The Godfather was released on 24th March 1972 and instantly rose to international fame and critical acclaim. The Godfather is one of those rare and lucky movies that has managed to attract a cult following over time and even after many decades it stays relevant and a fan favorite. The Godfather has been produced by Paramount Pictures and is often regarded as the highest-grossing film of all time that earned a whopping $243.8 million at the box office, which is approximately equal to $1.6 billion after being adjusted for inflation.
The legendary movie has been directed by Francis Ford Coppola who was 32 and a mere amateur when he directed the Godfather. The director and producers of this movie were met with various hurdles, one of them being casting the legendary Marlon Brando. However, everything paid off when the movie won the best picture award, best-adapted screenplay award, and the best director award at the prestigious 45th Academy Awards. In addition to this historic win, many cast members such as Marlon Brando, Caan, Al Pacino, and Robert Duvall were also nominated.
In commemoration of this legendary trilogy completing half a century, some cast members were interviewed by the Hollywood Reporter where the cast members spilled the beans on some inside details, and personal memories, and also brushed off some rumors.
James Caan Was Upset over Coppola’s Decision
James Caan had a large scene in the movie that was edited out by the director, Coppola. Even after half a century, James Caan is still upset over it. The actor recalled that upon hearing this news he stormed out of the screening.
James Caan played Sonny in the movie who is Vito Corleone’s eldest son. After his father’s death, he has to take charge of his family’s business. However, his aggressiveness and hot-headedness eventually lead to his violent death.
Caan further mentioned that he wasn’t very fond of Gianni Russo while shooting the film and that he might have blown off some steam on Gianni Russo during their fight scene. Another interesting detail that Caan mentioned was that Caan personally handpicked the shoes Sonny wore in the movie to ensure that they fit perfectly with the character and to make Sonny appear more Italian.
Talia Shire and Her Wedding Gown
Talia Shire was under the impression that she will have to wear the wedding gown for only three days. However, shooting this famous opening and wedding scene took almost two weeks which means that she had to unwillingly wear that heavy wedding gown for fourteen days instead of three.
According to Talia Shore, this particular memory is still very fresh in her mind and is something she holds very dearly in her heart. She also recalls both her parents being present with her on set which only added to her stress. Her mother had come to support her and the band conductor in the wedding scene was her father.
Robert Duvall’s Favorite Scene
Robert Duvall plays the role of Vito’s adopted son named Tom Hagen. When asked about his favorite scene, Robert Duvall instantly mentioned the scene where his character finds it hard to break the news of Sonny’s murder to Vito. Robert mentions that due to the organic yet emotional intensity that he and Marlon Brando shared, the scene will forever top his list. Both the actors wrapped the scene up in two takes only yet the scene was acted to perfection and stood out to be one of the most touching and emotional scenes in the entire trilogy.
‘Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli’
Many viewers don’t know that the dialogue that turned out to be one of the most memorable and iconic dialogues in cinematic history was adlibbed by Richard S. Castellano who played Clemenza. John Martino recalls being covered in fake blood during the scene both confused and impressed as Richard S. Castellano delivers this dialogue.
The Godfather will forever remain an iconic trilogy in all of cinematic history. Whether it was the acting, the direction, or the screenplay, every member of the cast and crew outperformed in their job which resulted in this masterpiece of a movie. As long as cinema lives and movies are being made, The Godfather trilogy will always be looked up to for all aspects of movie-making.