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 Originally Posted by Pops
well shoot then, lets all fall in lockstep with the masses
I'm not saying that. In fact, I stated that criticism is understandable. Fine, you don't like the movie. I get it.
But to say it isn't an American classic is like saying Norman Rockwell isn't an American classic. I don't really much like Rockwell's stuff. Some of it's ok, but I think it's schmaltzy and redundant. But I'll tip my hat to him as an American classic even though I don't personally like it. He deserves his place in American art and culture, no argument here, as does The Godfather.
I also understand what you're saying about the book vs. movie, but I believe The Godfather movie was one of the very few movies to convey the essence of the book it was based off. We disagree here again, but that's fine.
Also, since they're different mediums of artistic expression (print vs visual and audio), it becomes apples to oranges -- each has to be judged on its own merits.
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Originally Posted by Pops
over acted....
curmudgeon........................................ .................................................. .................................................
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The book is a pile of pageturner garbage, the only part left out was an idiotic subplot about the gal Sonny is banging against a door at the beginning of the movie getting a vaginal tightening surgery so her new boyfriend would be happier (seriously). Coppola took Puzo's work and assembled an American tragedy for the ages, elevated the gangster film to high art, got loads of excellent, excellent performances (Pacino has never been better than as Michael Corleone), and with Gordon Willis crafted a rebelliously dark visual pallete that almost got the two of them fired by the studio. I understand that everyone has their own opinions and are entitled to them, but yes, The Godfather is probably one of the Top 5 American movies ever made, and I have yet to see an effective argument to the contrary. They had to slam two narratives together to try and be its equal but Godfather Part II is darn close to the first in quality. The third was clearly a late career cash grab attempt by Coppola and Puzo, and didn't fool anyone.
The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum--Noam Chomsky
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IMHO, great movie with a tad too much filler. Perhaps the movie isn't as great without the filler but the scenes focusing on Michael's romantic interests, especially the Sicily part put me to sleep. Robert Duvall is amazing. And, although he might overact, I think Jimmy Caan is great in that flick. I know a lot of folks like the 2nd one best, but I think the first one rules.
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Originally Posted by Showman
The book is a pile of pageturner garbage, the only part left out was an idiotic subplot about the gal Sonny is banging against a door at the beginning of the movie getting a vaginal tightening surgery so her new boyfriend would be happier (seriously). Coppola took Puzo's work and assembled an American tragedy for the ages, elevated the gangster film to high art, got loads of excellent, excellent performances (Pacino has never been better than as Michael Corleone), and with Gordon Willis crafted a rebelliously dark visual pallete that almost got the two of them fired by the studio. I understand that everyone has their own opinions and are entitled to them, but yes, The Godfather is probably one of the Top 5 American movies ever made, and I have yet to see an effective argument to the contrary. They had to slam two narratives together to try and be its equal but Godfather Part II is darn close to the first in quality. The third was clearly a late career cash grab attempt by Coppola and Puzo, and didn't fool anyone.
Well said!!
"The strongest reason for people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." -- (Thomas Jefferson)
“Make yourselves sheep and the wolves will eat you.” -- (Benjamin Franklin)
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Originally Posted by Showman
The book is a pile of pageturner garbage, the only part left out was an idiotic subplot about the gal Sonny is banging against a door at the beginning of the movie getting a vaginal tightening surgery so her new boyfriend would be happier (seriously). Coppola took Puzo's work and assembled an American tragedy for the ages, elevated the gangster film to high art, got loads of excellent, excellent performances (Pacino has never been better than as Michael Corleone), and with Gordon Willis crafted a rebelliously dark visual pallete that almost got the two of them fired by the studio. I understand that everyone has their own opinions and are entitled to them, but yes, The Godfather is probably one of the Top 5 American movies ever made, and I have yet to see an effective argument to the contrary. They had to slam two narratives together to try and be its equal but Godfather Part II is darn close to the first in quality. The third was clearly a late career cash grab attempt by Coppola and Puzo, and didn't fool anyone.
My biggest problem with the movie is I didn't find James Caan very believable as an Italian Gangster... I'm sitting there finding the movie very good and then Caan's mug pops up and he opens his mouth and I am thinking what is this guy doing in this movie? I'd say in hindsight, I find Caan one of the least believable actors of his generation.
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NEver been able to make it through the whole thing
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Red Shirt
One of the best movies ever. Also one of the few examples where the sequel lived up to, if not surpassed, the original.
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Recruit
Originally Posted by SeattleHusker
One of the best movies ever. Also one of the few examples where the sequel lived up to, if not surpassed, the original.
I totally agree it is one of the best movies ever and Godfather II is even better than the first. They should have stopped after the first two.
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I don't have a problem with Jimmy. Don Corleone's Id and Ego are split between his calculating, sober adopted son and his raging wildman gangster son, and the movie shows you which direction the third, Michael, heads. Of course, he becomes his father's son and adopts elements of both. It's all very nicely laid out.
The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum--Noam Chomsky
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The Godfather is cinematic genius and in my opinion the best film ever made. From the opening scene of the undertaker asking the Don to kill the men who raped his daughter to Michael renouncing Satan at his nephews baptism while having all the families killed is pure great filmmaking.
While movies are subjective to me it stands alone as the best movie of all time.
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Originally Posted by Lakewood Husker
The Godfather is cinematic genius and in my opinion the best film ever made. From the opening scene of the undertaker asking the Don to kill the men who raped his daughter to Michael renouncing Satan at his nephews baptism while having all the families killed is pure great filmmaking.
While movies are subjective to me it stands alone as the best movie of all time.
Great points.
I'd add the restaurant scene with the meeting between Michael, Sollozzo, and McClosky. It has more heart-pounding suspense than any thriller or action movie made.
"The strongest reason for people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." -- (Thomas Jefferson)
“Make yourselves sheep and the wolves will eat you.” -- (Benjamin Franklin)
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Originally Posted by redmachine
Great points.
I'd add the restaurant scene with the meeting between Michael, Sollozzo, and McClosky. It has more heart-pounding suspense than any thriller or action movie made.
Yeah, and what better way to have a lousy start to your day than to find a horse head in your bed. 
"Baseball happens to be a game of cumulative tension but football, basketball and hockey are played with hand grenades and machine guns." John Leonard
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Guest
Memorable quotes for
The Godfather (1972)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068646/quotes
Families can learn a lot from The Godfather. It's a great movie to keep the family together.
Don Corleone: [dismissive] I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them, as you can see. They talk when they should listen. Anyway, Signor Sollozzo, my no to you is final. I want to congratulate you on your new business and I'm sure you'll do very well and good luck to you. Especially since your interests don't conflict with mine. Thank you.
Don Corleone: What's the matter with you? I think your brain is going soft with all that comedy you are playing with that young girl. Never tell anyone outside the Family what you are thinking again. Go on.
Michael: Fredo, you're my older brother, and I love you. But don't ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever.
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Guest
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068646/quotes
Calo
In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns.
Share this quote
Sonny: Hey, listen, I want somebody good - and I mean very good - to plant that gun. I don't want my brother coming out of that toilet with just his ____ in his hands, alright?
Clemenza: The gun'll be there.
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Michael: My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.
Kay Adams: Do you know how naive you sound, Michael? Presidents and senators don't have men killed.
Michael: Oh. Who's being naive, Kay?
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