Friday, 21 December 2012

The Godfather (1972)



☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ 

The Godfather (1972) -- F. F. Coppola

Revisited after 20 years and now on blu-ray, The Godfather really is as good as they say.  I was reluctant to give Coppola's much heralded blockbuster five stars, but his direction is masterful (not showy, but perfect in its moods and mise en scene). Brando shows why he was considered such a talent and Pacino underplays everything (which is pretty amazing considering his subsequent rip-roaring style).  Ah yes, this is a tale of an Italian-American crime family and their efforts to stay on top of the gangster hierarchy.  Some say it is a metaphor for capitalism and it isn't too much of a stretch to see Michael Corleone's ruthless actions as akin to the hits carried out by Wall Street in hostile takeovers everyday.  They make you an offer you can't refuse -- and it's business, not personal.




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