The Godfather

Many believe, as do I, this was one of the greatest movies ever made.  It set the precedent for gangster films, and even movie-making, worldwide.  The screenplay was flawless.  The music, cinematography, sound, editing: fabulous.  The acting is so great (maybe not Talia Shire?) that you do not see actors that portray characters.  Instead, you eavesdrop on real people in a real story in time.  

The casting is spot-on (in spite of all the haggling prior) and starred the legendary Marlon Brando.  It launched the careers of so many movie icons: Al Pacino, Robert Dinero(later in Godfather 2), Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, James Caan, and Francis Copella; to name a few.  It’s a masterpiece, and if Copella had done nothing else, he would still have cemented his place in movie-making history with this great work.

Having said all that, let Mr Rude change into Mr Woke and give this film the tongue lashing it deserves.

Mr Woke’s Review:

I found this movie offensive and appalling.  It’s like, the movie showed all Italian Americans as criminals and that is so not true.   

At the wedding, Jonny Fontaine whines to the Godfather and almost starts to cry, as all men should on a daily basis.  The Godfather gets pissed at this, slaps Johnny and tells him to “act like a man”, whatever that’s supposed to mean.  Vito Corleone then proceeds to mock Jonny.  Hmmmmm.  Ah, excuse me, but where does this “person” get off treating another human being like this? Such toxic masculinity! This scene was disturbing. 

And when the five families meet to discuss a truce, did you notice that they are ALL WHITE MEN?  Not a single woman.  No diversity.  Just lily white, heterosexual men.  Total lack of inclusiveness.  This made me feel so marginalized.  

At the end, did you see how Michael “mansplained” to Kay about her “asking about his business”? And then he flat out lies to her.  Like, who is he? That man needs serious counseling.

This movie has no sympathy or care for the environment, with all the smoking and combustion vehicles.  Really, the whole mafia culture seems oppressive and mean.  I do not approve and I do not appreciate that.  

To regain my sanity, I had to isolate myself in a safe space with blanket, puppy and “woke pop” music for three days.  This movie made me fear for my safety.   

Do yourself a favor and do NOT see this monstrosity! Thank you for listening.