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The Godfather (in Italian Il Padrino) is a term used to identify the boss of a Mafia clan, the eldest or the most representative member of a family. (See godparent for the origins of the term.) In the novel, this character was Don Vito Corleone, whose surname recalls the town of Corleone, Sicily, where traditionally the Mafia had a similar organisation into "families". Similarly, the surname of Don Vito's mother is Corigliano, coming from the town of Corigliano Calabro , Calabria, this too sadly remembered for ndrangheta matters.
It should be noted that in the movie sequel, The Godfather II, it was suggested that the Godfather's real name was Vito Andolini and he was given the surname Corleone as a result of mistake during his registration at Ellis Island when emmigrating to the US. This was a common occurrence which still occurs even today.
The motion picture adaptation of The Godfather ( 1972See also 1971 in film 1972 1973 in film 1970s in film years in film film Top grossing films # The Godfather # Fiddler on the Roof # Diamonds Are Fovever # What's Up, Doc starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal # Dirty Harry # The Last Picture Show # A C) was directed by Francis Ford CoppolaGeorge Lucas, Michael Jackson and Francis Ford Coppola filming Captain EO Francis Ford Coppola (born April 7, 1939) is an American film director. Career 1960 to 1978 Coppola studied film at UCLA and while there, he made numerous short films, including som. Coppola had directed several films prior to this, but none of them had significant impact on the public. Shooting began on March 29March 29 is the 88th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (89th in Leap years). There are 277 days remaining. Events 1461 Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King Edward IV of England. 1638 Swedish colo, 19711971 is a common year starting on Friday (click for link to calendar). Events January January 1 British divorce Reform Act comes into force January 2 66 die in stairway crush at Rangers v Celtic football match, Glasgow, Scotland. See Ibrox disaster. Janua and was completed on August 6August 6 is the 218th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (219th in leap years), with 147 days remaining. Events 1806 Francis I, the last Holy Roman Emperor, abdicates, thus ending the Holy Roman Empire. 1825 Bolivia gains independence from Peru., 19711971 is a common year starting on Friday (click for link to calendar). Events January January 1 British divorce Reform Act comes into force January 2 66 die in stairway crush at Rangers v Celtic football match, Glasgow, Scotland. See Ibrox disaster. Janua. The producers of the movie did not believe that The Godfather would be very successful; hence, there was an extremely low budget for the film. Interestingly, this obliged the crew to use regular lights, instead of the production/set lights, lending a realistic look to the film.
The film spans ten years from late 1945 to 1955.
The producers originally wanted Robert RedfordCharles Robert Redford Jr. August 18, 1937) is a famous American actor. Known for his roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid All the President's Men The Sting and The Great Gatsby Redford has also directed the films Quiz Show The Milagro Beanfield Wa to play Michael Corleone, but Coppola wanted Al Pacino. Pacino was not well enough known at the time, and was not considered right for the part. Pacino was only granted the role after Coppola threatened to quit the production.
Mario Puzo actually helped with the screenplay and making the movie, as well as the sequels. The movie was an enormous box-office hit, smashing previous records to become the highest-grossing film of all time (until that record was surpassed by Jaws in 1975, and a number of other movies afterwards).
The role of Don Vito Corleone was memorably acted by Marlon Brando, and Brando won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the aging Don. Many of the actors playing the supporting roles were largely unknown or minor actors; however, they rocketed into the limelight with the success of The Godfather. In particular, Al Pacino and Robert Duvall enjoyed long, successful, highly acclaimed careers.
Since its release on March 15, 1972, The Godfather has been accused of glorifying the image of the Mafia, although this word is never spoken in the film, or written in the book (although the word is spoken in the first sequel film). Don Vito Corleone was portrayed by Brando as a Mafia Don whom people could actually respect (although the actions of Don Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II worked to tear down this image).
The opening scene is one of the most famous portraits of the Mafia. The dialogue between Corleone and Bonasera ("I believe in America") points out the importance of the Mafia being based on family hierarchies. Only after accepting the Godfather as head of the system (Brando demands the kiss of his hand) and Bonasera's integration in the family (he must call him "Godfather"), he can hope for support for his problem (being a family-problem itself). The scene also highlights the attitude that the mobsters are filling a need caused by the establishment's failure to fulfill the promise of the American dream. The contrast between the conventional American dream and the story of the Corleones is a powerful theme in the films.
The decisions to commit various violent and illegal acts are taken in a dark, brownish colored office, symbolizing a secure, cozy, and calm atmosphere. This is contrasted by the bright, loud, and hectic wedding, which is celebrated in parallel outside the house. This can be understood as the glorification of the positive framework the Mafia creates by playing down crime and violence at the same time.
One of the movie's most shocking moments comes early in the film, involving the decapitated head of a horse. Animal-rights groups protested the inclusion of the scene, but Coppola stated that the horse's head was delivered to him from a dog food company; a horse had not been killed especially for the movie.
In one of the last scenes in the movie, after the death of Don Corleone, his son Michael acts as godfather in the baptism of his sister's newborn baby, Michael Rizzi (actually Sofia Coppola). At the same time, his henchmen, acting under his orders, kill the heads of rival families. This is Michael Corleone's own baptism into "the family" as the new Godfather.
The film is greatly respected among critics and the public. It was voted greatest film of all time by Entertainment Weekly. Voted #3 of all time by the American film Institute. It is ranked #1 on IMDB.