The Godfather Trilogy. Movies that are considered as the best in the crime/gangster genre.One of the most enduring and well loved trilogies in movie history. From the opening scenes of Marlon Brando holding court in an almost dark room to the closing scenes of an aged Al Pacino dropping down dead, the trilogy holds our attention with its storyline, characters, style and awesome cast.
The first of the lot "The Godfather" is the most celebrated of the three. From the very first frames as an aging Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) holds court, the movie exudes the one thing that it is all about: Power. Power and family. For in no other movie of this genre has the concept of family been more emphasised than in this one. All the 3 parts open with a family gathering and nearly all major twists and turns in the plotline are caused by family members, those near and dear to the two Don Corleones: Vito and Michael.
Vito and Michael. As portrayed by Brando/DeNiro and Al Pacino these are two of the most enigmatic characters in all moviedom. However inspite of Brando, DeNiro and many other fine actors, the trilogy is Al Pacino's show through and through. An ode to the acting prowess of one of the finest actors of all time.
Through the series, as the character of Michael continues to grow, Pacino comes alive. From the self assured mannersims in the first film to the ruthless power and decaying morality in the second to the drooping shoulder world weariness in the third, Pacino trailblazes. One of the reasons, I feel, for the slight disappointment caused by Godfather 3 is because Andy Garcia simply fades before the Pacino aura. We are never able to accept the fact that he is the one next in line to the throne.
However, this is not to belittle the performances of all the fine actors present throughout the trilogy. Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen, Lee Strasberg as Hyman Roth, John Cazale as Fredo and James Caan as Sonny have all done tremendous work. It is only that none of them match up to the charisma of Michael.
The second of the trilogy was probably the most difficult one of the three, since 2 different storylines belonging to two different time periods had to be successfully merged together. But Coppolla pulled it off beautifully. All in all, the three films together present one of the best ways to enrich our movie viewing experience.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Thoughts on The MotorCycle Diaries
I had a chance to catch up with the movie "The Motorcycle Diaries" this weekend.And I can vouch for the fact that it is one of the most life altering movies I have seen in a while. Initially, while watching the movie, I was oblivious of the fact that it is based on the real life exploits of "Che" Guevera and his friend Alberto Granado. Only when the end credits came up and they showed the epilogue, did I become aware that this is based on a real life journey.
Stripped of all the weight attached with it, this is basically a road movie. Where it differs from the typical Hollywood treatment is the distinct Latin American flavor and the fact that the movie does not stop every now and then to highlight big moments. The journey starts in a casual manner and initially the two friend's only purpoes is to have a good time while enjoying exotic places. However, once their bike breaks down and they start continuing mainly on foot ( with a lift here and there), are they able to see the plight of various oppressed people in different countries.
The movie highlights the fact that nationalities may differ, yet suffering is the same everywhere. The changes in the protagonists that these realization causes with every new incident, is subtle and gradual. The final section dealing with a leper colony and their treatment is the most poignant section of the movie.
During the final stages of the movie even if one is unaware of the fact that this is basically the birth of the revoutionary "Che" Guevera, one can assuredly realise that this is the birth of a revolution. At one point Granado tells Guevera about leading a revolution with these people and Guevera questions the strength of one without guns.
Although the movie is filled with tales of oppression and human suffering, the movie is not without its share of humour. Most of them come during the initial segments of the movie, although the most heartfelt one comes near the end, dealing with "Che's" poor dancing abilities and his knowledge of music. The performances are of the highest caliber especially that of Mexican actor Gael García Bernal who plays Guevera.
All in all a truly great movie...a modern day classic.
Stripped of all the weight attached with it, this is basically a road movie. Where it differs from the typical Hollywood treatment is the distinct Latin American flavor and the fact that the movie does not stop every now and then to highlight big moments. The journey starts in a casual manner and initially the two friend's only purpoes is to have a good time while enjoying exotic places. However, once their bike breaks down and they start continuing mainly on foot ( with a lift here and there), are they able to see the plight of various oppressed people in different countries.
The movie highlights the fact that nationalities may differ, yet suffering is the same everywhere. The changes in the protagonists that these realization causes with every new incident, is subtle and gradual. The final section dealing with a leper colony and their treatment is the most poignant section of the movie.
During the final stages of the movie even if one is unaware of the fact that this is basically the birth of the revoutionary "Che" Guevera, one can assuredly realise that this is the birth of a revolution. At one point Granado tells Guevera about leading a revolution with these people and Guevera questions the strength of one without guns.
Although the movie is filled with tales of oppression and human suffering, the movie is not without its share of humour. Most of them come during the initial segments of the movie, although the most heartfelt one comes near the end, dealing with "Che's" poor dancing abilities and his knowledge of music. The performances are of the highest caliber especially that of Mexican actor Gael García Bernal who plays Guevera.
All in all a truly great movie...a modern day classic.
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