Following on from the masterpiece that was The Godfather Part I, Francis Ford Coppola continues the trilogy with Part II, yet another gem from the 1970s, a decade which saw liberalism break through into mainstream cinema, introducing the gun culture that has epitomised Hollywood, and with it came a hauntingly magical period of cinema.
We follow Robert De Niro as young Vito in the early 1900s, as he breaks into the world of the mafia, toppling the region's warlord and making himself a Don in the process. Coppolla also brings us a taste of Michael Corleone as he attempts to reassert himself as the dominate mafia boss in 1958, a period during which hostile negotiations and widespread tensions threaten to tear apart the entire landscape.
On first appearance, De Niro finds himself in a difficult position, having to somehow dominate the role made famous by Marlon Brando. A brutish, resilient, well-respected and dominant individual, the role of Vito 'Don' Corleone is a role few men in Hollywood could have reprised with such energy, presence, charisma and sheer brilliance. De Niro, naturally exceeds all expectations and delivers one of the performances of his career (arguably bettered in Goodfellas as Jimmy Conway).
In Michael Corleone, Al Pacino finds a role which allows him the freedom of the camera, the freedom of the 'stage', and with ease he manages to create a monster in young 'Mikey'. As he negotiates behind allies' backs, and tries to find out who the traitor in his family is, the anguish, frustration and emotions are clear for the audience to see. Pacino's ability to appear as the calm before the storm, characters who could snap the very next second and yet demonstrate no visible emotion makes him one of the finest actors of his generation. His performance as Tony Montana in Scarface for years prior demonstrated his brilliance in such a role, one where power literally drove him to an early death. However, as Master Corleone, it is his sole duty to carry the integrity and history of his family on his young shoulders. It is his sheer presence in every scene, and the manner in which he asserts his prowess and psychological dominance which makes him the star of the piece, and without him at the forefront, one would have to question whether the film would really be as magnificent.
9/10
1 comment:
9/10 is a fully deserved score. nice review, very thoughtful and really well written. My favorite scene was the 'kiss of death' between Michael and Fredo. Another one was De Niro's character climbing the rooftops as the catholic procession is taking place beneath him. thought that was a breathtaking sequence.
All your comments were spot on as usual.
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