An Expat Life: Nicaragua Blues and Ruse

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Well....I finally saw The Godfather!


I know, I know...where have I been all these years? This entry will probably be a waste of time for most of you. You don't need someone to tell you how great this movie is. Just in case, some 35 or so years later, I'm here to tell you that it is one of the top 5 movies of all-time.

The acting, the cinematography, the directing, everything..... I know Brando's performance as Don Vito Corleone is now cliche, but it is superb nonetheless. The movie starts with a bang with the whole 'I'll show you!' scene with the pompous movie director that doesn't want to play nice with mobsters.....The look on his face when he discovers that he's cuddling with the severed head of his half-million dollar thoroughbred.....Classic.

Or Pacino, as a baby-faced up and coming mobster, slowly transforming from an idealistic war hero, to a calculating cold-blooded killer, as he becomes 'The Godfather'. Caan's supporting role as the hot-headed older brother is solid, although his exchanges with Talia Shire, the battered sister, are the weakest moments of the film. Indeed, Shire can bring down practically any movie (see Rocky I-XVIII) I particularly like the use of Italian throughout the film, as it lends an authenticity that cannot be overlooked. Most directors aren't that brave anymore, fearing they will lose the mainstream.

I can't imagine how breathtaking this film was when it was originally released.

At any rate, since I've hatched out of my cocoon, vowing to my wife to watch 'all the classics' that I never got around to seeing, I'll be reviewing Lawrence of Arabia next.

Worth The Hype or Not Worth The Hype: Definitely Worth The Hype.....This movie ages like fine chianti. If you haven't seen it, don't be an idiot like me and wait decades.....Go see it immediately!

5 comments:

Tommy Poe said...

You need to come back to chopnation, argentina. I'm coming off as the almost optimist. Ya know, I understand where you were coming from more now than I did a week ago. I don't always agree with you, but your input is greatly appreciated at chopnation.

-Dreamscape

Oh, um, yeah...The Godfather is good.

Anonymous said...

BTW...the movie DOES NOT START with the movie producer (Woltz) scene. The first lines are, "I Believe in America" spoken by Bonosera, the funeral director, and is within the confines of Don Vito's study (aka office).

Anonymous said...

BTW...the movie DOES NOT START with the movie producer (Woltz) scene. The first lines are, "I Believe in America" spoken by Bonosera, the funeral director, and is within the confines of Don Vito's study (aka office).

Anonymous said...

BTW...the movie DOES NOT START with the movie producer (Woltz) scene. The first lines are, "I Believe in America" spoken by Bonosera, the funeral director, and is within the confines of Don Vito's study (aka office).

jamie a. said...

i realize it doesn't start there, technically speaking, but thanks for reading.

regards.