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Only a few films have managed to do whatThe Godfatherdid. The 1972 film by Francis Ford Coppola starring Al Pacino is one of the greatest and most influential films of all time and you cannot have a conversation about Hollywood’s best works without mentioning it. Everything from the cinematography and direction to the cast and storyline was absolute perfection.
While the film went on to become a cultural phenomenon, there was no way the cast and crew could have guessed the level of impactThe Godfatherwould go on to make. However, Al Pacino once recalled a moment from the set involving Francis Ford Coppola which made him realize just what a gem of a film he was in.
When Al Pacino Stumbled Across a Distressed Francis Ford Coppola
Al Pacinoplayed the role of crime boss Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando)’s youngest son, Michael Corleone. Towards the end of the movie, Vito suffers a heart attack and passes away. According to Pacino, filming this scene made him realizeFrancis Ford Coppola’s passion for the project.
In an interview withThe New York Timesfor the film’s 50thanniversary back in 2022, Pacino recalled the funeral scene for Brando’s character. He stated that since the sun was going down, the shoot was over for the day and he was excited to get to go home.
“Why did I pick him, why him”: Al Pacino Feels He Disappointed Francis Ford Coppola Enough to Make Him Regret Casting Him in The Godfather
When he was on his way back to his camper, he came across a distraught Coppola. Pacino recalled,
You remember the funeral scene for Marlon, when they put him down?It was over for the evening, the sun was going down. So, naturally, I’m happy because I get to go home and have some drinks. I was on the way to my camper, saying, well, I was pretty good today…
…I had no lines, no obligations, that was fine. Every day without lines is a good day. So I’m going back to my camper. And there, sitting on a tombstone, is Francis Ford Coppola, weeping like a baby. Profusely crying.
What was it that made Coppola weep like a baby? Let’s take a look at what Pacino stated happened next.
The Director’s Passion forThe GodfatherTouched Al Pacino’s Heart
After seeing his director in such a state, Pacino must have been absolutely worried. Deciding to find out the root of the problem, the actor approached Coppola and asked him the reason behind his tears.
Being the perfectionist that he is, Coppola revealed that he was upset because he was not allowed to do another take for Vito’s funeral scene. Perhaps his disappointment came from the possibility that he was not entirely pleased with how the scene had happened.
“I was flattered that he was upset”: Al Pacino Owes His Godfather Role to Marlon Brando After He Threatened to Quit if Another Actor Was Cast as Michael Corleone
When Pacino saw Coppola crying profusely over a missed take, he realized that he was part of a film that was going to make history in the future.
And I went up to him and I said, Francis, what’s wrong? What happened? He says, ‘They won’t give me another shot.’ Meaning, they wouldn’t allow him to film another setup. And I thought: OK. I guess I’m in a good film here. Because he had this kind of passion and there it is.
Coppola’s passion was one of the biggest reasons whyThe Godfatherwas able to do everything that it did. Both critics and fans widely appreciated the film which has several accolades to its name including nine Oscar nominations and three wins. Coppola himself won a Golden Globe and a Directors Guild of America award for his contribution as a director.
It has been over 50 years sinceThe Godfather wasreleased in theatres. However, not many movies have come close to touching the bar it set.
You can streamThe Godfatheron Paramount+.
Mishkaat Khan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2257
A connoisseur of all things horror, fantasy, and the occasional chick flick, Mishkaat has been penning pieces for FandomWire since 2022. She started off as an intern and has worked her way up to a Senior Writer with over 2000 articles to her name.Outside of entertainment, she has also written well-researched medical content as a freelance writer and has experience in social media management.When not writing, you’re able to find her relaxing with a romance novel and a tall glass of iced coffee in her hand or watching re-runs of ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Office.’
