by Samuel Nichols, Contributing Writer
What can be said about The Godfather that has not already been said before? Every accolade was given and every praise has been sung to it. The cast is deep and their performances are detailed and mesh together so well that four of the main actors were nominated at the Oscars. The score is hauntingly beautiful, enforcing a feeling of dread as we enter this complicated and bitter tale. It has been called the ultimate crime movie. It was so good in that respect that some actual gangsters wanted to keep the movies from being made.
And the quotes! Do not forget the quotes. Some of the most unforgettable dialogue in film history is here.
“I believe in America…”
“Leave the gun. Take the Canoli.”
“Look at how they massacred my boy.”
“It’s not personal. It’s just business.”
“Bada Bing!”
Each quote can act as a microcosm for the messages and themes of director Francis Ford Copolla’s masterpiece. Or those lines are just instantly memorable and usable in real life. Credit is due to original author Mario Puzo and director Francis Ford Coppolla for turning the original book into a strong script. Each conversation or monologue feels real and authentic to the 1940s gangster world we are in.
But one quote stands out to me more than any of the others. It comes in the third act near the end of Don Corleone’s (Marlon Brando) life. He turns to his son and successor Michael (Al Pacino) and says, “I never wanted this for you.” As his time on earth draws to a close, the infamous crime boss reveals that he had higher desires and dreams for his son. Maybe he could have become a big success in the family and made a legitimate living. Perhaps Michael would have entered the world of politics and brought respect to his family. But it was not to be. The actions that Don Corleone took led to his son needing to take over for the family and become the new godfather.
But again, that was not the plan. At least that’s what Michael’s father said. He believed that Michael could do those things. And maybe he was right. But the actions and environment that surrounded Michael gave him no choice but to become a product of those around him. He had to avenge his father’s attack because that was the family way. He had to take over for him when Don Corleone became sick. Michael’s descent into evil cannot be totally blamed on him. Much of the blame has to fall on his well-meaning father for not sheltering him from this terrible world that he ruled over.
It leads me to an interesting question that I think gets overlooked here: does it matter what we wish for others or ourselves if we do not have the will to act? Do our desires really mean anything in the grand scheme of things? Or are they just sweet nothings we use to reassure ourselves that we have not fallen by the wayside? I think in the case of the Corleone family, the answer is clear, and the results of their actions are something they can’t refuse.
You can follow Samuel Nichols on Twitter