10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Godfather Trilogy
The Godfather Trilogy, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is widely regarded as one of the greatest movie series in the history of cinema. With unforgettable performances and a captivating narrative, it has stood the test of time as a classic. Today, we’ll delve into 10 lesser-known facts about the making of this iconic trilogy that may surprise even the most avid fans.
Studio Resistance:
Paramount Pictures was initially against the idea of casting Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone. They doubted his reliability and professionalism. However, Coppola insisted on Brando, and the rest is history.
Al Pacino’s Struggle:
Al Pacino, who played Michael Corleone, faced opposition from the studio due to his lack of fame at the time. Despite the studio’s protests, Coppola stood by his choice and fought for Pacino to land the role.
A Real Horse’s Head:
The infamous horse’s head scene used a real horse’s head acquired from a dog food company. The gruesome prop shocked many on set, leaving a lasting impression on both the cast and crew.
The Orange Omen:
The use of oranges as a symbol of impending doom was not planned. It started as a coincidence, and the filmmakers decided to continue using the motif throughout the trilogy.
The Godfather’s Cat:
The cat that Vito Corleone pets in the opening scene was not part of the original script. It was a stray cat that Coppola found on set and decided to include in the film, which added an extra layer of authenticity to Brando’s performance.
Mario Puzo’s Influence:
Author Mario Puzo, who wrote the original novel, was heavily involved in the making of the trilogy. He co-wrote the screenplays for all three films with Coppola, ensuring the films stayed true to his original vision.
Robert De Niro’s Audition:
Robert De Niro auditioned for the role of Sonny Corleone in the first film, but James Caan was ultimately cast. De Niro would later play the younger Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, a role for which he won an Academy Award.
Talia Shire’s Real-Life Connection:
Talia Shire, who played Connie Corleone, is Francis Ford Coppola’s sister. She was initially hesitant to audition, fearing nepotism accusations, but her performance quickly silenced any critics.
The Godfather Part III’s Original Title:
The Godfather Part III was initially titled “The Death of Michael Corleone.” Paramount Pictures changed the title, believing it would be bad for marketing, but Coppola still considers the original title to be more accurate.
The Godfather’s Impact on Real-Life Mobsters:
The Godfather Trilogy has influenced popular culture’s perception of the Mafia, so much so that real-life mobsters have adopted certain phrases, styles, and mannerisms from the films.
The Godfather Trilogy remains a touchstone in the world of cinema, with countless memorable moments and unforgettable performances. These lesser-known facts about the making of the films only add to their mystique and enduring appeal. From casting struggles to on-set coincidences, the stories behind the trilogy’s creation are as fascinating as the films themselves.
