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Certain films become permanently carved as classics, those that make cinematic history, and Francis Ford Coppola’sThe Godfatheris one such masterpiece. From its unforgettable rendition of the mafia to the entrancing performances of Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, the 1972 gangster film is perhaps one of Hollywood’s greatest pride.
Over 50 years later, however, the long-standing debate about whether Pacino beat the game or Brando, holds just as much weight even today. And it looks like it might not get settled anytime soon.
The Pervasive Debate Stemming FromThe Godfather
WhileThe Godfathermay not be Francis Ford Coppola’s most treasured creation of his, it is nevertheless one of his most showstopping films ever. And thanks to the gripping character portrayals by industry titans like Al Pacino and Marlon Brando, it was worshipped by critics and fans alike (viaIMDb).
There was a time when it even got crowned as one of the highest-grossing films at the box office, amassing about $270 million globally (viaThe Numbers). But while everyone may be unanimous regardingThe Godfather‘s astronomical greatness, there seems to be a polarizing rift when it comes to the lead stars, one which seems just as prevalent today as it was back in the ’70s.
On one side of the debate isScarfacestar Al Pacino, a globally renowned icon with an assortment of accolades and hit movies under his belt. On the other end isSupermanactor Marlon Brando, who was renowned for his explosive talent and even bagged an Oscar for his spectacular depiction as Vito Corleone, the stalwart head of the New York crime syndicate in The Godfather.
“I guess I’m in a good film here”: Watching Francis Ford Coppola ‘Crying Like a Baby’ Assured Al Pacino That He Was Making History in The Godfather
While Pacino, 84, enraptured fans with a flawless execution of the crafty and ruthless Godfather, Michael Corleone, theApocalypse Nowstar hypnotised viewers as the unrivalled patriarch of the Corleone family. So, the question remains, who did it better?
Al Pacino or Marlon Brando?
Brando’s committment to the Coppola-helmed sensation went deep, so much so that he resorted to method acting and even altered his physical appearance for his role (viaSlashFilm). Despite getting less screen-time than his co-star, he still managed to deliver an Academy award-worthy performance, something that induced Pacino to boycott the award ceremony in ’73.
The ‘Best Supporting Actor’ nomination thatThe Irishmanstar received felt like a slap in the face, especially since he had considerably more lines than Brando.“I was somewhat uncomfortable with being in that situation, being in that world,”he toldThe New York Timesin an interview.
“This is a movie which has violence”: It’s Hard to Imagine The Godfather Stars Were Mooning Each Other With Al Pacino and Marlon Brando on Set
Be that as it may, however, it’s an indisputable fact that both the actors completely emblazed the silver screen with their intensely powerful executions in the blockbuster film.
Pacino portrayed Michael rather impeccably as he transitioned into the Godfather against a gritty backdrop of crime and violence. Meanwhile, Brando’s devoted contribution to Vito’s character, the cold and piercing air of his person was extraordinarily carved within his aura.A Reddit userperfectly described this blend:
“At the beginning, it’s Vito. By the end, it’s Michael.”
“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
And perhaps that’s the most this debate will ever reach, because choosing one out of two seems simply impossible.
The Godfathercan be streamed on Paramount+.
Khushi Shah
Articles Published :857
With a prolific knowledge of everything pop culture and a strong penchant for writing, Khushi has penned over 700 articles during her time as an author at FandomWire.An abnormal psychology student and an fervent reader of dark fiction, her most trusted soldiers are coffee and a good book.
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Al PacinoFrancis Ford CoppolaMarlon BrandoThe Godfather
