ShareThisBy PHIL VILLARREAL
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
It could have easily been called "Godfathers."
A rare sequel to a great film that recaptures and expands upon the mastery of its predecessor, 1974's "The Godfather: Part II" expands the story of "The Godfather" both forward and backward. Director Francis Ford Coppola tells parallel tales of Corleone godfathers making their way through their wicked worlds.
The bulk of the running time sticks with Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), the son and successor to mob giant Don Vito, who was played by Marlon Brando in the first film. Michael, more of a forward-thinking, expansive businessman than his father, now commands an empire that sprawls across the nation and overseas. Michael, who sacrificed his idealism in favor of upping his power and respect, has survived by stamping out all threats. His paranoia and ruthlessness are only reinforced when he narrowly survives an assassination attempt.
As Michael sets to consolidate his power and branch off into new territories while fending off government hearings, Coppola cuts back to Vito's early life in Sicily. Young Vito flees to New York after his family is slaughtered by a mobster. The adult Vito, played by Robert De Niro, supplements his meager workaday income by starting a small crime syndicate with his friends.
A piggish extortionist who reminds Vito of the man who murdered his family demands tribute from local businessmen, and Vito becomes determined to undermine him and take over the neighborhood as his own.
Solidifying the byzantine foundation of murder, respect, extortion and intrigue set against relatable characters _ a foundation that would reshape not only the gangster picture, but the very fabric of epic cinema _ Coppola unleashes a staggering cinematic achievement.
Remarkably, if the director had had his way, he never would have made the film. Burned out after the first "Godfather," Coppola tried to hand off directing duties to Martin Scorsese. The studio wouldn't have it, so Coppola grudgingly returned, only after he was assured he'd be able to make his pet project, "The Conversation."
The first two "Godfather" films are often considered in the same breath because of their thematic and character bonds. Both movies boast a confluence of clever writing, sweeping visuals and impassioned acting. What makes the movies truly stand out, though, are individual scenes that sear into your brain and continue to dazzle you viewing after viewing.
"The Godfather: Part II" is filled with such scenes, including Michael's kiss of death to his turncoat brother, Fredo, as well as his chilling condemnation: "I knew it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart." Another stunner comes when Michael's beleaguered wife, Kay (Diane Keaton), reveals a secret about her "miscarriage." Kay is hardly seen in the film, which symbolizes the reduced role she has in Michael's life.
There is no room for love in the heart of a man so consumed with domination and self-preservation. Michael tells Kay, and himself, that he is determined to turn the Corleone enterprises legitimate, but he discovers that there are stains not easily washed away and habits not easily broken.
Juxtaposed with Michael's greed and cruelty is Vito's quest, which seems inspirational by comparison. Vito rises to power by helping the weak, arranging favors, spreading his reputation and cashing in on his political capital.
He earns admiration and leadership with brutal decisiveness as well as tender friendliness, such as when he talks with a landlord to prevent a poor old widow from being thrown out of her apartment.
Vito helps people to expand his influence, while Michael rules with a heavy hand. The godfathers' difference in management style has to do with how they came into their power: Michael inherited his, while Vito had to scrap for everything he ever got.
Both men are tragic figures for their squandered talent. The world could have benefited from their genius, yet their minds are bent toward corruption.
That's the Corleone legacy.
Rated R.
200 minutes.
Available on DVD.
(Read Phil Villarreal's blog at scrippsnews.com/philmguy and contact him at pvillarreal(at)azstarnet.com.)
