In Hollywood, if you were to ask any actor or filmmaker, it becomes evident that Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 masterpiece, The Godfather, holds a prominent position among the finest films ever made. Featuring a remarkable cast including John Cazale, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton, and Marlon Brando, this movie is renowned for its intricately crafted storyline and unwavering commitment to achieving cinematic brilliance.
The Godfather weaves the tale of the Corleone family, a mafia dynasty, and the reluctant ascent of the youngest son, Michael, into a position of leadership, embodying the American dream and inheriting a legacy of success. While Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Don Vito Corleone has dominated headlines for decades due to his remarkable performance, it’s Al Pacino as Michael who emerges as the more potent figure, portraying an emotionally intricate character within the world of organized crime.
Al Pacino Was Initially Rejected For The Lead Role
Al Pacino’s fortune took an unexpected turn when he secured the role, as Francis Ford Coppola later disclosed the intriguing reason behind the initial rejection of the actor.
Sharing a segment of Al Pacino’s audition tape for the character of Michael Corleone on his Instagram, the director remarked, “The interesting thing here, was a reason given to me against casting Pacino was not only was he too short, but also too ‘scruffy‘.”
“So we got him a haircut and dressed him more non-scruffy and more collegiate, and then the criticism was he so cleaned up, he lost some of his natural appeal. I realised they just didn’t want Al, no matter whether tall or short, scruffy or collegiate…The first ‘too scruffy’ haircut was given to him by my wife, Ellie. For the second haircut, we went to a local barber, and he found out it was for a Godfather actor; he had a heart attack.”
Prior to his role in The Godfather, Pacino was not yet a major movie star, but he had earned a strong reputation as a respected thespian and had appeared in various smaller film projects.
Al Pacino Almost Lost His Lead Role
Al Pacino’s path to industry stardom was nearly thwarted by the potential casting of Robert Redford, but ultimately, Pacino became a household name, thanks to the bold decision of director Francis Ford Coppola. Surprisingly, Robert Redford was a strong contender for the role of the young Michael Corleone in the iconic gangster film, The Godfather.
Despite the studio’s push for a more recognizable face, Coppola held firm and recognized potential in the relatively lesser-known Al Pacino, casting him in the role. This decision, as fate would have it, transformed Redford’s missed opportunity into a boon, propelling him to shine in the highly acclaimed heist film The Sting, while Al Pacino’s portrayal of Michael Corleone catapulted him into the stratosphere of superstardom.
Redford’s endeavor proved incredibly prosperous, receiving both critical accolades and commercial triumphs. The film dominated the 46th Academy Awards, securing a remarkable ten Oscar nominations and clinching an impressive seven wins.
Source: Farout
