Here we are again with another episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow? the podcast where Jesse and Shaun review the top box office earner and the Academy Award Best Picture of the same year. Comparing the critical darling and the mass consensus each week, we take a fresh look to see which film we liked more. However, the cinematic epic, 1971's The Godfather won both titles that year, so this time we'll be giving this movie an in depth examination.
The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is the story of the powerful Corleones, a mob family in New York, as power transitions from the respected head of the family Don Vito to his son, Michael. Michael starts out on a more innocent path, but as the responsibilities of the family begin to weigh more on him the more he gets corrupted. The film has a definitive color and lighting scheme giving it a rustic and sincere feel, that really plays to the themes of old Italia and family honor. Speaking of which, family honor and respect stands at the center point of the movie, tying everything together, but bringing a brutal undercurrent to the loyalty it commands. It's through this connection, this responsibility, this love that turns Michael from war hero to mob boss. Though clocking in at 175 minutes (2hours 55 minutes), this movie has a deserved length, an epic film that is deserving of your time and a journey that is worthy to take. All the actors in the film fill their roles spectacularly, bringing real life and uniqueness to the personas that define the family. Al Pacino carries the film admirably, playing Michael's transition subtly but convincingly. Marlon Brando is truly unique as Don Vito Corleone who smart, cunning and brutal, but sincere with the love he has for his family and the respect he commands. The Godfather is a classic film that everyone should watch, if not already have watched, but always deserves another viewing.
Since there was no other movie to compare it to for this episode, we'll yet again advise to watch The Godfather. Be sure to listen to the latest episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow?
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