There were a few things I realized after watchingThe Godfatherand thenThe Godfather Part IIfor the first time.
But the reality is a lot of film classics simply don’t hold up as well anymore.
Perhaps it’s because it’s so clear that every mob movie seems to haveThe Godfatherin its DNA.
Image via Paramount Pictures
But that’s not a bad thing.
At no point was I under any delusions about the direction Michael was heading.
And that’s what made it so fantastic.
Image via Paramount Pictures
Coppola isn’t afraid to show us just how nasty Michael can be.
It’s that potential that keeps us hoping that maybe, just maybe, he’ll spare Fredo.
Maybe he’ll letKay (Diane Keaton) do what’s best for the kids.
Maybe he’ll actually trust Tom (Robert Duvall) rather than question him.
There is a moral backbone there that has completely disappeared from Michael.
And, althoughit isn’t subtle, it’s still effective.
Image via Paramount Pictures
Not only is Vito’s narrative arc stronger, but it’s far less chaotic.
I found myself eager to return back to the past anytime we cut to the present.
It’s clear thatCoppola was balancing a lot of plates with this film.
The Corleone Expanded Universe never took off.
Meanwhile,Fredo’s plight is only ever really hinted at.
Birth order aside, he’s got big Connor Roy energy.
However, considering Fredo’s vital role in this film, he feels woefully underdeveloped despite his importance.
It’s epic in all meanings of the word.
Ultimately,The Godfather Part IIis a masterclass in telling the story of two men.
