Only a few films have managed to do what The Godfather did. The 1972 film by Francis Ford Coppola starring Al Pacino is one of the greatest and most influential films of all time and you cannot have a conversation about Hollywood’s best works without mentioning it. Everything from the cinematography and direction to the cast and storyline was absolute perfection.
While the film went on to become a cultural phenomenon, there was no way the cast and crew could have guessed the level of impact The Godfather would go on to make. However, Al Pacino once recalled a moment from the set involving Francis Ford Coppola which made him realize just what a gem of a film he was in.
When Al Pacino Stumbled Across a Distressed Francis Ford Coppola
Al Pacino played the role of crime boss Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando)’s youngest son, Michael Corleone. Towards the end of the movie, Vito suffers a heart attack and passes away. According to Pacino, filming this scene made him realize Francis Ford Coppola’s passion for the project.
In an interview with The New York Times for the film’s 50th anniversary back in 2022, Pacino recalled the funeral scene for Brando’s character. He stated that since the sun was going down, the shoot was over for the day and he was excited to get to go home.
When he was on his way back to his camper, he came across a distraught Coppola. Pacino recalled,
You remember the funeral scene for Marlon, when they put him down?It was over for the evening, the sun was going down. So, naturally, I’m happy because I get to go home and have some drinks. I was on the way to my camper, saying, well, I was pretty good today…
…I had no lines, no obligations, that was fine. Every day without lines is a good day. So I’m going back to my camper. And there, sitting on a tombstone, is Francis Ford Coppola, weeping like a baby. Profusely crying.
What was it that made Coppola weep like a baby? Let’s take a look at what Pacino stated happened next.
The Director’s Passion for The Godfather Touched Al Pacino’s Heart
After seeing his director in such a state, Pacino must have been absolutely worried. Deciding to find out the root of the problem, the actor approached Coppola and asked him the reason behind his tears.
Being the perfectionist that he is, Coppola revealed that he was upset because he was not allowed to do another take for Vito’s funeral scene. Perhaps his disappointment came from the possibility that he was not entirely pleased with how the scene had happened.
When Pacino saw Coppola crying profusely over a missed take, he realized that he was part of a film that was going to make history in the future.
And I went up to him and I said, Francis, what’s wrong? What happened? He says, ‘They won’t give me another shot.’ Meaning, they wouldn’t allow him to film another setup. And I thought: OK. I guess I’m in a good film here. Because he had this kind of passion and there it is.
Coppola’s passion was one of the biggest reasons why The Godfather was able to do everything that it did. Both critics and fans widely appreciated the film which has several accolades to its name including nine Oscar nominations and three wins. Coppola himself won a Golden Globe and a Directors Guild of America award for his contribution as a director.
It has been over 50 years since The Godfather was released in theatres. However, not many movies have come close to touching the bar it set.
You can stream The Godfather on Paramount+.
