debut several years ago, a remastered version of the film overseen by Coppola, director of photography Gordon Willis, and Robert A. Harris. The result, showcased in this release, is impressive. A clean transfer, natural grain, deep blacks, true colors, the lavish and authentic aspects of the production alike are stunningly represented. Disappointingly, the special features included on some previous releases are absent. The only thing included is an audio commentary with Coppola, which in itself is a very interesting listen. It’s a frank discussion about his approach to the film, as well as its impact and legacy.
The Godfather Part II
The compelling sequel to “The Godfather,” contrasting the life of Corleone father and son. Traces the problems of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in 1958 and that of a young immigrant Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in 1917’s Hell’s Kitchen. Michael survives many misfortunes and Vito is introduced to a life of crime.
Part II was the first sequel to earn an Academy Award for best picture, a film many will argue surpasses the original. With its weaving timelines and parallel exploration of a father and son both descending into a life of crime, it’s certainly the more ambitious of the two and feels emotionally deeper.
Pacino’s efforts matched by those of Robert De Niro, playing a younger Vito, newly arrived in New York in 1917 and looking to make his mark, much like his son goes on to do decades later. This juxtaposition of the ‘50s with turn-of-the-century New York not only offers sumptuous, authentic visuals but fascinating contrasts. The first film showed the changes in American life, shifting demographics and encroaching consumerism; Part II with its dual eras makes these themes resonate even more strongly. Vito’s tale is also one of an immigrant, his rise to power mirroring Michael’s own. It cements the iconography of Coppola’s work while driving home Michael Corleone’s descent into a moral abyss.
This release also presents the “Coppola Restoration,” which is similarly impressive to its predecessor, unsurprising as the films were made so close together and with pretty much the same team behind the camera. Again, just a director’s commentary is included special feature wise, but very much worth a listen.
The Godfather Part III was not received for review, but is also available in this anniversary release.
The films of The Godfather Trilogy – 45th Anniversary Edition, are available on Blu-ray and DVD from May 9th.
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The Godfather | The Godfather Part II | The Godfather Part III