The Godfather is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy, based on Mario Puzo's best-selling 1969 novel of the same name. The film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte and Diane Keaton. It is the first installment in The Godfather trilogy. The story, spanning from 1945 to 1955, chronicles the Corleone family under patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando), focusing on the transformation of his youngest son, Michael Corleone (Pacino), from reluctant family outsider to ruthless mafia boss.
Plot Summary
- Introduction of the Corleone Family:
The film begins with the wedding of Vito Corleone's (played by Marlon Brando) daughter, Connie. Vito is the patriarch of the powerful Corleone crime family. During the wedding, various characters are introduced, providing insights into the family dynamics and the world they inhabit.
- Vito's Power and Values:
Vito, known as "The Godfather," is a respected and feared figure in the world of organized crime. He is portrayed as a man with a sense of honor and loyalty to his family. Vito's values contrast with those of other crime families, particularly the ruthless Sollozzo and the Tattaglia family.
- Attempted Assassination of Vito:
Sollozzo, a narcotics dealer, seeks Vito's support in his drug trade, but Vito refuses, seeing it as a threat to the neighborhood and the family. This refusal leads to an assassination attempt on Vito's life, resulting in his injury.
- Michael's Involvement:
Vito's youngest son, Michael (played by Al Pacino), initially distances himself from the family's criminal enterprises. However, following the assassination attempt on his father, Michael becomes involved in the family's affairs to protect them.
- Revenge and Power Struggles:
The film follows Michael's transformation from a reluctant outsider to a cunning and ruthless figure. He takes revenge on those who harmed his father and navigates the power struggles within the organized crime community.
- Vito's Decline:
The narrative also depicts Vito's declining health and his reflections on his life and legacy. Vito's interactions with his sons, particularly Michael, underscore the themes of power, family, and the consequences of choices.
- Climax and Resolution:
The film builds to a dramatic climax during the baptism of Michael's nephew, juxtaposed with a series of violent events that settle scores with the family's enemies. Michael solidifies his position as the new Godfather, and the film concludes with him taking control of the family's operations.
The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films of all time. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won three, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay) for Puzo and Coppola. The film was also a box office success, grossing over $245 million worldwide against a budget of $6.8 million, making it the highest-grossing film of 1972.
It is a complex and multi-layered film that explores themes of family, loyalty, power, and corruption. It is also a meditation on the American Dream and the price that must be paid to achieve it. The film has been praised for its realism, its complex characters, and its powerful performances.
The Godfather is a classic film that continues to be relevant today. It is a must-see for any fan of cinema.
Trailer
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Cast
- Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone: crime boss and patriarch of the Corleone family
- Al Pacino as Michael Corleone: Vito's youngest son
- James Caan as Sonny Corleone: Vito's eldest son
- Richard Castellano as Peter Clemenza: a caporegime in the Corleone crime family, Sonny's godfather
- Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen: Corleone consigliere, lawyer, and unofficial adopted member of the Corleone family
- Sterling Hayden as Captain McCluskey: a corrupt police captain on Sollozzo's payroll
- John Marley as Jack Woltz: Hollywood film producer who is intimidated by the Corleones
- Richard Conte as Emilio Barzini: a crime boss of a rival family
- Al Lettieri as Virgil Sollozzo: an adversary who attempts to pressure Vito to get into the drug business, backed by the Tattaglia family
- Diane Keaton as Kay Adams-Corleone: Michael's girlfriend and, later, second wife
- Abe Vigoda as Salvatore Tessio: a caporegime in the Corleone crime family
- Talia Shire as Connie Corleone: Vito's only daughter
- Gianni Russo as Carlo Rizzi: Connie's abusive husband
- John Cazale as Fredo Corleone: Vito's middle son
- Rudy Bond as Cuneo: a crime boss of a rival family
- Al Martino as Johnny Fontane: a singer and Vito's godson
- Morgana King as Mama Corleone: Vito's wife
- Lenny Montana as Luca Brasi: Vito's enforcer
- Johnny Martino as Paulie Gatto: a soldier in the Corleone crime family
- Salvatore Corsitto as Amerigo Bonasera: the undertaker who asks for a favor at Connie's wedding
- Richard Bright as Neri: the soldier in the Corleone crime family who becomes Michael's enforcer
- Alex Rocco as Moe Greene: a Jewish mobster and Las Vegas casino proprietor
- Tony Giorgio as Bruno Tattaglia
- Vito Scotti as Nazorine
- Tere Livrano as Theresa Hagen: Tom's wife
- Victor Rendina as Philip Tattaglia: head of the Tattaglia crime family and prostitution crime boss
- Jeannie Linero as Lucy Mancini: Connie's friend and Sonny's mistress
- Julie Gregg as Sandra Corleone: Sonny's wife
- Ardell Sheridan as Mrs. Clemenza
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Writers: Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola
Box Office Gross: $250,341,816
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: March 15, 1972