The Godfather & The Godfather part 2

 

I had seen bits of north these films  before- Not the whole shebang. I remember the  sojourn to Sicily.

As I have made a point this year of seeing those films I thought I should see

 I decided to  sit down and watch both films all the way through. 

I do like the scenes in the old country it reminds me of Northern Peru 

I did not realize Diane Keaton was in this film. Lots of action in and about Radio City, I note too

New York seems cold in this film. I wonder if it was a bitter winter when this was filmed. 

One of the professors at school used the Godfather to illustrate the Roman system of patronage. I know realize that he  confused the undertaker and the baker.

I like the fact that the beginning, and the end of the film mirrored each other. The daughter's wedding and Vito's daughter's child baptism.  

I liked Robert Duval best in this film. I have always enjoyed his work - I must see Preacher when I have a moment. As I said it is a bravura performance by Al Pacino and Brando

I note the priest performing the baptism asks the congregation if they reject all  of Satan's pomp Interesting to hear it said like that. This is a very pre Vatican 2 film

The Godfather part 2

I liked this film a lot more. All though both are period pieces I think the setting and the use of a foriegn language make the second film richer Of course I liked Robert De Niro's performance in particular.

 I would have preferred a straight prequel with his story- but apparently that is due to the film's screenplay drawing off a novel

It was great to see Lake Tahoe, something I have only heard about second hand

I felt sorry for Roth as I know he is an amalgam of many Jewish gangsters- in particular Meyer Lansky. Who despite his sick son, would not be able to find shelter in Israel 

Cuba before the revolution was fascinating too- The sexual theatre, the bribes.

 I would have liked more here.