Back to Back Masterpieces

Rating: Null/10 (6 February 2002)

Two different eras are depicted as comparisons of Vito, and his son Michael, and the generation that defines them. Past sequences showing Vito as a young man are written with a feeling of nostalgia. Contemporary moments involving Michael at same age is framed in a declining mode. Two films in one to show how different father and son were from each other during the same age they are shown as. One thing in common with both people are their tragic upbringing.

The Godfather(1972) dealt with the family structure and the difficulties which comes with the territory. The Godfather Part 2(1974) is a study in corruption and power. The theme of power in The Godfather Part 2(1974) is explored in a historical perspective by director, Francis Ford Coppola. Power as represented by Michael Corleone is cold blooded, iron clad, and shadowly. Also, film contrasts Michael and Vito in how their deal with power at a comparative age.

There are some instances where Part 2 is better than Part 1. First, the acting of Al Pacino is much improved and extraordinary. Second, the characters and story expand to give them more depth. Third, Part 2 adds another dimension with inclusion of backstory to compliment main plot. Overall, The Godfather Part 2 is a masterful followup to the first film.

Talia Shire develops her character further in Part 2 with her loose woman portrayal of "Connie" Corleone. Robert Duvall again performs brilliantly in the role of Tom Hagen. John Cazale gives a performance full of pathos and tragedy. G.D. Spradlin is convincing two faced and sleezy as Senator Geary. Diane Keaton turns the character of Kay into someone who is unable to coexist with criminal element of Corleone family.

Outstanding performance from Robert De Niro that was worthy of the Oscar he received for role in movie. Mean Streets(1973) gave De Niro recognition and The Godfather Part 2(1974) give him a breakthrough role. Among the five top performances, the legendary actor has contributed to the big screen. One of many examples in why I think he is the greatest actor who ever lived. He doesn't just play Vito Corleone, he becomes him.

Plot focuses on the decline of the Corleone family, especially Michael Corleone. Michael went from being an idealistic young man who didn't want to have anything to do with family business to becoming a cold and ruthless mob boss. Al Pacino injects some new character facets which weren't in Part One. Al Pacino brings a complexity to his role that makes Michael a tragic figure. The moments involving "Fredo" and Michael are touching and tragic.

Michael's marriage to Kay is more out of convenience and fear of loneliness than love. Apparent in how they treat each other in the second film. I believe things might have turned out differently for Michael as a human being if his first wife wasn't killed. Hearing sequences balances between the comic and the dramatic. The New York as depicted in Vito's youth feels authentic and nostalgic.

Murder of Fanucci by young Vito Corleone is played out with heart beating anticipation. In the book, THE GODFATHER, the murder of Fanucci is played in a more conventional manner with Vito following him to an empty warehouse where he kills him. In the film, the murder of Fanucci is more stylized, and reliant on building out suspense and tension. Handled well by both actors involved in scene and Francis Ford Coppola. Fanucci is memorablely played by Milano Calibre 9(1972) star, Gastone Moschin.

At one point before production started, Martin Scorsese was considered as a possible director for The Godfather Part 2. Because of the first film's box office success, Francis Ford Coppola was kept on as director for second film. James Caan makes a small but vital cameo during flashback scene near the end. Reconstructs the events that lead to Cuban Revolution in subjective fashion. A key line in Godfather trilogy is spoken by Michael when he says;"If anything in this life is certain, if history has taught us anything, it is you can kill anyone."

Its a key line because it symbolizes how the Corleones do business within their political and organized crimes ties. There is a lot of truth to this line from Michael because its a representative of what has happened throughout, and will continue to happen in the course of human existence. Corleone family is beset by tragedy that began with murder of Vito's father, and continues on in Michael's generation. One of the saddest moments in cinema history are "Fredo"'s final moments in the house and the fishing boat. Danny Aiello and Roger Corman have small roles with latter playing a Senator.