A Timeless Classic

Rating: 10/10 (6 August 2013)

I read the book first and considered it a literary masterpiece of drama and intrigue.
A year later when I watched the film on a friend's recommendation I was completely mesmerized by the way the characters of book made their presence felt on screen.
It is one of the masterpieces of cinema world over. Many a director worldwide has paid tributes to this film in one way or the other. Twice in the recent history in India only (Sarkar and Raajneeti).
Marlon Brando is amazing as the Godfather. Al Pacino (who was still making a stronghold in Hollywood at that time) has done justice as the son who is in conflict with his family business. His transformation, both by action and his psyche, is a treat to watch.
The beauty of the film, and why it works at so many levels, lies in the fact that the characters' charisma is built not by their actions on screen but by a sense of intrigue that the writers and director have achieved by this flawless narrative.
Add to that the cinematography of Gordon Willis. The lighting in the frames (and lack of it) adds to the sense of intrigue.
The cutting is crisp and helps build the tension.
Undoubtedly a 10/10