Title: The Godfather
Writer: Francis Ford Coppola
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Year: 1972
Actors: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan and Richard S. Castellano
Marlon Brando
I would classify Marlon Brando as an Interpreter in his type of acting. Although I have not seen the other films that he is known for in his role of Vito Corleone in The Godfather he did a tremendous job of becoming the character and putting his signature on the role by changing the look of his face. He had to interpret the way a mob boss would have acted and interacted with people in their business dealings. He also had to be seen as the family man when interacting with his family outside of the business or his grandchildren, such as in the scene in the garden where he is chasing his grandson.
Al Pacino
I would classify Al Pacino as a character actor. I say this only because every movie I have ever seen Al Pacino in is a gangster or mafia related film. He played Michael Corleone in the Godfather Part I and II and in addition to The Godfather he was known for his role in Scarface. In Scarface he actually played a Cuban immigrant involved in a drug cartel and is well know for his line “say hello to my little friend” and commences shooting and blowing people away. However in the end he meets his demise. This is a very action packed movie and not much different than the story of the Godfather.
James Caan
James Caan played Santino “Sonny” Corleone in the Godfather Part I. Although he is not from an Italian family he fit the role very well. Admittedly I have not seen any of the other films that James Caan was in so it is hard for me to define the type of actor he is. Based on his role in The Godfather I would classify him as a personality actor. In reading his bio on http://www.imdb.com the character of Sonny seems to be fitting of James’s personality. Sonny is shown to be quite the ladies man even having an affair with one of the bridesmaids from his sister Connie’s wedding. This could be a reflection of the real James Caan and could be the reason for his four marriages!
References:
Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014). Film: From Watching to Seeing. San Diego, CA: Bridgeport Education, INC.
Vito Corleone Dies the Perfect Death https://youtu.be/4IRYpjj2_gw via @YouTube
Say Hello to My Little Friend – Scarface (8/8) Movie CLIP (1983) HD https://youtu.be/a_z4IuxAqpE via @YouTube
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