Film Perfection

Rating: Null/10 (3 April 2003)

When a person asks the question, "What is your favorite movie?" I hesitate to answer because it has almost become cliche to name Francis Ford Coppola's epic, "The Godfather." However, to name any other film would be a grave injustice to the majestic perfection that is indeed captured in these three hours of artistic achievement. Instead of referring to the cliche without explanation, I am quick to point out that which makes this film deserving of such accolades:
1. Screenplay--Basically the essence of the film rests in the adaptation of Mario Puzo's best selling work of the same name. Dialogue, scene dissection, etc. all are what truly makes the foundation of the film.

2. Acting--How can you go wrong when you have Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton and on and on? The names spill off the credits with wonderment. Of course, keep in mind these names were not the household names of the day (albeit Brando's) but to look back thirty years ago and see these masters of their craft all working together, it is easy to see the dynamics of the acting and how it automatically makes the script look like a cakewalk to perform.
3. Direction/Technical Quality--cinematography, editing, sound and the direction of Coppola himself makes this film as "tight" as it can be in the timeframe devoted to the first chapter in the saga.
In sum, 1,000 words cannot even begin to spell out why "The Godfather" is my favorite film. All I can say is that from the first frame until the final, you are left wanting more. You are satisfied with the character development, the story line but even after three hours, you only become hungry for much, much more. Thankfully, you can find that "more" in the second installment.