In "The
Godfather: Part II", Francis Ford Coppola
continues the Corleone saga first by bringing
closure to the life and leadership of Don Vito
then by introducing Michael Corleone (Al Pacino)
as the new head of the Corleone Family.
The two men are markedly different. Whereas Don
Vito did, indeed, rule with an iron fist he was
also a politician. He was a man who could use
his mind as well as his force in getting the
results he desired. Michael, on the other hand,
rules almost solely with his iron fist and, by
the end of the film has become a tragic figure
isolated and alone.
Coppola is a master visionary, and Part II
allows Coppola to expand his vision for the
Corleone family. Every aspect of this film
exudes the mood and aura of the Corleone's and
the production design, art design, sound and
costuming is impeccable. We are re-introduced to
many of the first film's characters including
Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), Michael's wife (Diane
Keaton), Michael's older brother Fredo (John
Cazale) and many others.
As Michael Corleone, Al Pacino is mesmerizing as
we see him constantly bubbling beneath the
surface ready to explode. The inner workings of
Michael Corleone come to life in Pacino's
performance and every movement, gesture and line
gives birth to another dimension to his
character.
As much as I maintained my deep involvement with
these characters throughout the film, I found
myself disconnected from the story at times.
Some scenes, such as those in Cuba, seem
incomplete and out of sorts. They are powerful
scenes, but the power is without purpose. In the
first film, everything felt connected and
purposeful. In this film, it occasionally feels
like the only purpose is for mood-setting and
atmosphere. Some scenes simply don't further the
storyline or enhance the moviegoing experience.
"The Godfather: Part II" is still a mesmerizing,
often exhausting experience. Even if it is not
up to its original, it remains a legendary and
awesome film. After two films and nearly seven
hours of screen time, the Corleone family is a
family I care about even as their chosen
professions violate my very values. I believe in
their words, even when their actions speak
otherwise.
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
This series
is overrated in the sense that they should not
be considered an automatic choice as the
greatest films of all time. But it is hard
not to admire a work of such magnitude and
skillful artistry. These are great
films... but not the perfect masterpieces that
some have claimed.
Jacob Hall's Comment
n/a
