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The Godfather (1972) https://letterboxd.com/smudgeefc1985...the-godfather/
So here's one that has been on my list for some time, it is only that runtime that has so far stopped me, as finding the time to fit in a 3 hour film and without the distractions to enjoy it, can always be difficult. Then I found out it was showing in a couple of local cinemas tonight so felt this is surely the absolute best way to make that commitment, right?
Oh so right. The only word I can find to describe it is perfect. I can sit here thinking as hard as I can to find something that I think was needless, or could have been done better, and I just cant. Three hours just flew by, as I was treated to an absolute epic. Every performance, every shot, every bit of lighting, every piece of cinematography, every plot point, every note of music could not have been done better. Most films of this length usually have at least a few bits that drag a little, or feel a little pointless to the plot and have you looking at your watch. This never did, every moment is important. And that's not to say it rushes through and bombards you, nor does it meander slowly around. The pacing is just what it needs to tell you everything you need to know.
The obvious centre of the story is family, and it's importance above all else. It's hard to pick out a standout performance because every single one here is on point. What stands out more than anything is that dynamic between Don Vito, and his sons Sonny and Michael. How we see that dynamic and the power change hands between them. Vito begins the film as this immovable, powerful rock of the underworld, but as we see him diminish with age and injury, we see Michael grow stronger before our eyes. As much as we are given the impression at the start of the film that he has no interest in 'the family business,' as time goes on, family tells, and he is his father's son.
I could ramble all night about how good that was, but Ill stop there. And Im told part 2 is better?
So here's one that has been on my list for some time, it is only that runtime that has so far stopped me, as finding the time to fit in a 3 hour film and without the distractions to enjoy it, can always be difficult. Then I found out it was showing in a couple of local cinemas tonight so felt this is surely the absolute best way to make that commitment, right?
Oh so right. The only word I can find to describe it is perfect. I can sit here thinking as hard as I can to find something that I think was needless, or could have been done better, and I just cant. Three hours just flew by, as I was treated to an absolute epic. Every performance, every shot, every bit of lighting, every piece of cinematography, every plot point, every note of music could not have been done better. Most films of this length usually have at least a few bits that drag a little, or feel a little pointless to the plot and have you looking at your watch. This never did, every moment is important. And that's not to say it rushes through and bombards you, nor does it meander slowly around. The pacing is just what it needs to tell you everything you need to know.
The obvious centre of the story is family, and it's importance above all else. It's hard to pick out a standout performance because every single one here is on point. What stands out more than anything is that dynamic between Don Vito, and his sons Sonny and Michael. How we see that dynamic and the power change hands between them. Vito begins the film as this immovable, powerful rock of the underworld, but as we see him diminish with age and injury, we see Michael grow stronger before our eyes. As much as we are given the impression at the start of the film that he has no interest in 'the family business,' as time goes on, family tells, and he is his father's son.
I could ramble all night about how good that was, but Ill stop there. And Im told part 2 is better?