The Godfather Part II (2005, DVD)

The Godfather is my all-time favorite film. It's difficult to follow perfection.

Godfather II did.

Two Stories

The prequel gives insight into Vito Corleone the protagonist of The Godfather revealing his early life as a child in Sicily whose mother is killed and revenge becomes motivation. For protection he's sent to the US. He matures and, though seeming unwitting, works his way into crime and as family boss.

The sequel part of this story highlights Michael Corleone, the heir of his father, Vito's, "Olive Oil" business. Though Michael continues business in NY, it's Vegas where he initiates a power grab for the family's future fortune. His faltering ambition destroys his life and that of his family's. It's a sad tale.

The Director and More

Francis Ford Coppola again takes the helm of a Godfather film and with Puzo the book's author spins a web of ambition and betrayal set in Sicily, New York, Vegas and Cuba. The backgrounds add vitality to the film. The sepia tones and full colour differentiate place and time. Coppola's eye for detail in closeups and mood of outdoor events initiates realism, inserting the viewer into an era.

The screen's images are backed up with dramatic music augmenting a sense of time and place whether the upbeat and full sounds at a Communion party, Vegas shows and Cuban night-life or the subtle background to Michael sitting alone and broken realizing the important elements of his life are gone.

The fim's editing is noteworthy. The two stories weave serving anticipation, excitement and insight. The director works both together molding the elements into an extraordinary film. Coppola's edits exhibit a keen eye for moral and scenic juxtaposition.

Actors

Michael Corleone, (Al Pacino) morphs from an idealistic vet to a crime family boss in the first film. He's equally good here where he builds an empire at the cost of destroying his family. Talk about a card player who doesn't show his hand. Corleone has the empty eyes of a shark revealing no emotion.

Robert De Niro a newcomer then, is the young Vito. You can see his growth as he's calculating "streetwise" business encountering thieves, mob goons and crime bosses. He brings an understanding of who Vito, the Godfather, is. Very well done!

Some actors from The Godfather continued on including excellent work by Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen who illustrates perfect temperament as the lawyer separating emotion and "business". Diane Keaton as Kay Corleone maintains a doubting fear that Michael has changed.

John Cazale plays Fredo Corleone, Michael's brother, giving an admirable portrayal of a "lost" soul with misguided allegiance. Talia Shire as Connie Corleone comes along for the ride.

Pertinent flashbacks from The Godfather bring in other familiar faces, including James Caan, eliciting continuity between the films.

Curtains

Though the original Godfather holds a top spot in my recognition of films, it's even more enhanced by the fine-tuned acting, incredible writing and artful direction of Godfather II. It's film making at it's best!!



Godfather

The Godfather The original book