THE GODFATHER REVIEW: Fathering a new level of quality

I went into The Godfather hoping the countless favorable reviews it had been given weren’t exaggerated. I mean, there's no way this film could possibly live up these expectations, right? Wrong. The Godfather is great. I can't believe you would ever think otherwise.

THE PROS

1. THE CINEMATOGRAPHY

The story starts with a dark, dramatic closeup of a man talking about the savage assault of his daughter. His wording appears to illuminate the setting as a courtroom, but as the camera pans out, you realize he’s pleading his case to the godfather, his mysterious and skeptical outline still concealed in the shadows. It’s a beautiful use of framing to subvert expectation and lighting to convey mood. It's just one example of the excellent cinematography within this movie. 

It’s also just a great opening to a movie. When you start with a scene as powerful as this, it sets a tone for the rest of the movie. You know you’re in for something extraordinary. This scene alone is one of the reasons is still a memorable and iconic movie today.

2. THE ACTING

The acting in this movie is impeccable. One doesn’t have to look further than the previously mentioned scene. Marlon Brando was made for the role of Don Corleone. In the scene, you can see how effortlessly he can portray the quietly powerful mafia boss. Aged, but intimidating all the same. The incredible thing about Brando is how he can show so much with just subtle changes on his face. His face is in a perpetual frown but you are almost always aware of what he’s thinking. Al Pacino shows some pretty fantastic acting too, but I'll cover that in the next section. Every other supporting is character is incredible as well. I can’t even remember a movie where the acting all around was this polished.

3. MICHAEL CORLEONE

Al Pacino plays Michael Corleone as he develops more and more into the man his father was and delves deeper into the business. It's a very compelling story. At first, he’s more optimistic about his own morality and unsure about his association to the family’s affairs, but the as tragedy after tragedy begin to unfold, he becomes more cynical and unfeeling, and it’s clearly shown by Pacino’s acting. By the end of the movie, he’s cooler and more assured than ever, and has the acting has transitioned flawlessly to show his position at the heart of the family. 

4. THE MUSIC

Lastly, the music is very fitting. It gives you that melancholy 1940’s New York sentiment. Perfect for a movie like the godfather

THE CONS

1. ITALIAN WITHOUT SUBTITLES

When Michael is in Italy, most of the dialogue in Italian is without subtitles. It becomes irritating to not be able to understand what the actors are saying, especially when the occasional plot point is discussed.

The Godfather is almost on the level of Jimmy Neutron

The Godfather is one of those movies where the pros are so outstanding that it just blows any negative aspects out of the water. Everything in this movie is executed masterfully.