The Godfather Family: A Look Inside (1990)

A documentary on the making of the three Godfather films, with interviews and recollections from the film makers and cast. This feature also includes the original screen tests of some of ... See full summary »

Director:

Jeff Werner

Writer:

David Gilbert

Stars:

Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo, Marlon Brando

Cast

Credited cast:
Francis Ford Coppola	...	Self
Mario Puzo	...	Self
Marlon Brando	...	Self / Don Vito Corleone (archive footage)
James Caan	...	Self / Sonny Corleone / Michael Corleone
John Cazale	...	Fredo Corleone (archive footage)
Sofia Coppola	...	Self / Mary Corleone
Robert De Niro	...	Self (as Robert DeNiro)
Robert Duvall	...	Self / Tom Hagen
Andy Garcia	...	Self / Vincent Mancini
Diane Keaton	...	Self / Kay Adams
Joe Mantegna	...	Self / Joey Zasa
Al Pacino	...	Self
Talia Shire	...	Self / Connie Corleone
Eli Wallach	...	Self / Don Altobello
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Eleanor Coppola	...	Self

Storyline

A documentary on the making of the three Godfather films, with interviews and recollections from the film makers and cast. This feature also includes the original screen tests of some of the actors for "The Godfather" film, and some candid moments on the set of "The Godfather: Part III."

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Plot Keywords:

screen test | making of | interview | cast | six word title | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Did You Know?

Trivia

This documentary is featured in the Godfather trilogy DVD boxed set, released in October 2001.

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Connections

References Lovers and Other Strangers (1970)

User Reviews

Far from perfect but well worth seeing.

This film concerning the making of the Godfather films coincided with the release of the disastrous "The Godfather: Part III"--a film hated by many fans and critics (oddly, I thought it was pretty good). It begins, naturally, discussing the first movie in the series and, not surprisingly because of when it was made, a huge emphasis was made on the final film. Much of the film consisted of interviews though many clips from the movies were interspersed into the production. My feeling is that the earlier portion of the making of documentary was the best and most interesting because the film makers were not trying to sell these films--they were considered classics. However, later in the film, it bogs down a bit because instead of just trying to explain the films, they are pushing it in hopes that the viewer will be induced to watch "The Godfather: Part III". In essence, here it was a bit too self-congratulatory (and, in hindsight, prematurely so).

Of the many things in this lengthy documentary, the things that stood out for me were the 'what might have been' moments. I had no idea that Al Pacino's part in the movies was so tenuous--that the studio pushed Francis Ford Coppola to drop him from the film, as Pacino was an unknown at the time. Seeing James Caan and Martin Sheen also being tested for the role fascinating. Also, seeing Robert Di Nero trying out for the role of Sonny (he later played a Vito in "The Godfather II"). And, finally, hearing how Coppola himself was CONSTANTLY on the proverbial hot-seat--as Paramount even had a second director on hand during much of the film in case they'd have to replace him! And, how the stud pushed him to make "The Godfather" MORE violent!! Wow.

Now there are some negatives. I really would have loved more background to the films and was surprised that there was no mention of the very premature death of John Cazale ('Fredo'). More 'tidbits'--that would have improved this film--as well as a bit less on trying to push the third film. Still, for fans of the series, this is definitely a must-see.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

12 July 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Keresztapa családja

Filming Locations:

Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Zoetrope Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

73 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1