Among the many mafia gangster films made across the world, throughout the history of cinema, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather trilogy will forever remain the most iconic. With a screenplay by Mario Puzo and starring an incredible ensemble cast involving Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, and more, the movies now occupy a distinct place in Hollywood’s Hall of Fame.
Even after all these decades, the trilogy serves as an inspiration to many, proving its outstanding legacy. Often, a few details from the set are revealed, bringing the movies back into the limelight. Recently, after the release of The Godfather trilogy on 4K UHD for its 50th anniversary, the cast and movies are back in discussion for their antics on set.
The Godfather Cast Loved to Moon Each Other on Set
Just a few years ago, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather completed 50 years of its release. The nitty-gritty serious crime drama has since become part of popular culture and continues to be enjoyed by many. A true classic in every sense, it was Coppola’s direction, Mario Puzo’s writing, and the brilliant performances of the cast that the entire trilogy has become such a huge success.
Upon the completion of its 50th anniversary, Paramount Home Entertainment released the trilogy on 4K UHD, containing some delightful features along with improved visuals. Among its many features is an interview with the on-set photographer, Steve Schapiro. His interview not only offers some insight into the sets of the violence-laced epic but also reveals the many shenanigans of the cast members despite the serious tone of the film.
This is a movie which has violence. It has things of that sort. And yet, after every take, the cast was just happy as a lark. Relatives were there very often. The cast kept mooning each other. It was very, very relaxed. This is a serious movie and yet the cast in the whole filming was very relaxed.
A shocking but hilarious revelation by Schapiro, it is hard to imagine the cast engaging in mooning each other despite the presence of Al Pacino and Marlon Brando on set. Although we do not know whether they too often joined in on the prank, it is nonetheless startling to think how a serious drama such as The Godfather was ever shot in such conditions.
Nobody Believed Marlon Brando’s The Godfather Will Be a Success
The Godfather trilogy is now one of the most critically acclaimed movies ever to have been made. No less than a cinematic masterpiece, each film beautifully captures the essence of the theme and depicts the brutal gangster life. Known for its gripping storytelling, memorable characters, and iconic quotes, the complex and dynamic film set within the mafia world has captivated audiences for generations.
The extraordinary performances by Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone and Al Pacino as Michael Corleone are often hailed as some of the greatest in cinematic history. Yet, when Francis Ford Coppola was making the film as a 29-year-old penniless young filmmaker, nobody believed his movie would be a success (via GQ).
I was always on the verge of about to get fired. And a lot of my choices were immediately discarded. I wanted Al Pacino… they said, ‘That’s ridiculous’… I wanted Marlon Brando… they said, ‘Oh, he’s a lot of trouble and no one’s going to see his films anymore.’…
From the movie’s visual settings to the time period, the studio disagreed with Coppola on basically everything. After he finished the film thanks to his ability to twist through challenges and deal with adamant studios, the filmmaker was told it was a terrible movie.
While the studio officials would definitely have had a good time eating their cruel words, everybody involved in the film is now part of a glorious legacy. The film’s impact on popular culture is undeniable and has influenced countless works in film, television, and literature. The Godfather trilogy truly does stand the test of time as a monumental achievement in filmmaking.
The Godfather trilogy can be streamed on Paramount+.
