It has been 45 years since the first premiere of "The Godfather" which sparked a real revolution in the movie industry. The story follows Corleone family from 1945 to 1955, and even though characters are fictional the movie represents a strong criticism on the events of the organized crime that was the foundation of the America of that period.
Even though the American institute never ranked it first on its list of 100 best movies of all times, many faithful motion pictures fans consider it much better than “Citizen Kane” and “Vertigo” the “Godfather’s” greatest competition.
Hidden messages and sharp criticism
Everybody knows the story of the family of Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando. He, the Godfather, helps everyone who seeks help from him. He gladly helps in solving all of their problems and he uses those favors to influence all aspects of life. Because of the way the characters are presented and overt allusions and associations to many of the events that happened back then, the movie was a way to speak up and point out to that bad side of America. “The Godfather” is considered to be one of the most influential movies of all time, due to the brilliantly represented mobster family and its hidden criticism of the society and all of its secrets.
When you know all of this, it is hard to believe the troubles director Francis Ford Cappola faced before he filmed it.
First, the movie was based on the novel “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo published in 1969 and it sold over 9 million copies. Despite the book's enormous success, Coppola sold his script for only $12.500, with an $80.000 bonus if he managed to finish the movie. Due to his huge gambling debts, Coppola agreed to the offer.
Little did he know…
Cappola loved unknown actors, like Al Pacino!
The other problem was the cast. Even though Paramount Pictures had a list of characters they considered would be right for the move, Coppola had his own vision. And it turned out to be pretty great, don’t you agree? So, instead of Laurence Olivier as Vito Corleone, we have amazing Marlon Brando, and instead of Ryan O’Neil, Robert Redford, Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman, Martin Sheen and Warren Beaty.
We have Al Pacino (who until then had only two minor film roles - what a breakthrough!). If you think that is incredible, wait to see who auditioned for the role of Mary, the daughter of Michael Corleone. Madonna, Julia Roberts and Winona Rayder were all rejected, and the role was given to Sofia Cappola, the director’s daughter.
Though Cappola was criticized for the choices he made, we will all agree that he did a pretty good job and that "The Godfather" was one of the best movies ever made.
