#2 The Godfather:

Some say it insists upon itself. And to that, I would only slightly agree. It does this only as far as Coppola knew he was making a movie that people would remember. The work is a masterpiece. Everyone in it is spectacular, even showcasing Al Pacino before he became a cartoon character. It’s even a little funny. Michael’s two Italian bodyguards sporting shotguns at his wedding is probably funnier than it is meant to be. One thing I have to commend this film for that has fallen out of practice these days is the careful consideration given to how the film was built. The first 2 hours or so take place over a time period of a few months in late 1945. The coloring, ambience and style on this part are spot on. And then somewhat chaotically, we shift to a few years later, and these same attributes have all changed to comply with the early 1950’s. It’s subtle, but really draws me in, even when I’m trying to think of what to review. The last bit of subtlety I’ll bring up is the character Michael Corleone. His transformation is obvious, and yet not, at the same time. He starts out as an innocent, and becomes cold and cutthroat. He handles the family business in such an absolute manner, to the point of dispatching all his enemies in a single day. The previous Don's manner of governance was more reasoning than bludgeoning. The film almost leans towards vilifying the young Michael. It is certain that Michael sees himself in this way. In the end, it was the acting that really shines though. Pacino and Brando's portrayals of deep and exceedingly complicated men of power put this above and beyond other films. I look forward to Part II.