The Godfather: The Making, The Cinematic Legacy and the Movie Posters
Released in 1972, 'The Godfather' is widely celebrated as one of the greatest films in cinema history. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name, this crime drama has had a profound impact on the film industry and popular culture. Its creation, cast, and subsequent success are testaments to its enduring legacy.
So, How Did The Movie Happen?
The journey of 'The Godfather' began with Mario Puzo's 1969 novel, which captivated readers with its depiction of the Corleone crime family. The novel’s success attracted Hollywood attention, leading to a bidding war. Paramount Pictures acquired the film rights, and Puzo was enlisted to co-write the screenplay with director Francis Ford Coppola.
Coppola, then a relatively young director with a few successful films under his belt, was chosen for the project partly due to his reputation for bringing a nuanced approach to storytelling. Despite initial reluctance from Paramount about Coppola’s casting choices and creative decisions, his vision for the film would eventually redefine gangster cinema.
The Making of the Film
Filming 'The Godfather' was no small feat. The project faced numerous challenges, from budget constraints to behind-the-scenes conflicts. The film was made with a budget of approximately $7 million, a modest sum by today's standards but significant at the time. The production took place primarily in New York City, with several scenes filmed in and around the city to capture its authentic atmosphere. Notably, the film's famous opening scene, featuring the wedding of Connie Corleone, was shot at the historic and iconic Villa Romano in Staten Island.
Coppola's direction was complemented by Gordon Willis’s cinematography, known for its distinctively dark and atmospheric lighting that added to the film's brooding tone. The film’s editing, done by William Reynolds and Peter Zinner, also contributed significantly to its storytelling style.
The Cast and Their Selection
The casting of 'The Godfather' played a crucial role in its success. Marlon Brando, who portrayed the patriarch Vito Corleone, was an unconventional choice for the role. Brando's casting was initially met with skepticism by Paramount, but Coppola insisted on him due to Brando’s powerful screen presence and his ability to bring depth to the character. Brando’s portrayal won him the Academy Award for Best Actor, although he famously refused the Oscar in protest against Hollywood's portrayal of Native Americans.
Al Pacino, then a relatively unknown actor, was cast as Michael Corleone. Pacino's performance was pivotal in establishing him as a major talent in the film industry. Similarly, James Caan and Richard S. Castellano were cast as Sonny Corleone and Clemenza, respectively, both bringing strong performances that contributed to the film's dramatic impact.
The Godfathers Success
'The Godfather' was a commercial and critical success. It grossed approximately $250-291 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the 1970s. Its influence extended beyond the box office, as it received numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola).
The film’s success cemented its place in cinematic history and led to two sequels, The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990). The Godfather Part II also received critical acclaim and won several Oscars, including Best Picture, making it one of the few sequels to achieve such success.
Movie Posters and Promotional Material
The promotional campaign for The Godfather featured iconic movie posters that have become collector’s items. The most famous poster, designed by artist Saul Bass, for the US release posters features a simple yet striking image of a puppet hand holding strings. This minimalist design effectively encapsulates the film's themes of power and control. This design was also used on the Australian Daybills with a striking side profile of Vito Corleone.
US 'The Godfather' Movie Posters
The two posters below are the US 1 Sheet and the US Insert. Both have the identifiable US 'R' rating censor stamp on the bottom left, copyright and ownership information by the National Screen Service (NSS) in the bottom margin, as well as the number identifier of '72/54' representing the year of release 1972 and the 54th movie the NSS registered for that year.
International One Sheet
The International One Sheet, also printed in the US by NSS, is almost identical to the US One Sheet, except the 'R' rating censor stamp is missing in the bottom left of the poster.
Australian 'The Godfather' Movie Posters
The Australian One Sheet was somewhat different to the US version, changing to a full-colour photographic design.
The Australian Daybill had two printings for the initial release. The first printing was black and red and is the more desirable of the two. The second printing was black and orange.
UK 'The Godfather' Movie Posters
The UK original release posters (UK One Sheet and UK Quad) used the same artwork as seen on the Australian Daybill.
All the posters designs are noteworthy for their use of symbolism and stark imagery, which helped to create a sense of intrigue and gravitas around the film. The promotional materials and posters have contributed significantly to the film's legacy, often being referenced or parodied in popular culture.
The posters continue to be highly valued by collectors and prices in recent years have continued to rise.
If you would like to see what original The Godfather posters Movie Posters Australia has available, click here.
Conclusion
The Godfather remains a monumental achievement in filmmaking, not only for its rich storytelling and character development but also for its influence on the gangster genre and cinematic arts. Its production was marked by creative risks and challenges, but the resulting film has left an indelible mark on cinema. With its masterful direction, memorable performances, and iconic imagery, The Godfather continues to be celebrated as a cornerstone of film history. And its movie posters continue to be sort after by collectors world wide.
