The story behind “The godfather”, Francis Ford Coppola’s great movie

For decades, “The godfather “ (1972) was considered one of the best films of all time. The history of the family Corleonebased on the novel of Mario Puzoconsecrated a Francis Ford Coppola at the top of the cinema and consolidated Marlon Brando and To the Pacino as Hollywood historical. However, the production of the film had to face obstacles and risky decisions that almost lead to failure. This is the story never told behind one of the masterpieces of the seventh art.

The young Coppola

In 1970, Paramount Pictures bought the rights of the novel of Mario Puzobut I had a low budget film in mind. The producer looked for a cheap and young director, and chose Coppolawho at that time did not have a great name in Hollywood. However, the director had a somewhat different idea: he wanted an epic movie, with a dark aesthetic and a story that was much more than a simple story of gangsters.

The studies distrusted their decisions. Coppola He insisted on filming in New York to respect the setting of the book, although Paramount preferred to do it in Kansas City to reduce costs. In addition, the director wanted an operatic tone and an extensive duration while the study wanted the opposite. His constant bid with executive producers almost costs him the position several times.

The dispute between Coppola and Paramount intensified when the study began to consider other directors to replace it, among them Elia Kazan and Sergio Leone. Coppolaaware that his film was in danger, nevertheless defended his vision with each plane, each angle and each scene. On several occasions, executives intervened in production, demanding changes in the script and cast. Coppolahowever, it remained unwavering and thanks to the support of Mario Puzo And some key team members managed to impose many of their decisions.

The highest point came when Paramount threatened to say goodbye Coppola Due to his insistence on maintaining a slow and detailed pace in the narrative, something that was against the rapid and commercial style that the study wanted. Coppola He reached the extreme of shooting multiple versions of key scenes to demonstrate that his approach was correct. Finally, when the first courts of the film were presented, the executives warned that the director’s vision had given extraordinary results, which saved his position in the direction.

Marlon Brando and El Pacino

One of the biggest clashes between Coppola And the study was the choice of actors. Paramount wanted established stars as Ernest Borgnine To interpret Vito Corleonebut Coppola I had in mind Marlon Brandowho at that time was in decline and was considered problematic.

Brando He had to perform a camera test in which he improvised his performance with cottons in his mouth, creating the characteristic and unique voice of the character. Even so, the study only agreed to hire him with the condition that he worked for a low salary and without causing problems. Coppola defended a Brando With conviction, convinced that he was the only one capable of giving life to Vito Corleone. The director organized a chamber test without prior notice and in it, Brando He transformed his face with homemade makeup and adjusted his voice to a guttural and leisurely tone. The test was so shocking that Paramount executives could only accept it.

To the Pacinoan almost unknown actor at that time, was the bet of Coppola For the role of Michael Corleone. Paramount preferred more consolidated actors as Robert Redford either Warren Beatty. Pacino had to take place and after several casting tests, Coppola He managed to impose his choice. However, the study still did not trust him and even hired James Caan as reinsurance by itself Pacino failed. During the first weeks of filming, the pressure was extreme, and Coppola He had power bids to keep Pacino On paper.

The breakdown came with the restaurant scene, where Michael Corleone Killer a SOLLOZZO and al Captain McCluskey. The intensity and precision of Pacino In that sequence they finally convinced the producers. From that moment, the confidence in the young actor grew and his interpretation became one of the most memorable in the history of cinema.

The mafia and its threatening messages

Another important obstacle was the influence of real mafia in production. The Italo -American Civil Rights League, led by Joseph ColomboHe protested against the film arguing that he reinforced negative stereotypes about the Italians. Strictly speaking, the situation was even more dangerous than it seemed. Coppola And the producers received multiple anonymous threats, and there were even rumors that physical attacks were planned against them if they did not modify the representation of the mafia in the script.

The weather was inflamed when members of the mafia began to appear on the filming set, supervising the recordings and making sure that the film did not show details that could compromise them. It is said that some gangsters tried to bribe the producers to cancel the project, while others sent them intimidating messages in the form of letters and telephone calls. A kind of film inside the film, about the director’s refusal inside the film that results in the dead horse.

To calm the tensions, the producers met with representatives of the Italian community and eliminated the word “mafia” of the script. However, the situation became even more tense when Joseph Colombo, The leader of the protest was shot in an attack in 1971. Many speculate that his murder was related to the production of the film, since his activism against Hollywood had bothered other criminal leaders who did not want to attract attention.

Despite these risks, Coppola And his team continued with filming, although with extreme precautionary measures. It is said that some team members worked with bodyguards and that the recordings in New York were closely monitored by men of the Royal Mafia. Finally, after the attack against Colombo, the pressure on the film decreased, allowing production to move forward without further interference.

Paramount Pictures 2.jpg

Paramount Pictures

A production full of problems

Coppola He was constantly threatened to be fired due to his perfectionist style and his insistence on maintaining his position. There were conflicts with the director of photography, Gordon Willisand with the cast. James Caan and Gianni Russowho played Sonny Corleone and Carlo Rizzirespectively, they even had a fight that came to fist blows.

Despite all these problems, the film managed to complete and premiered on March 15, 1972. Against all forecast, it was a resounding success, raising more than 245 million dollars at the box office and winning three Oscar awards, including best film.

A stainless legacy

Today, “The godfather” It is still a reference for cinema and a masterpiece. The perseverance of Coppola, the legendary performances and the meticulous construction of the story caused the film to transcend time and become an imperishable classic. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable. Classic phrases such as “I will make an offer impossible to reject” They have been immortalized in everyday language. References to the film appear in innumerable cinematographic works, series and even in politics. “The godfather” He redefined the genre of mafia movies, establishing a narrative and visual standard that has been emulated by generations of filmmakers.

In addition, its legacy extends beyond cinema. The representation of power, loyalty and family in the film has been subject to academic studies, philosophical analysis and debates about its meaning in modern society. Its influence has also been reflected in music, fashion and literature, becoming an inexhaustible source of inspiration.

As for prizes and criticism, “The godfather ” Not only did the Oscar won the best film, but also became the beginning of a trilogy that marked the history of cinema. Its sequelae, although equally celebrated, failed to replicate the impact of the original, considered the best film of all time.