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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (April 21, 1972)
J. $ is 3 doily ifiidbssk S(Dfjtmo(n;S 1 K Hi : j V i I 4 V ! 1 ' : X 'Godfather' magnate of the family business Review by Larry Kubert Every now and then, a motion picture comes along that is worthy of being called a major contribution to the film industry. Doctor Zhivago was one of these, 2001 A Space Odyssey was another. And now The Godfather has joined this elite list. The Godfather traces the fall of Cosa Nostra Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), and the rise of his youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) to the role as the new Don. But it's more than this. It's a story with juxtaposing themes. Violence and innocence; revenge and domesticity; and most of all, family unity. This is one of the most impressive features of the films, the love and unity exhibited by the Italian-American family. Based on Mario Puzo's best-selling book. The Godfather, the film begins in 1945, with the marriage of the Don's daughter. While the wedding party waits for him, the Don takes care of "business," listening to pleas for help from his petitioners. This is an important point of the movie-the concept of "business." Don Corleone doesn't consider his activities necessarily illegal, rather they are occurrences in the life of a big business magnate. And anyone who attempts to upset the corporate cart is viewed as dangerous and expendable. The acting in The Godfather is beyond reproach. As has been said by so many people already. Brando's performance as Don Corleone is one of the best things he's done. His muffled, raspy voice tends to disturb one at first, but it b quickly accepted as Brando spins a complex web of characterization, combining the qualities of father and killer into one loved and respected figure that convinces the viewer that he is truly the Don. But although Brando is very good, it is Pacino who almost steals the film from him. Changing from a quiet war hero, who hopes to stay out of the family's "business" and lead a "legitimate" life, into the coo ly calculating, brutal Don at the end of the film, Pacino's transformation is superb. By the end of the film, one almost admires Michael, knowing that the family's "business" and traditions have been left in capable hands. Also turning in fine performances are James Caan as Santino, the Don's oldest son; Robert Duvall as the family's adopted son and consigfiere, Tom Hagen; Richard Castellano as family member Clemenza; and Diane Kenton as Michael's girl friend and later his wife, Kay There is much violence in The Godfather, but then, how do you make a gangster movie without some brutality? Perhaps some of the violence is overdone, but if it is, is given a glossy veneer so that it doesn t stain the overall product One of the most striking scenes of the film is a contrast between innocence and violence, as Michael stands as godfather at a baptism, declaring his love of God and righteousness, as his men load their guns and kill off the family's enemies in a virtual blood bath. One disturbing feature of the film is the intrusion of an intermission at the CooperLincoln Theater, when it is neither needed or wanted by the audience. Director Francis Ford Coppola has done a masterful job with The Godfather, and certainly (unless something exceedingly good comes along) when the Academy Awards roll around next year. The Godfather's mantle piece should have quite a few more statues on it. i ! , r - r ' - (I H ireieTiiwiiiiwiimitt , --. ,nr rioimnyini uric mtr irr rwairnrrir n irinirniiiTMiii ffiMWiifiiiiiTiiiii ii'-inrir-friiiwi iiw f ';ttii ir irr n iminniiriiiinniri rMTKWBManaa i m X new ft used cars .J :m .'.1 YOU CATI C iTiLLivrni . YOU '. n - NOVJ SHOWING Just a person who protects children and other living things .TOM LAUGHLIN DELORES TAYLOR I 'fh : i Hi foflol TM it WiRard "T1m Rain dutwi here at wwthar central, where er SdHneSschweHier, make the weather that IK: " PlAil PCT -TECiSCT.!r- FRCU WARNER BROS. A KlliNEY LEISURE SERVICE lOFj This weekend, kiddies, the tky will be moist. Pioneers Parte will turn into a living sponge. So, its looks like there'll be no playing with flying frtabugi this weekend. Ah, here't e bulletin theft t been footed over to me. And tf the word we'M been welting for. The Tace Kid wOI-1 repest-wHI runHseixtaeotforadotlarepeciel Friday tftrough Sunday. Thet's ell the time we heve, to remember Taco Kkfs special. Ant remember our Weather Bird's Weether Word. And that word Is . . . elevator. Until tomorrow, kiddies, ew river. a ij i. it sm ss 1 1 tin AC IIW) 331-1618 17th ik Van Bom MMTMM Ml cwwmuiiii a PAGE 10 THE DAILY NEB RASKAN FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 1972 ''I