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popcorn_gif2012-02-15 07:08 pm
my_daroga) wrote in popcorn_gif2012-02-15 07:08 pm
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[discussion post] The Godfather (1972)
Welcome back! This post's film is Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 classic, The Godfather. Feel free to comment with your observations, no matter how "shallow" or random or esoteric! Answer these questions, twist them to your purposes, or come up with your own! Or spam us with gifs and parodies, whatever your fancy.
The Godfather was Coppla's first big movie. The late 60s and early 70s were a time of experimentation, when major studios seemed to be taking a chance on younger filmmakers like Lucas, Spielberg, De Palma, and Scorcese, and Coppola was part of that group. Now, of course, their films represent the establishment that Hollywood is either building off of or rebelling against, but back then, none of them had yet to make a name for themselves. Coppola was not the first choice of Paramount execs to direct the movie, which likely would have turned out very differently had someone else been at the helm.
Here are a few thoughts to get you going...
Acting: How you feel about the performances? Do any stand out to you? Do you think Coppola was justified in standing by his choice of Marlon Brando? As a relative newcomer, how do you think Al Pacino fares? As an ensemble, how do you think the cast works together?
Do you think the movie glorifies the mafia and violence, or is a commentary on it? Does it stand as a metaphor for wider American or societal themes? What do you think the film's attitude towards the brutality it depicts is?
Did you notice anything about the filmmaking techniques themselves? What's the tone, or feel, of the movie? Do you think Gordon Willis' cinematography captures something essential about the time or mood or did you notice it?
Is the movie's epic status justified? Why do you think it captured moviegoers and filmmakers so completely, and still does? Where do you see its influence?
When contemplating The Godfather, must you also include The Godfather, Part II in any discussion? Is it a sequel, or the second part of a more cohesive unit?
What does the film say to you about family? Are there positive aspects to the way Don Corleone conducts his affairs?
What do you think about Michael's trajectory from someone who doesn't want any part of the family business to taking charge? What does it say about him as a character? Is it well-handled in the film?
Have you seen any of Coppola's other films? How does this one measure up to you, or vice versa? Do you think this was his peak?
The Godfather was Coppla's first big movie. The late 60s and early 70s were a time of experimentation, when major studios seemed to be taking a chance on younger filmmakers like Lucas, Spielberg, De Palma, and Scorcese, and Coppola was part of that group. Now, of course, their films represent the establishment that Hollywood is either building off of or rebelling against, but back then, none of them had yet to make a name for themselves. Coppola was not the first choice of Paramount execs to direct the movie, which likely would have turned out very differently had someone else been at the helm.
Here are a few thoughts to get you going...
Acting: How you feel about the performances? Do any stand out to you? Do you think Coppola was justified in standing by his choice of Marlon Brando? As a relative newcomer, how do you think Al Pacino fares? As an ensemble, how do you think the cast works together?
Do you think the movie glorifies the mafia and violence, or is a commentary on it? Does it stand as a metaphor for wider American or societal themes? What do you think the film's attitude towards the brutality it depicts is?
Did you notice anything about the filmmaking techniques themselves? What's the tone, or feel, of the movie? Do you think Gordon Willis' cinematography captures something essential about the time or mood or did you notice it?
Is the movie's epic status justified? Why do you think it captured moviegoers and filmmakers so completely, and still does? Where do you see its influence?
When contemplating The Godfather, must you also include The Godfather, Part II in any discussion? Is it a sequel, or the second part of a more cohesive unit?
What does the film say to you about family? Are there positive aspects to the way Don Corleone conducts his affairs?
What do you think about Michael's trajectory from someone who doesn't want any part of the family business to taking charge? What does it say about him as a character? Is it well-handled in the film?
Have you seen any of Coppola's other films? How does this one measure up to you, or vice versa? Do you think this was his peak?
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