Apparently, directors and producers occasionally clash over casting, budgets, etc. Once you’re past that shocker, there’s not a whole lot new here. Some behind the scenes stories of Puzo, Coppola, Evans, et. al., and casting decisions and dilemmas are the highlight of the book. A lot of the focus on the Italian pride, and ownership (as well as renunciation) of the Italian-American organized crime experience. I’m a big fan of the movie, but I’m sure it’s an unpopular opinion when I state that Brando’s portrayal of Vito Corleone was not the best part of the movie for me. It’s always struck me as cartoonish, like a Sicilian Captain Jack Sparrow, in another movie from the rest of the cast. Perhaps it was meant that way. I never felt sympathy or respect for the character, as the author seems to claim the film is able to elicit. It’s Michael who has the arc leading to his fall (ironically being his ascension to the title character), so it’s always been Pacino’s movie to me. All in all, a decent book to pass the time, but not a world beater.
Review from Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli →