← Back to Reviews
in
That's how Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) tries to convince brother Sonny (James Caan) about carrying out an attempt against those that tried to kill their father, and it's a line that's frequently repeated throughout the film: it's not personal. It's business. But the statement couldn't be further from the truth, especially when we're talking about an attempt on your father for leading what's even described as "the family business".
The Godfather follows that family business, led by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), as he tries to transfer control to one of his sons. But rising tension between the reigning families of the city threaten their grasp on power, and puts the reluctant Michael in the middle of the crossfire to handle the business.
For something that's "strictly business", there sure seems to be a lot of it around family gatherings and events. From the opening wedding scene to the closing baptism. Memorable family events that unwind as the Don carries out business. Even when it's under the guise of friendly meetings, everything is a "business transaction". Every seemingly friendly interaction is done with the expectation that the time to pay will come someday.
And that is one of the genius of Coppola's work. Every piece of the puzzle is so carefully placed and builds up to so much more; things that get their payoff here, and things that will flow seamlessly into the sequel. Just like every person has a purpose within the film, as far as the Don is concerned, every character serves a carefully planned purpose for Coppola, and pretty much every actor delivers flawlessly.
In a climatic confrontation in the second half of the film, Michael is trying to "buy out" casino owner Moe Greene, as he schemes to move the business to Las Vegas; something that has ripple effects in the sequel. When Greene refuses, Michael says "is that why you slapped my brother around in public?" Once again, is it personal, or strictly business?
Grade:
THE GODFATHER
(1972, Coppola)
Freebie
(1972, Coppola)
Freebie
"It's not personal, Sonny. It's strictly business."
That's how Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) tries to convince brother Sonny (James Caan) about carrying out an attempt against those that tried to kill their father, and it's a line that's frequently repeated throughout the film: it's not personal. It's business. But the statement couldn't be further from the truth, especially when we're talking about an attempt on your father for leading what's even described as "the family business".
The Godfather follows that family business, led by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), as he tries to transfer control to one of his sons. But rising tension between the reigning families of the city threaten their grasp on power, and puts the reluctant Michael in the middle of the crossfire to handle the business.
For something that's "strictly business", there sure seems to be a lot of it around family gatherings and events. From the opening wedding scene to the closing baptism. Memorable family events that unwind as the Don carries out business. Even when it's under the guise of friendly meetings, everything is a "business transaction". Every seemingly friendly interaction is done with the expectation that the time to pay will come someday.
And that is one of the genius of Coppola's work. Every piece of the puzzle is so carefully placed and builds up to so much more; things that get their payoff here, and things that will flow seamlessly into the sequel. Just like every person has a purpose within the film, as far as the Don is concerned, every character serves a carefully planned purpose for Coppola, and pretty much every actor delivers flawlessly.
In a climatic confrontation in the second half of the film, Michael is trying to "buy out" casino owner Moe Greene, as he schemes to move the business to Las Vegas; something that has ripple effects in the sequel. When Greene refuses, Michael says "is that why you slapped my brother around in public?" Once again, is it personal, or strictly business?
Grade: