Title: The Godfather
Writer: Francis Ford Coppola
Director: Mario Puzo
Year: 1972
Actors: Marlon Brando (Don Vito Corelone), Al Pacino (Michael Corleone), Robert Duvall (Tom Hagen)
Marlon Brando
In the movie, The Godfather (1972) the audience is presented with two very unique Godfathers. The first is the patriarch Godfather, Don Vito Corleone, which is played by Marlon Brando. Marlon Brando epitomizes the method acting style, so well, that he can play any character that he sets his mind to; he is also a wild card actor because he can play a variety of roles. Method acting involves performers to immense themselves psychologically (both in and off of the set) within the character’s role, by drawing upon their own experiences to enhance the characters feelings and emotions (Goodykoontz & Jacobs, 2014). Francis Coppola believed so strongly in Marlon Brando playing Don Corleone that he fought Paramount Pictures until they eventually gave in. Marlon psychoanalyzed the character so much that he would put on makeup, stuff his mouth with tissue inside his cheeks and would work the role in front of a mirror; then later, Coppola filmed him while in character and showed it to Paramount Pictures – which they said “yes” (Coppola, 2008). Marlon Brando’s dedication was admired, as he won an Oscar for his role as The Godfather. Although he did not accept the award, he was absolutely worthy of it. The intensity he brings to the character is seen immediately within the first scene of the film. Everything about his character is believable and authentic. Even the fact that his voice is so muffled, you find yourself trying to listen harder to hear every word he says. His demeanor screams authority, respect, and authenticity. Here is a clip of the first dramatic scene.
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall played, Tom Hagen, The Godfather’s attorney. Robert Duvall is a character actor because he has had much success in adapting to a wide variety of different character roles. In The Godfather he plays a very smart, loyal, and serious attorney. In the film he says, “I only work for one man.” The loyalty of his character is seen when he visits Jack Woltz. When Jack refuses to take the offer Duvall is presenting to him, his prized horse is beheaded.
Al Pacino
Michael Corleone is played by Al Pacino. Both Al Pacino and Marlon Brando use the method acting style. Pacino is a personality actor because his acting is done in a manner in which the audience forgets he is acting. According to Goodykoontz & Jacobs (2014) strong personality actors make it difficult for audiences to distinguish between the actor and the character (Section 5.5). Al Pacino makes it easy for the audience to see how a pure, innocent young man can transform into an evil, Mafia Don. This dramatic transformation can be seen in the Sollozo and police officer murder; where Michael was trying to demonstrate he was deserving of the “Godfather” title.
Another film where Pacino shows great transformation is in the film Scarface; he begins as an immigrant who has nothing but a dream to get rich, and ends up being a powerful kingpin.
The following clips show Al Pacino in both his dramatic awe-inspiring roles:
References
Frank Coppola (2008). The Godfather the Coppola Restoration. Hollywood, California.Paramount Pictures
Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014). Film: From watching to seeing (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
YouTube. (2011, November 7). It’s strictly business. Retrieved from YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo7zkd0kRS
YouTube. (2013, January 11). Marlon Brando, The Godfather Epic Scene! HD. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUq4h818E8
YouTube. (2013, January 11). Marlon Brando, The Godfather Epic Scene! HD. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUq4h818E
YouTube. (2013, March 30). Scarface – Dishwasher scene. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdFIgYXHQQ
YouTube (2012, June 22). The Godfather – Michael shoots Sollozzo and McCluskey. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSQqv2UuvC0
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