The Godfather

Dir: Francis Ford Coppola, 1972 (9.9*)

Best Picture (AA)

AFI Top 100

One of the great American crime films, poetic and dreamlike, thanks to the cinematography of Vittorio Storraro, who began with Bernardo Bertolucci in Italy (see their classic The Conformist). From Mario Puzo's novel that chronicles the life of a Mafia don (Corleone) and his family (led by sons Al Pacino and James Caan, couseled by Robert Duvall), Best Actor winner Marlon Brando turned in a surprisingly effective yet unique performance, actually stuffing pits into his cheeks to affect his speech. The film upset Cabaret for Best Picture, which had won 8 Oscars (a record for non-Best Pics) to Godfather's 2 at that point, the audience gasped, realizing that perhaps Price Waterhouse got an offer they couldn't refuse! 3 Oscars

Quote: I made him an offer he couldn't refuse. (Marlon Brando)