original #3
This is one I've been meaning to get to for a very long time. I knew nothing at all about the story going in and I was surprised by half the cast. IMDb has a lot to say about the film, its impact on society and the turmoil it stirred up. Of course it's one of the most-known films of all time and I knew many of the more famous lines and plot points without realizing where they were from.
All hype aside, this is a great movie! Francis Ford Coppola really knows what he's doing! Who knew! Marlon Brando is a legend and he's excellent. I grew up with Al Pacino, of course, but considering he was still relatively unknown before this he's unbelievable. Pacino has always been one of my favorites and it's really nice to see some of his earlier work. James Caan is truly remarkable. And Diane Keaton is so... NOT Diane Keaton! (Which, in my book, is a-ok.) I was blown away by some of the camera-work, which is really amazing considering the time period. But what I loved most of all was the use (and often lack) of music. Sometimes movies feel crowded by the soundtrack and the need for constant background noise. It can be so much more effective/heart-breaking/terrifying/meaningful/funny/etc. when it's completely silent. Coppola is masterful at manipulating the audience into feeling exactly the right emotion at exactly the right moment.
I'm currently in the middle of Part II (also on the list) and I'm definitely hooked. My vote: see it if you haven't!
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