The Godfather (AFI Top 100)

Joshua Debo
Rev. Salkil
24 January, 2016
Faith Through Film

                                                                       The Godfather

          The Godfather is widely regarded by many to be the greatest film of all time for its ability to capture audiences (even to this day), its impeccable acting, and its significance for the world of films. I now understand why this film is so highly regarded. Of course, the story in this film draws you in and is iconic, but besides just the plot, this movie reigns supreme in so many other categories.
          To start off, the acting in this film is some of the best I've ever witnessed. Marlon Brando captures the essence of a Mafia boss perfectly. His mannerisms and the way he delivers his lines help to create a memorable character within the first few minutes of screen time. Al Pacino and James Caan also do superb work as the sons of the Godfather. They each make sure the audience recognizes their growth and transitions throughout the film.
          Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo do a fantastic job with all of the story elements in this film. Everything in this film represents what make a film great. The story is intriguing and original. The characters in this movie are some of the best in all of cinema. Don Vito Corleone is likely the most recognizable crime bosses in all works of fiction. Clemenza, Tom, and Luca are all characters that one has a hard time disliking, no matter what they do. Kay is an interesting character to examine, as she deals with Michael and takes him back even after he has been gone for years. Michael and Sonny are both characters that need to be examined in order to truly appreciate the greatness of this film. Sonny spends much of his screen time as a somewhat unpleasant character. However, by the time his death comes, audiences will find themselves mourning his death as much as any other character, especially thanks to his defense of his sister. Michael's character development is flawlessly drawn out by Coppola. He starts as an innocent man avoiding the crime life, and somehow winds up as a ruthless, power-hungry crime lord who can lie to his wife and execute nearly a dozen murders with a straight face. This transition reminded me a bit of the transition seen in Walter White from the beginning of Breaking Bad to the end. The scene where the other families' heads are killed while Michael is at the baptism is one that must be seen to appreciate its beautiful contrast. The progression of these characters was perhaps my favorite aspect of the film.
          Among my other favorite aspects of the film was the way that the film seemed to reach its climax several times, yet this was just because every part was so good. The music and the setting of the film also improved it for me, as the mid-1900s are always a good place to set a movie in my view. Also, I liked the little things that Coppola placed in the film for fun such as the oranges being placed in or before scenes where something very bad happens. I, of course, saw this online beforehand, as only very attentive viewers could notice such intricacies.
          In all, due to the reasons above and the piece this role plays in cinematic history, this film is an absolute must-see for all people. I would rate this film 10/10. This film is the pinnacle of story-telling, character use, and many other aspects of film, and is one of my favorite movies I have ever seen.