@@maylabrown4584LOL he gave that reason to Sollozo and literally a minute later scolded Sonny for letting someone outside of the family know his thoughts... You got sold, friend...
Incorrect the racist line was not said by Vito but by Sonny in real life Marlon Brando was an ally to disenfranchised communities race and sexuality Brando would not tarnish his reputation for anyone let alone a film
One could argue this was the single most integral scene within the entire series seeing as that it set off a series of events that would shape the entire saga
@@joesliva3772 well...if it played out according to the movie plot... - Vito says yes - Vito shares political influence and police protection - Vito and whole corleone family are WHACKED because at this point in the movie, he had no idea that Barzini was the mastermind behind it all- not Tattaglia, whom he thought. - Barzini and the other 3 remaining families control the drug trade, become wealthy and live happily, ever after
RIP Marlon Brando (April 3, 1924 - July 1, 2004), aged 80 RIP Al Lettieri (February 24, 1928 - October 18, 1975), aged 47 RIP James Caan (March 26, 1940 - July 6, 2022), aged 82 You will be remembered as legends.
Crazy that a movie over 50 years old actually has most of it’s main cast still living (Pacino, Keaton, Shire, Duvall, DeNiro from Part II). Plus Coppola.
Richard Castellano (Peter Clemenza), Abe Vigoda (Sal Tessio), Lenny Montana (Luca Brasi), John Cazale (Fredo), Sterling Hayden (Cpt McCluskey) and Richard Conte (Emilio Barzini) are also no longer with us.
@@Drjackdempsey9644 And his great role as Mafia hitman Frank Renda in the Charles Bronson film Mr Majestyk. Alfredo Lettieri was known as the heavy's heavy. He was a truly brilliant actor in his own right.
@@Drjackdempsey9644 Yes, and let's not forget 1974's Mr. Majestyk. Al Lettieri, as Frank Renda, drafts a veterinarian and his buxom wife (played wonderfully by Jack Dobson and Sally Struthers as Harold and Fran Clinton). After Harold patches up a shoulder wound inflicted by Steve McQueen's .45, Harold is dispatched to get some supplies while Frank jostles Fran's ample bosom and makes a cuckold of Harold...it was pretty extreme for 1972. I've never seen an actor who radiated danger as effectively as Lettieri. Upon reflection, Lee Marvin did, but in a different way.
Lucky Luciano was thought to dabble with Heroin. It went hand in hand with his prostitution rings. Most of the Families were careful not to get too carried away with drugs. But the profits were too much to resist. And yes there were kingpins that went too far. Pablo Escobar being the most notorious. He was a "Friend" of the poor and working class of Colombia. So his business was tolerated. But the killings(between Pablo and his Rivals) became too much. Too many casualties among innocent civilians caught in the middle.
However, Vito was right, and wrong at the same time. Not because lack of his vision, but because of his nature; a mafia. He was right for seeing that drug business would ultimately bring destruction of the family. The problem is, he is a mafia after all. Mafia moves for nothing except profits. As Tom and Sonny predicted, drugs have also brought tremendous money. Tangling with Sollozzo might fasten the decline of Vito's regime, but the current was surely changing to the extent that the fall of his kingdom was inevitable.
@@anstjsdlr The lure of big money from narcotics completely changed the game since everyone wanted in on it but inevitably caused a chain of reactions starting from deaths, investigation and ultimately the law is enforced and greatly weakening the Mafia scene. What Vito should've done was not only decline but find a alternative means to keep their gains, prevent the other families from reaching Sollozzo to stop the drug scene from influencing the other families and enriching them, weather the storm of the next 10 years so the families that end up being enriched by the drug trade would end up being dismantled eventually by the police and staying incognito while the heat is focused on the drug families. Maybe Vito had it in mind but what brought down his family was that he underestimated Sollozzo. He was too quick to send Luca to investigate soon after their meeting and by doing so he lost his protection. He should've focused on increasing profitability first to prepare for the future. Someone like Sollozzo had too much potential to be dangerous just by bringing in a new but dangerous racket and being a wild card that the other families would turn to.
Also Don Vito internally: whatever Santino's advice is do the opposite, so.... No it is" Sonny doesn't rule with silent controlled logical power. He rules with his emotions and his emotions rule over him. That is why he could never rule over the Corleone family. He would always be a Capo Regime. Fredo was too weak, immature and disloyal. Tom wasn't Sicilian. That's why it had to come down to Michael or Fat Pete Clemenza to rule. Michael was the right pick. The smart move.
I love that no matter how many times you see this movie (85 for me) there is always some little detail that comes through to remind you what a great thing it is. For example, notice how when everyone stands up signaling the end of the meeting, Sonny sits there an extra second like a whipped dog after the Don has very publicly scolded him for his little outburst during the parley. A thing like that is not an accident. Just beautiful.
I don’t think it’s because he was scolded. I think it’s because he’s in dismay a little bit. He wanted that deal but he didn’t have it. And he was shut down very quickly.
Godfather is one of the rare kind of films where I always rewatch every scene pick every minute detail and psychoanalyze each ans every character. The book by Mario Puzo is in itself a marvel and is so meticulously written detailing each character and his emotion at every instance perfectly.
Man, it's scary. Brando's ability to concretize an emotion with his facial expression is uncanny. He simply BECOMES another person. I used to think that Brando was so natural in the part because, well, that's the way he was. Then I saw him interviewed on Dick Cavett, and of course, he's nothing like Don Corleone. He was just that great.
It's quite a mystery as to why the whole story of Luca was left out of the Movie. In the original Book and in the very impressive prequel "The Family Corleone"(a well written book) the details of Luca painted a pretty grim picture.
@@robertlewis5257 It's a very well written book. And Ed Falco does a nice job of building the drama. And the backstories fit so well. Even though some things were changed. Such as Salvatore Maranzano(in the Godfather) changed to Giuseppe Mariposa(in The Family Corleone. Puzo himself did the screenplay before he dies in 1999.
@Woody Meggs they had to make the Corleone’s intentionally weak. The enemy has to look strong. We have to believe that the Corleones could be defeated and finished. It makes the come-uppance at the end, more unexpected.
You should read The Family Corleone. As brilliant as any prequel to a series. In it we see why Don Vito was reluctant to have Santino join the business.
@Broly It was a signal to Sollozzo that Santino might be interested in the deal. In the Novel, Santino himself would admit this later with much regret. Sollozzo then got the green-light on Don Vito.
@Broly Sollozzo needed backing for his drug racket. He needed the Corleone connections most of all. Killing Vito loses those connections. Don Barzini on the other hand, was the one who wanted Vito out of the picture. Sollozzo was just looking for partners. He wanted to deal with Santino. Don Barzini wanted to be Don of New York. It was he who gave the go ahead on Vito. This Vito discovered at the Five Families meeting. "It was Barzini all along"
@Broly Emilio Barzini was a character of high intelligence and sound reasoning. Almost on par with Vito Corleone himself. Note the Meeting of the Families-ua-cam.com/video/iJH1j_WL8iY/v-deo.html. It was Don Emilio who said " A refusal is not the act of a friend". And notice how the Dons were seated. Don Barzini at the head. Like a masterful poker player raking in all the chips.
@Broly Don Corleone had an extreme wealth of judges and politicians. This would draw resentment form his rivals. It viewed as an unfair advantage. So the point was to eliminate that advantage and even the playing field. If Vito accepts the drug deal, those connections disappear. The Don could sense it being a trap. Remember in the opening of the film. We have Don Vito and Don Emilio embracing each other. Corleone the host and Barzini the guest. In the great Prequel novel -The Family Corleone, we get some good backstory considering Corleone and Barzini. For very long it burned in Barzini to overtake Corleone as THE BOSS. He resolved to be that one way or another. So when Corleone passes on the drug deal, Barzini goes after the Corleone family. The attempt on Vito himself, the massacre of Santino, the attempt at Michael in Sicily. It was All Barzini.
The reason Sollozzo hit Don, was not just because, he knew Sonny was interested. But that, he could also see that Sonny, being a hot head and impulsive person, could be easily manipulated once Don Corelone is bumped off.
On the surface that's what it seemed. A wealth of Police, Judges, and Politicians were in the pocket of Vito Corleone. This bore resentment from the other Families. It was seen as an unfair advantage. Especially to Emilio Barzini. removing Vito gives Barzini overall control. The Tattaglia Family gladly went along. Narcotics went hand in hand with their Prostitution Ring. This gives Emilio the green light to strike at Vito. As Vito himself would realize "It was Barzini all along".
@@vka337 Don Vito was protecting himself and his Family. The Don was always looking at the big picture. He could sense that this drug business was a trap. An attempt by the other Families to take away Vito and the Corleone connections with the Pezzonovante(politicians, Judges). Those connections were The Don Vito's trump card over the other Families. The assassination attempt on Don Vito has Barzini written all over it. The Barzinis were second in power to the Corleones. Don Emilio wanted control of New York. Taking out Santino, and the attempt on Micheal in Sicily was all Barzini.
@@jstube36 you're absolutely right. Cuneo and Stracci probably knew they'd never be able to oppose Barzini or Tatagglia so they went along. If the Don had been healthy and still had Luca by his side he could've all four of them out if he'd been inclined
The flaw is, Don Corleone had the most politicians, officers, judges in New York. From business side, killing Don Vito and eventually eliminating Corleone family is NOT GOOD for business, because those mobsters need these upstairs people to protect their business. And the only obvious way to approach them, is by approaching Corleone family who are already tied very close to those important people in New York. It is very clearly shown during the 5 families meeting, when Barzini and Tattaglia mentioned about Vito's reluctance to 'lend' them those politicians and judges. By killing Don Vito, there will be almost no way to do that, in fact those politicians and judges might go against the other families. All those families need is protection, guarantee of security for their businesses. Thus, eliminating Corleone family bad decision for business.
"My compliments" is a nice foreshadowing of the later scene where Sollozzo takes Tom hostage. He realizes that Tom did his research and could be a valuable asset to him.
The way Sonny tries to slink away unnoticed only for Vito to call him over and scold him like an 8 year old is absolutely incredible. Brando’s facial expressions and demeanor scream disappoints father
It is brilliant the way Sollozzo hides his emotions the momment Sonny opens his mouth. Internally he was like 'This is too good to be true; there are discrepancies between the father and his heir'
The acting in the movie & the way they talk, dress & carry themselves is absolutely outstanding. All of them are great. The guy who played Sollozzo is underrated. I mean that guy nailed that character to perfection, besides Brando & the rest of them.
James Caan's background acting is phenomenal. You can see him itching at the chance to get into the conversation while Vito is giving his refusal to Solozzo.
Sonny's reckless ambition and Fredo's bumbling are what get Don Vito shot. Then Michael, the kid brother who went to college and served in the Marines, steps up and tries to stop the bleeding.
@@4th19th2 He should have. And his father would understand. He didn't want Michael involved in that dark business. Leaving the family is a high price. But he would have been clean.
Also don't you notice that while Sonny was the first to greet Sollozzo and then Tom, Fredo didn't stand next to Sonny and greet Sollozzo. I loved the look on Tom's Face. He was quiet, professional but studios to find a weak link in Sollozzo. Also Sollozzo was a bit of a star F@cker because he knew that doing business with Don Corleone would ahve been a major coup. 😊
I love how literally the exact moment Tom and Vito discuss major business, Sonny just starts chowing down on candies. Lol. Such a subtle, but masterful stroke of genius to show how Sonny would never be able to be a good Don in business.
Oh man if you notice Sonny- he's always chowing on some antipasti. Now look at the scene when they're talking war/business (right before michael pitches the dinner meeting), when Tom and Sonny are arguing and the camera follows them, Tom is trying to take the platters away from Sonny's direction, as if he's already been fed and doesn't need any more meat or wartime delusions
"*Santino.* Come here." Man, I've been called on the carpet with that exact tone and posture before. Anyone who's ever been in trouble with their parents knows this tone.
That would’ve worked with me, so I tried it with my 9 year old daughter but before I could say a word her eyes were already filling up. I don’t think this works with girls :(
That is definite absolute dad energy right there. My dad watched all three Godfather movies and is a huge fan of this saga. So if he tried this move on me if I slipped up, I would submit immediately as his son. Now I’m a grown man but I will always recognize my father as my father. As any good son or daughter should.
Who could have guessed that Sonny opening his mouth would cause all of that chaos... All the way down to Vincent becoming the Don and Michael dying alone.
@@Zanoladab Yes everyone can be careless... but what he means is that women and children can be careless with few or no consequences. But not men... for men the consequences of carelessness can be severe.
It's amazing how many subtleties are in this movie! I just noticed that after Vito rejects the offer (3:17)- when the camera goes back to Salozzo, you can hear a crash in the background (almost like a faint bolt of lighting). The same thing happens when Vito says he has "a sentimental weakness for his children". When the camera goes back to Salozzo (4:06) you hear the faint bolt of lightning again. Plus he gives a slight smile and head nod. To me, this is punctuating Salozzo's thoughts (and body language) during those two points in the scene that 1) Vito had to be killed and 2) that he may have a chance to do business with Sonny with Vito out of the way. Personally I don't think this was a coincidence but just amazing detail by Coppolla..
As much as I love to analyze each & every detail of this movie…. and I can appreciate the focus. Although it could possibly be construed metaphorically as lightning, or actually thunder, you have to take into account that the office was situated above Genco Olive Oil. They seem to be sounds of just work being done, this wasn’t an empty building… people were working, processes are underway. Anyway, great scene in the greatest movie ever made.
I love Brando’s tiny slip up, “It makes, doesn’t make any difference...,” kept in the movie. It’s completely natural, but I don’t think it was intended.
It gives it some realness to it. Fumbling the words is perfectly human. Keeping it as part of the genius. Also much of the film was improvised. Such as "bada-bing". And the Don Vito death in the garden seen was completely improvised. A Brando masterpiece.
@@elperroreggae A polarizing figure no doubt. I'm sure Marlon Brando gained both friends and detractors by sending a Native Woman to collect the Best Actor Award- for the Godfather. Also Brando for some reason did not like to talk about his films in interviews.
Marlon played this role beyond perfect, he was Vito! I always love the reaction shots of everyone after Sonny opened his big mouth, and then Marlon's on the spot remark.
Almost cost Don Vito's life, Sonny is shot dead, Michael takes revenge on Sollozzo, becomes Don, Fredo is sidelined. Just because Sonny couldn't shut his mouth for two seconds.
Al Lettieri was made for the role of Sollozzo. He was an accurate real life representation of his character as described in the book: "Virgil 'The Turk' Sollozzo was a powerfully built, medium-sized man of dark complexion who could have been taken for a true Turk. He had a scimitar of a nose and cruel black eyes. He also had an impressive dignity. Sonny Corleone met him at the door and brought him into the office where Hagen and the Don waited. Hagen thought he had never seen a more dangerous-looking man except for Luca Brasi."
True. One character physical description that changed was that of Fredo. The book has him as a more heavy set description. Also the opening scene with the Undertaker. In the book that meeting was last.
@@jstube36 Yea a few of the characters had slightly different features described in the book than what appeared in the movie but it's easy to overlook those physical differences when you realize how much the actors captured the book characters' personalities. Clemenza was described as "immensely tall" and Woltz was also described as tall but I can't imagine different actors playing those two roles. However I'm still not sure what Puzo meant by describing Sonny's face as a "gross cupid", leaves it up for interpretation I guess.
@@IceveinsProductions Another interesting curiosity. The wonder why Puzo and Coppola kept the whole story of Luca out of the Movie. Anyone who read The Book and the brilliant prequel: The Family Corleone(a very highly recommended and revealing read), Knows what Luca did. makes one ponder why Don Vito sent Luca to the Tataglias. Maybe to unload the baggage. Just a thought.
My old man taught this one important lesson of life... now I'm teaching it to my boy... NEVER DISCUSS ANYTHING TO SOMEONE OUTSIDE THE FAMILY... EVER. Italians gotta love their straight family loyalty.
Just notice how much time is taken with the dialogue. How patient the delivery is. How much they let the silence build between the lines. The reactions and the subtle body languages. This movie is just sublime not only in it's acting but in the writing, direction, environment, sound and effects. It's all so well done. The Irishman might have some top not special effects but the Godfather will always be the true Mafia movie, it birthed a culture not just a fandom. A lot of people's ideas about how the Italian Mafia acted and did business is owed to this movie whether accurate or not. Love this scene.
The genius was Puzo. Using The film to make people want to read the Novel . Then vice versa. Same thing after Part II. The Prequel Novel: The Family Corleone by Ed Falco(uncle of Edie Falco-aka Carmela Soprano), is also highly recommended. Based on a Puzo screenplay. Excellent read. It wasn't meant to glamorize the Cosa Nostra. Puzo was trying to convey an insight into corruption. And how trusted institutions(Courts, Police, Governments, even the Clergy) can be just as crooked as the Mafia.
Here's another interpretation of Sonny's impetuousness causing all the grief that followed. We pretty much accept that Sonny ran his mouth at the wrong time, but what he said wasn't as fatal as the Don staring him down after he said it. That's when everyone notices and the room goes silent. Had the Don immediately gone along with Sonny's question, he might have saved himself all the trouble that followed. Sonny only asks the question due to its improbability, "Wait, are you sayin' the Tataglias guarantee our investment?" Instead of rebuking his son, the Don could have said, "Of course they won't. That's not the way the Tataglias do business. And that's why my answer is final, Signor Sollozzo." Sonny would have nodded in agreement and game over.
It was the point of both Puzo and Coppola to make the reader and viewer think it was Sonny's gaffe that triggered the attack on Vito. Sollozzo used the false motive to cover for the mastermind behind the whole deal. Barzini wanted to control New York. He needed Vito out of the way. It was Don Vito's refusal, as Barzini mentioned at the Five Families Meeting, that was the real trigger.
@@jstube36 There's not question about that. If it had played out the way I proposed, there would be no story. I'm transposing the idea as if it were in the real world. In fact, this is the first time I ever thought about the scene this way (after seeing the film over 50 times). I just noticed Sollozzo's sinister reaction comes not after Sonny says his line, but after the Don rebukes Sonny for saying the line.
@@bikefixer Somehow I don't think attacking Vito was Sollozzo's idea. He needed Vito and his connections. That decision ha to came from higher up. Barzini was wise to keep his name out of it. For him it was a win-win to get the Corleones and Tattaglias fighting each other. Weakening both. Notice at the Meeting of the Families. Barzini at the head of the table. with Corleone and Tattaglia on either side. Barzini looking triumphant. Ready to collect all the chips.
@@jstube36 Yes, getting the Corleones and Tatalgias fighting was Barzini's plan, but Sonny still has to make the verbal miscue so that Sollozzo/Barzini can bypass the Don to make the deal. That's why Sollozzo tells Tom after he's been kidnapped, "Sonny, was hot for my deal." My theory of the case is had the Don picked up on Sonny's sentiment about the Tataglias he may have been able to smooth over the faux pas. Of course, no one is expected to think that clearly so quickly. The Don was so taken by surprise by Sonny's interjection, that all he could do was sit there and be stunned (remember, it took me 50 viewings to think of an alternate strategy). But it also proves Sollozzo's later point that "the Don - may he rest in peace - was slippin'." The younger Vito may have approached the meeting very differently. Maybe he wouldn't meet with Sollozzo at all. In fact, Sollozzo says after Vito is shot, "Ten years ago, could I have gotten to him?" That could mean Vito would have been better protected when leaving his office, or that Sollozzo never expected to meet with Vito in the first place. And let's not forget Vito's second big mistake was sending the brutish Luca Brasi to do a sensitive espionage job. Sollozzo saw through that silly scheme before he even met with Luca. Yeah, the Don was definitely slipping.
Also, I hear what you're saying. Barzini didn't care how it happened, he just wanted the Corleones and the Tataglias fighting each other. so he could pick up what remained after the war. He just used the Sonny miscue as a flimsy reason. But Sollozzo wasn't merely Barzini's stooge either. He had his own agenda, and he was the one who orchestrated the hits on the Don and Luca, so he had some say in the events that transpired.
I love this scene. To the average movie goer this guys seem to come off as friendly to each other. In reality all though they are respectful they are throwing some serious shots at one another.
I actually thought he was a really dumb villain. To get Sonny and Michael and Fredo to go into business with him, he….kills their parents?! Yeah, that will win them over!
@@agathajadwiszczok3503 He made this attempt, because then the three brothers would be forced to make the deal as the five families will side with him to avoid a long war
Think about it this way. If the head of a mafia family or organization in today's world had judges and politicians in his pockets and on his payroll, how wealthy in today's terms would that person be?
I felt it was to show genuine concern and friendliness and in no way come out to be hostile and untouchable. Physical touch is a show of closeness and care.
I saw that as a subtle diss...Vito brushed off the leg of the chair, as if the man sitting in it was making it dirty...and right after he says he's in a dirty business
Vito knows that Sollozo is going to get him in trouble and says "what about his prison records?" He knows that he is problematic and that he must stop him, but according to his children he gives a lot of money and must adapt to the new times. The godfather was right.
3:55 Clemenza and Tom know that Sonny just F up big time talking without his dad's permission, that and it gave away to Sollozzo that Sonny is very much interested in getting into the drug business. Hell, without him speaking up, Sollozzo might not have tried to kill the Don and hope that with Sonny taking over, they can do business.
I Think Tom should've prepared Santino and the family that Vito might refuse the deal. It was Tom who sensed that Vito would not go along. Why he didn't is quite a mystery. The deal was a trap to ruin The Corleones one way or another. It was an attempt to weaken Vito's influence with judges and politicians. Which was seen as an unfair advantage. Don Barzini wanted to be Don of New York. Meaning it wasn't Sollozzo or the Tattaglias that pulled the trigger on Vito. That was the genius of Puzo making the reader/viewer think that. It was Barzini who gave that green light. Sollozzo was willing to take the fall for Barzini.
Brando is such a master of his craft that every gesture counts. When he casually dusts off the armrest of the chair Sollozzo is sitting in, he is signaling to the audience that the Don thinks he is in the presence of a soiled man - and for more irony, the Don wipes it off after he tells Sollozzo he "should be treated with respect." Another time Brando goes beyond the script is when Bonasera asks the Don to "be his friend." Brando looks down at his shoes and fidgets like a 5 year old would because it is a child's question.
What you truly learn to love and admire about this film is the ever so small gestures and little details. Right after tom says the flowers are from johnny the look tom gives vito...sheer admiration and you can see tom is in awe of the don accompanied with utter happiness to be serving the smartest man that he knows. And btw i just farted
It's amazing how one can piece together the lore of the Godfather movies just by the first movie alone. Kind of feels the same way when you watch A New Hope.
It was genius on the part of Puzo who worked with Coppola on the films. The Movie made people want to read the Novel for more details. Then watch the film again. Maybe that's why the film ended the way it did. Leaving viewers with so many questions.
It's interesting, Sonny's tiny slip up had such a profound effect on everything and is what caused the spiral of the Corleone family While Michael kept the business and empire growing and prosperous, his family was destroyed and he lost his soul ultimately dying alone. If Sonny hadn't slipped up, vito wouldn't have gotten shot, Sonny wouldn't have gone to war with the families, wouldn't have gotten prematurely killed, would have taken over the business later when he was more mature And ready for the roll, and would have had his father as consigliary. Fredo wouldn't have felt stepped over, Michael wouldn't have lost Kay or his kids... It's funny how that one line is the catalyst for all the bad things to come.
If Vito doesn't give him that look, it's a lot easier to pass off Sonny's comment as being incredulous that Solozzo would make such a claim rather than saying it 100 percent indicated Sonny's interest.
Francis Ford Coppola used Plants and Flowers beautifully in his powerful acenes in all three parts....Here he used a small Palm plant when Don scolds Santino and a Snake Plant on his desk...and this jumbo bouquet to say nonetheless
I don't understand what that move implies. I see it in many mafia themed movies. Does it mean respect, disrespect, friendliness or intimidation? And how it came to be to mean what it means? And also the half-assed friendly slap or patting on the cheek with the palm of the hand. What's with that?
I saw it as a subtle diss...Vito is graciously pouring Solozzo a drink like a good host, and saying he "heard you're a man to be treated with respect"...then he brushes off dirt from the leg of the chair he's sitting in...I saw that as Vito wordlessly saying he thinks Solozzo is dirty, and not worthy of respect...especially because right afterward, Vito says he's in a "dirty business"
Watching these films at 41 yr rather when I did when I was 18/19 yr things make sense so much more now, I understand how these things work now, the way they speak to each other about certain things. The Godfather 🐐
According to the book, Fredo was actually quite competent to begin with, but lost his nerve after Vito was shot. The incident broke him, and he was never the same afterward.
He was polite, respectful and he gave Sollozzo some very good reasons why he didn't want to get involved. The fact that he also said that their interests don't conflict with each other should have been enough for Sollozzo to end the matter there and go look for someone else to give him the support he needed. Of course, Sollozzo was little more than a front-line soldier working indirectly for Barzini as Vito would later realise.
This was the genius of Puzo. Making us think it was all Sollozzo. It takes a look at the big picture to understand what it was really all about. We ask who has the most to gain. That we find out at the Five Families Meeting. It was all about Emilio Barzini. Barzini becomes the Don of New York with Vito out of the picture. the Tattaglia's went along as Narcotics go hand in hand with Prostitution. Barzini resented the wealth of judges and politicians in the pocket of Don Corleone. It was seen as an unfair advantage. Emilio made this clear at the meeting. He wanted the Corleones wiped out. Which also explains his attempt at Michael in Sicily. As Don Vito said it was Barzini all along".
@@mygoogleemail2063 Not a setup. An offer to play second fiddle. Surprise attack was only plan B in case of refusal. At the meeting, after the mob war with no clear cut winner, Vito agrees to play second fiddle, thus buying time to prepare a surprise strike-back under Micheal.
I have watched this scene hundreds of times, I just noticed the facial expression that Sollozzo makes at 4:00 after Sonny’s gaffe. That’s when Sollozzo may have decided to try the hit on Vito.
The powerful Don should have known they weren't asking. They were making The Don an offer he CAN'T REFUSE! He was too blind with power to see it because if he did see it, he would have told the family to get ready for war after telling them no. That's why Sollazzo told Tom the Don was slipping.
At 0.28 is my Dad's 1941 Buick Limited. It was also used in the restaurant scene when Michael takes out Solozzo and the cop. My Mom and I used that car to go do our grocery shopping. My Dad never had less than 20 old cars.
No. Sonny saw the future profits and thus power and would of went into the drug business. Just like all the other families. But none of them saw RICO. Lol
I just reas a lot of comments its great to see their are so many fans of this movie GF 1 and 2 are the best i can watch them again and again over and over simply THE BEST
The Actor who is playing Solozzo is Al Lettieri. He died when he was in his forties in 1975. He left us way to soon. In addition to the Godfather, he also worked with Steve McQueen in The Getaway and Charles Bronson in Mr. Majestic.
One of the things that obsess me about this scene is how Sollozo is first introduced: you see a glimpse of him from afar, children playing in the background, while Tom is giving his background. Not sure exactly why, but I find the whole scene extremely ominous.
The foreshadowing in the film is amazing. The end of the scene where he tells Tom to get Luca Brasi wouldn't have any impact if Luca's significance as muscle hadn't been established by Michael earlier at the wedding. Here we had the payoff to that scene. Brilliant.
I think Vito knew he was sending Luca into a trap. When we learn the whole story of Luca Brasi, it can be understood if Vito was trying to rid himself of Luca. Very likely Luca was still in such self-contempt over what he did, he wanted so bad to be out of his own misery.
@@jstube36 The death of Sollozzo can be also considered as the death of the classic gangster of the Golden Age of Hollywood: The wiseguy gangster, who talks and dresses like Sollozzo is gunned down by the incorruptible police. Here, he is gunned down alongside a corrupt policeman by the son of a respected member of the community and who himself is a respected member as he is a war hero. This is Coppola's way of telling us, the audience, that this is a new era for the gangster genre.
Some context. Obviously this scene is great on its own but it's even better when you read the book and see how they replicated it here. The scene is from Tommy's perspective and even he admits (despite deep love for Don Corleone) that the Don is at his worst here: dressed too casually, like a peasant. Sollozzo is described as almost looking Turkish - which I agree as a half-Turk - and having a glint in his eye when Sonny makes his mistake, which you can also see. You could argue both in the book and film that the war would happen regardless of what happens here - Clemenza even mentions it later - because narcotics forces the old to adapt to the new. I still regard The Godfather as the best film adaptation of a book because despite all the plot threads they had to leave out, they captured the spirit of the book and even specific details, without saying it outright.
Exactly. This is a small office, hardly the setting for the powerful Don, and it contrasts immensely from the opening in his grand study. You’d hardly believe this man owned that house!
I've got all of Sollozzo's lines indelibly stamped, this scene and all. Played by Al Lettieri, his voice and face plus this potent script, movie magic! Favourite, Sollozzo's face in a later scene in response to Tom reminding him of how tough Luca Brazzi, as he knows something Tom doesn't know. So good 👍
I just realized Sonny gave Sollozzo the idea of talking to him instead of the Godfather, Sonny agreed to the drugs when Vito was very much against it, it made Sollozzo think making a deal with Sonny as the Don would be more successful. Maybe that's why Vito got mad, not just how Sonny's going the other direction and basically disrespecting him, it was because he gave an idea the enemy would take advantage of.
"Why do I deserve this generosity?" Such a stealthy, clever way of asking, "Why do you think I'm an easier target than the others?"
He was hinting he was not happy with the proposed interest of 30%, but Sollozo did not alter his proposal so Vito refused.
One should realize in real life, if any kind of offer sounds too good to be true, it should make one wonder.
@@VersusARCHThe interest had nothing to do with Vito refusing, he saw the business as a dangerous dead end either way.
@@VersusARCHbullshit
@@maylabrown4584LOL he gave that reason to Sollozo and literally a minute later scolded Sonny for letting someone outside of the family know his thoughts... You got sold, friend...
The way he calls over Sonny and scolds him like an 8 year old is genius.
Absolutely CLASSIC! And Sonny didn't dare Talk Back..
@@toddrichardson8595 Firstly, talk back to the don isn't ever a thing. Unless you're looking to get clipped. Or in his case, slapped in the head.
This scene has been cut from the original. Vito talked about other things. I don’t remember what it was but I believe it was racist.
Incorrect the racist line was not said by Vito but by Sonny in real life Marlon Brando was an ally to disenfranchised communities race and sexuality Brando would not tarnish his reputation for anyone let alone a film
@@jehjeh37111 He talked about busting cheeks and tossing salads. It went over the head of audiences during that time.
One could argue this was the single most integral scene within the entire series seeing as that it set off a series of events that would shape the entire saga
You are 100% correct
Alternate ending “My answer, Mr. Sollozo, is yes.”
@@joesliva3772 well...if it played out according to the movie plot...
- Vito says yes
- Vito shares political influence and police protection
- Vito and whole corleone family are WHACKED because at this point in the movie, he had no idea that Barzini was the mastermind behind it all- not Tattaglia, whom he thought.
- Barzini and the other 3 remaining families control the drug trade, become wealthy and live happily, ever after
@@joesliva3772 lol.
@@joesliva3772 FIN
RIP Marlon Brando (April 3, 1924 - July 1, 2004), aged 80
RIP Al Lettieri (February 24, 1928 - October 18, 1975), aged 47
RIP James Caan (March 26, 1940 - July 6, 2022), aged 82
You will be remembered as legends.
Crazy that a movie over 50 years old actually has most of it’s main cast still living (Pacino, Keaton, Shire, Duvall, DeNiro from Part II). Plus Coppola.
Al Lettieri didn't last long o.O
Richard Castellano (Peter Clemenza), Abe Vigoda (Sal Tessio), Lenny Montana (Luca Brasi), John Cazale (Fredo), Sterling Hayden (Cpt McCluskey) and Richard Conte (Emilio Barzini) are also no longer with us.
Don't forgot Richard Castellano aka Fat Clemenza
Yes, AL was a genius
Sollozo one of the best actors I have ever seen, I feel he's underrated
Yes I agree made this one o the greatest scene in movie,s.
@@Drjackdempsey9644 thanks I will like to watch them
@@Drjackdempsey9644 And his great role as Mafia hitman Frank Renda in the Charles Bronson film Mr Majestyk. Alfredo Lettieri was known as the heavy's heavy. He was a truly brilliant actor in his own right.
@Sean Metro ooooo That's a good one! Didn't know he acted in it. Granted, I haven't seen the movie in years. It's time to give it a rewatch.
@@Drjackdempsey9644 Yes, and let's not forget 1974's Mr. Majestyk. Al Lettieri, as Frank Renda, drafts a veterinarian and his buxom wife (played wonderfully by Jack Dobson and Sally Struthers as Harold and Fran Clinton). After Harold patches up a shoulder wound inflicted by Steve McQueen's .45, Harold is dispatched to get some supplies while Frank jostles Fran's ample bosom and makes a cuckold of Harold...it was pretty extreme for 1972. I've never seen an actor who radiated danger as effectively as Lettieri. Upon reflection, Lee Marvin did, but in a different way.
Greatest movie ever. Acting, script, scenery, plot, pace, etc.
Yes
Yep. Perfection.
Debatable
@@AndrewLaRealshut up
Everyone, cast, writers , directors, cinematographer, costumer, were all at their very best.
Al Lettieri (Sollozzo) oozes danger and menace. A phenomenally talented actor.
You mean Andrew Cuomo?
@@patrickc3419???
@@patrickc3419😂😂😂
Nah. Just perfectly casted for the roll. Great casting directors never get credit.
See also the Sopranos and Breaking Bad.
Absolutely awesome actor ,remember him in the getaway with Steve Mqueen
At the end the godfather was right, every guy in real history whos business was drugs is either in prison or was shot dead.
Lucky Luciano was thought to dabble with Heroin. It went hand in hand with his prostitution rings. Most of the Families were careful not to get too carried away with drugs. But the profits were too much to resist. And yes there were kingpins that went too far. Pablo Escobar being the most notorious. He was a "Friend" of the poor and working class of Colombia. So his business was tolerated. But the killings(between Pablo and his Rivals) became too much. Too many casualties among innocent civilians caught in the middle.
However, Vito was right, and wrong at the same time. Not because lack of his vision, but because of his nature; a mafia.
He was right for seeing that drug business would ultimately bring destruction of the family. The problem is, he is a mafia after all. Mafia moves for nothing except profits. As Tom and Sonny predicted, drugs have also brought tremendous money. Tangling with Sollozzo might fasten the decline of Vito's regime, but the current was surely changing to the extent that the fall of his kingdom was inevitable.
@@anstjsdlr The lure of big money from narcotics completely changed the game since everyone wanted in on it but inevitably caused a chain of reactions starting from deaths, investigation and ultimately the law is enforced and greatly weakening the Mafia scene. What Vito should've done was not only decline but find a alternative means to keep their gains, prevent the other families from reaching Sollozzo to stop the drug scene from influencing the other families and enriching them, weather the storm of the next 10 years so the families that end up being enriched by the drug trade would end up being dismantled eventually by the police and staying incognito while the heat is focused on the drug families. Maybe Vito had it in mind but what brought down his family was that he underestimated Sollozzo. He was too quick to send Luca to investigate soon after their meeting and by doing so he lost his protection. He should've focused on increasing profitability first to prepare for the future. Someone like Sollozzo had too much potential to be dangerous just by bringing in a new but dangerous racket and being a wild card that the other families would turn to.
You do not know about the ones that were never arrested or discovered.
“But your business is uh.... a little dangerous.” Great line
Vito: "Santino, what do you think?"
Sonny: "There's a lot of money in that white powder."
Vito (internally): "OK so now I know it's a bad idea"
This comment is genius!
Haha yep
No, no...it wasn't until TOM explained it
Yeah! Basically that’s it, lol!!
Also Don Vito internally: whatever Santino's advice is do the opposite, so.... No it is"
Sonny doesn't rule with silent controlled logical power. He rules with his emotions and his emotions rule over him. That is why he could never rule over the Corleone family. He would always be a Capo Regime. Fredo was too weak, immature and disloyal. Tom wasn't Sicilian. That's why it had to come down to Michael or Fat Pete Clemenza to rule. Michael was the right pick. The smart move.
I love that no matter how many times you see this movie (85 for me) there is always some little detail that comes through to remind you what a great thing it is. For example, notice how when everyone stands up signaling the end of the meeting, Sonny sits there an extra second like a whipped dog after the Don has very publicly scolded him for his little outburst during the parley. A thing like that is not an accident. Just beautiful.
I don’t think it’s because he was scolded. I think it’s because he’s in dismay a little bit. He wanted that deal but he didn’t have it. And he was shut down very quickly.
Godfather is one of the rare kind of films where I always rewatch every scene pick every minute detail and psychoanalyze each ans every character. The book by Mario Puzo is in itself a marvel and is so meticulously written detailing each character and his emotion at every instance perfectly.
To put it in athletic rather than acting terms that's what they say "You can't coach that."
Also the subtle build up, he starts to drink a bit before he makes his interest known which is a pretty cool detail!
Then he tries to slink away unnoticed but gets called back anyway
Brandos facial expressions talkin to Sollozzo was incredible, he was the perfect part for the Don.
Man, it's scary. Brando's ability to concretize an emotion with his facial expression is uncanny. He simply BECOMES another person. I used to think that Brando was so natural in the part because, well, that's the way he was. Then I saw him interviewed on Dick Cavett, and of course, he's nothing like Don Corleone. He was just that great.
That little shrug he does when he’s about to ask why he deserves such generosity, as if to say ‘ok, and..?’ is incredible
The studio executives thought Brando was a has-been and wanted Laurence Olivier to be cast as the Don instead.
@@cnvrgnt Brando's acting in this scene is a great example of beauty in simplicity.
One of the GOAT performances
“And tell Luca Brasi to come in”. The beginning of the end for big scary Luca.
It's quite a mystery as to why the whole story of Luca was left out of the Movie. In the original Book and in the very impressive prequel "The Family Corleone"(a well written book) the details of Luca painted a pretty grim picture.
@@jstube36 i liked the family Corleone
@@robertlewis5257 It's a very well written book. And Ed Falco does a nice job of building the drama. And the backstories fit so well. Even though some things were changed. Such as Salvatore Maranzano(in the Godfather) changed to Giuseppe Mariposa(in The Family Corleone. Puzo himself did the screenplay before he dies in 1999.
Vito's move with Luca was amateur night. Bad mistake. Solozzo saw that a mile away.
@Woody Meggs they had to make the Corleone’s intentionally weak. The enemy has to look strong. We have to believe that the Corleones could be defeated and finished. It makes the come-uppance at the end, more unexpected.
Not even Fredo fucked up in that meeting 🤦♂️
😂
😂😂😂made me lol
😂
😂😂😂
@guillermosilva5905
Great Point!
Everyone one knew Sonny messed up the minute Vito turned around to look at him lol
You should read The Family Corleone. As brilliant as any prequel to a series. In it we see why Don Vito was reluctant to have Santino join the business.
@Broly It was a signal to Sollozzo that Santino might be interested in the deal. In the Novel, Santino himself would admit this later with much regret. Sollozzo then got the green-light on Don Vito.
@Broly Sollozzo needed backing for his drug racket. He needed the Corleone connections most of all. Killing Vito loses those connections. Don Barzini on the other hand, was the one who wanted Vito out of the picture. Sollozzo was just looking for partners. He wanted to deal with Santino. Don Barzini wanted to be Don of New York. It was he who gave the go ahead on Vito. This Vito discovered at the Five Families meeting. "It was Barzini all along"
@Broly Emilio Barzini was a character of high intelligence and sound reasoning. Almost on par with Vito Corleone himself. Note the Meeting of the Families-ua-cam.com/video/iJH1j_WL8iY/v-deo.html. It was Don Emilio who said " A refusal is not the act of a friend". And notice how the Dons were seated. Don Barzini at the head. Like a masterful poker player raking in all the chips.
@Broly Don Corleone had an extreme wealth of judges and politicians. This would draw resentment form his rivals. It viewed as an unfair advantage. So the point was to eliminate that advantage and even the playing field. If Vito accepts the drug deal, those connections disappear. The Don could sense it being a trap. Remember in the opening of the film. We have Don Vito and Don Emilio embracing each other. Corleone the host and Barzini the guest. In the great Prequel novel -The Family Corleone, we get some good backstory considering Corleone and Barzini. For very long it burned in Barzini to overtake Corleone as THE BOSS. He resolved to be that one way or another. So when Corleone passes on the drug deal, Barzini goes after the Corleone family. The attempt on Vito himself, the massacre of Santino, the attempt at Michael in Sicily. It was All Barzini.
I always asked my father for advice and i am glad i did.
93 years old and i was 62 ,
I miss him.
What pop said that would be it.
I'm sorry for your loss, Tony.
I'm 60 and my Papa is 87 (still living). He's always been my rock, my guiding light.
100% Sicilian.
Same here, I always trusted what pops advised when I sought his counsel.
Very sorry for your loss.
A boy needs his father. A man needs his fathers advice
Tom’s smirk at the end, Johnny’s floral gift, was the best.
The reason Sollozzo hit Don, was not just because, he knew Sonny was interested. But that, he could also see that Sonny, being a hot head and impulsive person, could be easily manipulated once Don Corelone is bumped off.
On the surface that's what it seemed. A wealth of Police, Judges, and Politicians were in the pocket of Vito Corleone. This bore resentment from the other Families. It was seen as an unfair advantage. Especially to Emilio Barzini.
removing Vito gives Barzini overall control. The Tattaglia Family gladly went along. Narcotics went hand in hand with their Prostitution Ring. This gives Emilio the green light to strike at Vito. As Vito himself would realize "It was Barzini all along".
It was also the disrespect that Sollozzo thought Don Vito showed him.
@@vka337 Don Vito was protecting himself and his Family. The Don was always looking at the big picture. He could sense that this drug business was a trap. An attempt by the other Families to take away Vito and the Corleone connections with the Pezzonovante(politicians, Judges).
Those connections were The Don Vito's trump card over the other Families.
The assassination attempt on Don Vito has Barzini written all over it. The Barzinis were second in power to the Corleones. Don Emilio wanted control of New York. Taking out Santino, and the attempt on Micheal in Sicily was all Barzini.
@@jstube36 you're absolutely right. Cuneo and Stracci probably knew they'd never be able to oppose Barzini or Tatagglia so they went along. If the Don had been healthy and still had Luca by his side he could've all four of them out if he'd been inclined
The flaw is, Don Corleone had the most politicians, officers, judges in New York. From business side, killing Don Vito and eventually eliminating Corleone family is NOT GOOD for business, because those mobsters need these upstairs people to protect their business. And the only obvious way to approach them, is by approaching Corleone family who are already tied very close to those important people in New York. It is very clearly shown during the 5 families meeting, when Barzini and Tattaglia mentioned about Vito's reluctance to 'lend' them those politicians and judges. By killing Don Vito, there will be almost no way to do that, in fact those politicians and judges might go against the other families. All those families need is protection, guarantee of security for their businesses. Thus, eliminating Corleone family bad decision for business.
"My compliments" is a nice foreshadowing of the later scene where Sollozzo takes Tom hostage. He realizes that Tom did his research and could be a valuable asset to him.
No, it's not.
Well Tom was wrong, Tatalia's a pimp
No lmao,it's sarcasm,tom doesn't know about solozzo and barzini being in this together
Also. Weakness on Tom’s part for even acknowledging that remark. Like Michael says later, Tom not a war time consigliere- stay stone faced
Tom was wrong, though. It was Barzini... Carlo and Sally proved that later on.
The way Sonny tries to slink away unnoticed only for Vito to call him over and scold him like an 8 year old is absolutely incredible. Brando’s facial expressions and demeanor scream disappoints father
disappointed* try and learn basic words.
@@VinnyCarwash-js8opcalm down, spelling nazi
@@VinnyCarwash-js8op no need to be mean man
😂😂😂 Slink away..
@@VinnyCarwash-js8op That's a conjugation of a word.
It is brilliant the way Sollozzo hides his emotions the momment Sonny opens his mouth. Internally he was like 'This is too good to be true; there are discrepancies between the father and his heir'
The acting in the movie & the way they talk, dress & carry themselves is absolutely outstanding. All of them are great.
The guy who played Sollozzo is underrated. I mean that guy nailed that character to perfection, besides Brando & the rest of them.
Al Letteri. Was legit married to the sister of the underboss of the real life genovese family
@@Josh-g7d9tinteresting fact
James Caan's background acting is phenomenal. You can see him itching at the chance to get into the conversation while Vito is giving his refusal to Solozzo.
Marlon Brando, James Caan, Abe Vigoda, Robert Duvall, John Cazale.
Damn it. What a bunch of fookin' legends :D
Now that they are mostly no longer around screws up all my arrangements…
Don’t forget Al Letterei (sorry if I misspelled his name)
Sonny's reckless ambition and Fredo's bumbling are what get Don Vito shot. Then Michael, the kid brother who went to college and served in the Marines, steps up and tries to stop the bleeding.
They died either way.
Michael should've ran away from that life.
That's the big plot element-that Michael, who was being groomed for a legitimate life, different from his father's, winds up immersed in it.
And then Michael went full Genghis Khan on all the other families.... Yeah...lol.
Vito was careless too. He knew Solozzo was an issue and yet went out with no security.
@@4th19th2
He should have.
And his father would understand.
He didn't want Michael involved in that dark business.
Leaving the family is a high price. But he would have been clean.
One of the best films of all time 👌🏻👍🏻
Yes
One thing I loved about Tom is that he was fully prepared.
laminage Yeah, but Tom never the makings of a Varsity athlete...
So he thought. Vito had to SPELL IT OUT for him that it was Barzini all along.
And never gave anything away in meetings with non-family. Always studying the opponent for weaknesses.
😊@@tenfourproductionsllcExactly 💯 👏 👌
Also don't you notice that while Sonny was the first to greet Sollozzo and then Tom, Fredo didn't stand next to Sonny and greet Sollozzo. I loved the look on Tom's Face. He was quiet, professional but studios to find a weak link in Sollozzo. Also Sollozzo was a bit of a star F@cker because he knew that doing business with Don Corleone would ahve been a major coup. 😊
I love how literally the exact moment Tom and Vito discuss major business, Sonny just starts chowing down on candies. Lol. Such a subtle, but masterful stroke of genius to show how Sonny would never be able to be a good Don in business.
He has a sweet tooth Fohgettiboutit!
Oh man if you notice Sonny- he's always chowing on some antipasti. Now look at the scene when they're talking war/business (right before michael pitches the dinner meeting), when Tom and Sonny are arguing and the camera follows them, Tom is trying to take the platters away from Sonny's direction, as if he's already been fed and doesn't need any more meat or wartime delusions
Are you sure? I just think it doesn't signify anything.
@@mad_titanthanos this film is littered every manner of subtlety. Sonny was always easily distracted.
@@rondorthecruel124 maybe. Idk though because they discuss business plenty of times during dinner.
"*Santino.* Come here." Man, I've been called on the carpet with that exact tone and posture before. Anyone who's ever been in trouble with their parents knows this tone.
So basically everyone
That would’ve worked with me, so I tried it with my 9 year old daughter but before I could say a word her eyes were already filling up. I don’t think this works with girls :(
@@justinneill5003I can that attest to that.
That is definite absolute dad energy right there. My dad watched all three Godfather movies and is a huge fan of this saga. So if he tried this move on me if I slipped up, I would submit immediately as his son. Now I’m a grown man but I will always recognize my father as my father. As any good son or daughter should.
Only person sonny feared was his father but you can see he loved his father as well and knows he has disappointed him by his behaviour in the meeting
Who could have guessed that Sonny opening his mouth would cause all of that chaos... All the way down to Vincent becoming the Don and Michael dying alone.
yes, all it takes is one tiny slip of the tongue....
Women and children can be careless but not men
Barzini would have went to war with the Corleone family eventually. Was only a matter of time.
@@thamayor6324 everyone can be careless. Stop this woman and children bs lol 😂
@@Zanoladab Yes everyone can be careless... but what he means is that women and children can be careless with few or no consequences. But not men... for men the consequences of carelessness can be severe.
It's amazing how many subtleties are in this movie! I just noticed that after Vito rejects the offer (3:17)- when the camera goes back to Salozzo, you can hear a crash in the background (almost like a faint bolt of lighting). The same thing happens when Vito says he has "a sentimental weakness for his children". When the camera goes back to Salozzo (4:06) you hear the faint bolt of lightning again. Plus he gives a slight smile and head nod. To me, this is punctuating Salozzo's thoughts (and body language) during those two points in the scene that 1) Vito had to be killed and 2) that he may have a chance to do business with Sonny with Vito out of the way. Personally I don't think this was a coincidence but just amazing detail by Coppolla..
yeah
As much as I love to analyze each & every detail of this movie…. and I can appreciate the focus. Although it could possibly be construed metaphorically as lightning, or actually thunder, you have to take into account that the office was situated above Genco Olive Oil.
They seem to be sounds of just work being done, this wasn’t an empty building… people were working, processes are underway.
Anyway, great scene in the greatest movie ever made.
Nice call, Consigliere.
Actually that was Walter Murch, he is one of the best sound designers and editors in Hollywood's history
Well spotted
I love Brando’s tiny slip up, “It makes, doesn’t make any difference...,” kept in the movie. It’s completely natural, but I don’t think it was intended.
It gives it some realness to it. Fumbling the words is perfectly human. Keeping it as part of the genius. Also much of the film was improvised. Such as "bada-bing". And the Don Vito death in the garden seen was completely improvised. A Brando masterpiece.
Roughly half of the things Brando did onstage were improvised. It was interesting but he had problems with directors for that.
el perro reggae Yeah, method actors are awesome, but they seem to be a pain for many directors.
@@elperroreggae A polarizing figure no doubt. I'm sure Marlon Brando gained both friends and detractors by sending a Native Woman to collect the Best Actor Award- for the Godfather. Also Brando for some reason did not like to talk about his films in interviews.
@@jstube36 Yeah, however, if you're interested in hearing Brando's (only known) stance on the Godfather, check the documentary "Listen to me, Marlon".
Marlon played this role beyond perfect, he was Vito! I always love the reaction shots of everyone after Sonny opened his big mouth, and then Marlon's on the spot remark.
Even Tessio and Clemenza knew their place.
Marlon Brando, my absolute favorite actor. This is easily my favorite performance by him and one of my favorite movies ever.
100%! Favorite actor, favorite performance, favorite movie. What's frightening is how close this film came to not being made at all.
3:51
Probably the single most pivotal moment in the whole series.
Definitely, Sonny officially changes the course of the saga with one interruption
Definitively
Almost cost Don Vito's life, Sonny is shot dead, Michael takes revenge on Sollozzo, becomes Don, Fredo is sidelined. Just because Sonny couldn't shut his mouth for two seconds.
@@Anonymous-rr3tn and with unfinished sentence!
Agreed... Sonny's interruption caused a shit ton of shit to go down
Al Lettieri was made for the role of Sollozzo. He was an accurate real life representation of his character as described in the book:
"Virgil 'The Turk' Sollozzo was a powerfully built, medium-sized man of dark complexion who could have been taken for a true Turk. He had a scimitar of a nose and cruel black eyes. He also had an impressive dignity.
Sonny Corleone met him at the door and brought him into the office where Hagen and the Don waited. Hagen thought he had never seen a more dangerous-looking man except for Luca Brasi."
True. One character physical description that changed was that of Fredo. The book has him as a more heavy set description. Also the opening scene with the Undertaker. In the book that meeting was last.
@@jstube36 Yea a few of the characters had slightly different features described in the book than what appeared in the movie but it's easy to overlook those physical differences when you realize how much the actors captured the book characters' personalities. Clemenza was described as "immensely tall" and Woltz was also described as tall but I can't imagine different actors playing those two roles. However I'm still not sure what Puzo meant by describing Sonny's face as a "gross cupid", leaves it up for interpretation I guess.
@@IceveinsProductions Another interesting curiosity. The wonder why Puzo and Coppola kept the whole story of Luca out of the Movie. Anyone who read The Book and the brilliant prequel: The Family Corleone(a very highly recommended and revealing read), Knows what Luca did. makes one ponder why Don Vito sent Luca to the Tataglias. Maybe to unload the baggage. Just a thought.
@@jstube36 it would have repulsed the audience.
@@jstube36 plus Johnny had his own story as well in the book! If I'm not mistaken he get hooked on drugs as well.
My old man taught this one important lesson of life... now I'm teaching it to my boy... NEVER DISCUSS ANYTHING TO SOMEONE OUTSIDE THE FAMILY... EVER. Italians gotta love their straight family loyalty.
Sammy the bull take care of that lol
Such an overlooked lesson in life!
Just notice how much time is taken with the dialogue. How patient the delivery is. How much they let the silence build between the lines. The reactions and the subtle body languages. This movie is just sublime not only in it's acting but in the writing, direction, environment, sound and effects. It's all so well done. The Irishman might have some top not special effects but the Godfather will always be the true Mafia movie, it birthed a culture not just a fandom. A lot of people's ideas about how the Italian Mafia acted and did business is owed to this movie whether accurate or not. Love this scene.
The genius was Puzo. Using The film to make people want to read the Novel . Then vice versa. Same thing after Part II. The Prequel Novel: The Family Corleone by Ed Falco(uncle of Edie Falco-aka Carmela Soprano), is also highly recommended. Based on a Puzo screenplay. Excellent read. It wasn't meant to glamorize the Cosa Nostra. Puzo was trying to convey an insight into corruption. And how trusted institutions(Courts, Police, Governments, even the Clergy) can be just as crooked as the Mafia.
Sunny was an arrogant, ill-tempered, hot head, but the respect he shows to his Father after a scolding is so well done.
“Never tell no one outside the family what your think again”
I cannot seriously believe I watched this scene hundred times and never noticed FREDO was actually in the meeting!!! 4:17
I know right. Me too 😂😂. The underboss should always be in meetings with the Don. Fredo is an underboss
That's the whole idea.
@@sgvaldehueza Sonny was the underboss at this time, not Fredo. Fredo became underboss when Michaels was the godfather
First I heard
Here's another interpretation of Sonny's impetuousness causing all the grief that followed. We pretty much accept that Sonny ran his mouth at the wrong time, but what he said wasn't as fatal as the Don staring him down after he said it. That's when everyone notices and the room goes silent. Had the Don immediately gone along with Sonny's question, he might have saved himself all the trouble that followed. Sonny only asks the question due to its improbability, "Wait, are you sayin' the Tataglias guarantee our investment?" Instead of rebuking his son, the Don could have said, "Of course they won't. That's not the way the Tataglias do business. And that's why my answer is final, Signor Sollozzo." Sonny would have nodded in agreement and game over.
It was the point of both Puzo and Coppola to make the reader and viewer think it was Sonny's gaffe that triggered the attack on Vito. Sollozzo used the false motive to cover for the mastermind behind the whole deal. Barzini wanted to control New York. He needed Vito out of the way. It was Don Vito's refusal, as Barzini mentioned at the Five Families Meeting, that was the real trigger.
@@jstube36 There's not question about that. If it had played out the way I proposed, there would be no story. I'm transposing the idea as if it were in the real world. In fact, this is the first time I ever thought about the scene this way (after seeing the film over 50 times). I just noticed Sollozzo's sinister reaction comes not after Sonny says his line, but after the Don rebukes Sonny for saying the line.
@@bikefixer Somehow I don't think attacking Vito was Sollozzo's idea. He needed Vito and his connections. That decision ha to came from higher up. Barzini was wise to keep his name out of it. For him it was a win-win to get the Corleones and Tattaglias fighting each other. Weakening both. Notice at the Meeting of the Families. Barzini at the head of the table. with Corleone and Tattaglia on either side. Barzini looking triumphant. Ready to collect all the chips.
@@jstube36 Yes, getting the Corleones and Tatalgias fighting was Barzini's plan, but Sonny still has to make the verbal miscue so that Sollozzo/Barzini can bypass the Don to make the deal. That's why Sollozzo tells Tom after he's been kidnapped, "Sonny, was hot for my deal." My theory of the case is had the Don picked up on Sonny's sentiment about the Tataglias he may have been able to smooth over the faux pas. Of course, no one is expected to think that clearly so quickly. The Don was so taken by surprise by Sonny's interjection, that all he could do was sit there and be stunned (remember, it took me 50 viewings to think of an alternate strategy). But it also proves Sollozzo's later point that "the Don - may he rest in peace - was slippin'." The younger Vito may have approached the meeting very differently. Maybe he wouldn't meet with Sollozzo at all. In fact, Sollozzo says after Vito is shot, "Ten years ago, could I have gotten to him?" That could mean Vito would have been better protected when leaving his office, or that Sollozzo never expected to meet with Vito in the first place. And let's not forget Vito's second big mistake was sending the brutish Luca Brasi to do a sensitive espionage job. Sollozzo saw through that silly scheme before he even met with Luca. Yeah, the Don was definitely slipping.
Also, I hear what you're saying. Barzini didn't care how it happened, he just wanted the Corleones and the Tataglias fighting each other. so he could pick up what remained after the war. He just used the Sonny miscue as a flimsy reason. But Sollozzo wasn't merely Barzini's stooge either. He had his own agenda, and he was the one who orchestrated the hits on the Don and Luca, so he had some say in the events that transpired.
And it was at that moment, without him even realizing, that Sonny sealed the fate of the Corleone family and everyone involved.
How?
I love this scene. To the average movie goer this guys seem to come off as friendly to each other. In reality all though they are respectful they are throwing some serious shots at one another.
Non verbal as well. Brilliant.
1:47 Not a shred of genuine respect on that face
This part was really interesting in the book. It explains how smart Sollozzo was. He kept antagonizing until Sonny finally spoked up.
I actually thought he was a really dumb villain.
To get Sonny and Michael and Fredo to go into business with him, he….kills their parents?!
Yeah, that will win them over!
@@agathajadwiszczok3503
He made this attempt, because then the three brothers would be forced to make the deal as the five families will side with him to avoid a long war
$1,000,000 at that time (1945) is the equivalent of a bit over $14,000,000 today. Makes me wonder how wealthy the Corleone family was.
Think about it this way. If the head of a mafia family or organization in today's world had judges and politicians in his pockets and on his payroll, how wealthy in today's terms would that person be?
I've read the first book and I didn't get the impression they were as wealthy as that- still making their way, but with a strong network
Wealth prior to the 1980’s was much less than it is today. To the average American $1MM in cash in the late 1940’s was a ton of money.
“I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them as you can see” I always loved that line. It’s placed perfectly in this scene too lol
The way he brushes off his leg is his way of letting him know who's in charge.
I felt it was to show genuine concern and friendliness and in no way come out to be hostile and untouchable.
Physical touch is a show of closeness and care.
I saw that as a subtle diss...Vito brushed off the leg of the chair, as if the man sitting in it was making it dirty...and right after he says he's in a dirty business
At 3:18 you hear a door close. I think it metaphorically means the door is closed to sollozzo 🤷♂️
Vito knows that Sollozo is going to get him in trouble and says "what about his prison records?" He knows that he is problematic and that he must stop him, but according to his children he gives a lot of money and must adapt to the new times. The godfather was right.
3:55 Clemenza and Tom know that Sonny just F up big time talking without his dad's permission, that and it gave away to Sollozzo that Sonny is very much interested in getting into the drug business. Hell, without him speaking up, Sollozzo might not have tried to kill the Don and hope that with Sonny taking over, they can do business.
I Think Tom should've prepared Santino and the family that Vito might refuse the deal. It was Tom who sensed that Vito would not go along. Why he didn't is quite a mystery. The deal was a trap to ruin The Corleones one way or another. It was an attempt to weaken Vito's influence with judges and politicians. Which was seen as an unfair advantage. Don Barzini wanted to be Don of New York. Meaning it wasn't Sollozzo or the Tattaglias that pulled the trigger on Vito. That was the genius of Puzo making the reader/viewer think that. It was Barzini who gave that green light. Sollozzo was willing to take the fall for Barzini.
They could, and I wish had made a movie, or at least greatly expanded the role of Sollozzo.
Brando is such a master of his craft that every gesture counts. When he casually dusts off the armrest of the chair Sollozzo is sitting in, he is signaling to the audience that the Don thinks he is in the presence of a soiled man - and for more irony, the Don wipes it off after he tells Sollozzo he "should be treated with respect." Another time Brando goes beyond the script is when Bonasera asks the Don to "be his friend." Brando looks down at his shoes and fidgets like a 5 year old would because it is a child's question.
What an amazing suit they picked for Corleone when he's talking to Solozzo.
What you truly learn to love and admire about this film is the ever so small gestures and little details. Right after tom says the flowers are from johnny the look tom gives vito...sheer admiration and you can see tom is in awe of the don accompanied with utter happiness to be serving the smartest man that he knows. And btw i just farted
It's amazing how one can piece together the lore of the Godfather movies just by the first movie alone. Kind of feels the same way when you watch A New Hope.
It was genius on the part of Puzo who worked with Coppola on the films. The Movie made people want to read the Novel for more details. Then watch the film again. Maybe that's why the film ended the way it did. Leaving viewers with so many questions.
It's interesting, Sonny's tiny slip up had such a profound effect on everything and is what caused the spiral of the Corleone family
While Michael kept the business and empire growing and prosperous, his family was destroyed and he lost his soul ultimately dying alone.
If Sonny hadn't slipped up, vito wouldn't have gotten shot, Sonny wouldn't have gone to war with the families, wouldn't have gotten prematurely killed, would have taken over the business later when he was more mature And ready for the roll, and would have had his father as consigliary. Fredo wouldn't have felt stepped over, Michael wouldn't have lost Kay or his kids...
It's funny how that one line is the catalyst for all the bad things to come.
Yes!
Michael wouldn't have lost Apolonia you mean.
3:53. The way Vito looks at Sonny. He’s silently thinking “I should slap the shit out of you later.”
If Vito doesn't give him that look, it's a lot easier to pass off Sonny's comment as being incredulous that Solozzo would make such a claim rather than saying it 100 percent indicated Sonny's interest.
As a father should. If your kid steps outta line, you gotta set 'em straight.
@@nicholascauton9648 But he's spoiled the children presents it as mostly Vito's fault.
After Sonny shoots his mouth off - that little look Sollatzzo makes noting the expressions of Clemenza and Hagen is directing gold.
One of my all-time favorite movie series ever. Easily the best mob movies.
What brilliant movies and directing. Will never be replicated
I love how Chris from the Sopranos would pull a Sonny in the meeting with Johnny Sack.
I am sorry T
I DEED-ENT
Whatever happened there
I remember when you used to wait in the car.
Francis Ford Coppola used Plants and Flowers beautifully in his powerful acenes in all three parts....Here he used a small Palm plant when Don scolds Santino and a Snake Plant on his desk...and this jumbo bouquet to say nonetheless
3:10 the subtle power move
Brilliant
I don't understand what that move implies. I see it in many mafia themed movies. Does it mean respect, disrespect, friendliness or intimidation? And how it came to be to mean what it means?
And also the half-assed friendly slap or patting on the cheek with the palm of the hand. What's with that?
@@samimas4343 i think thats for intimadation
I saw it as a subtle diss...Vito is graciously pouring Solozzo a drink like a good host, and saying he "heard you're a man to be treated with respect"...then he brushes off dirt from the leg of the chair he's sitting in...I saw that as Vito wordlessly saying he thinks Solozzo is dirty, and not worthy of respect...especially because right afterward, Vito says he's in a "dirty business"
The light in Solozzos eyes are beautifully captured the moment Sonny blurts out. It was in the book.
All that damage Sonny caused just by opening his mouth for less than five seconds! Gets me every time!🤦🏻
Watching these films at 41 yr rather when I did when I was 18/19 yr things make sense so much more now, I understand how these things work now, the way they speak to each other about certain things. The Godfather 🐐
3:50 the moment that everything changed.
it's weird that Fredo didn't start this entire problem
Probably because he wasn't working under his kid brother yet, and he definitely wouldn't dare to talk over papa.
According to the book, Fredo was actually quite competent to begin with, but lost his nerve after Vito was shot. The incident broke him, and he was never the same afterward.
I have the Sollozzo notes here. Tom is quite organized.
*Organizized
He was polite, respectful and he gave Sollozzo some very good reasons why he didn't want to get involved. The fact that he also said that their interests don't conflict with each other should have been enough for Sollozzo to end the matter there and go look for someone else to give him the support he needed. Of course, Sollozzo was little more than a front-line soldier working indirectly for Barzini as Vito would later realise.
It was Barzini all along.
Love Sonny but i dont think the Turk would've had the sack to come after the Don if Sonny had'nt shot his mouth off
This was the genius of Puzo. Making us think it was all Sollozzo. It takes a look at the big picture to understand what it was really all about. We ask who has the most to gain. That we find out at the Five Families Meeting. It was all about Emilio Barzini. Barzini becomes the Don of New York with Vito out of the picture. the Tattaglia's went along as Narcotics go hand in hand with Prostitution. Barzini resented the wealth of judges and politicians in the pocket of Don Corleone. It was seen as an unfair advantage. Emilio made this clear at the meeting. He wanted the Corleones wiped out. Which also explains his attempt at Michael in Sicily. As Don Vito said it was Barzini all along".
Well, it's a lot money in that white powder.
It was alway Barznini. The whole thing was a setup all along. He used the Turk to start a war between Tatallia and the Corelone families.
@@mygoogleemail2063 Not a setup. An offer to play second fiddle. Surprise attack was only plan B in case of refusal.
At the meeting, after the mob war with no clear cut winner, Vito agrees to play second fiddle, thus buying time to prepare a surprise strike-back under Micheal.
@@bobankrsmanovic9398 Is white powder baking soda?
Unbelievable actors. The best film ever made
I have watched this scene hundreds of times, I just noticed the facial expression that Sollozzo makes at 4:00 after Sonny’s gaffe. That’s when Sollozzo may have decided to try the hit on Vito.
The powerful Don should have known they weren't asking. They were making The Don an offer he CAN'T REFUSE! He was too blind with power to see it because if he did see it, he would have told the family to get ready for war after telling them no. That's why Sollazzo told Tom the Don was slipping.
When The Don removes the dirt on sollozzo pants. What an incredible gesture
"Narcotics is the thing of the future." Considering the current opioid epidemic, Tom was about 60 years ahead of the curve.
At 0.28 is my Dad's 1941 Buick Limited. It was also used in the restaurant scene when Michael takes out Solozzo and the cop.
My Mom and I used that car to go do our grocery shopping. My Dad never had less than 20 old cars.
Sonny pulled a "Fredo" on this one
No. Sonny saw the future profits and thus power and would of went into the drug business. Just like all the other families. But none of them saw RICO. Lol
Freido
Nah I don’t think Fredo would be this dumb. He might be dumb but he’s not impulsive. Somehow Sonny happens to be both in this situation.
I just reas a lot of comments its great to see their are so many fans of this movie GF 1 and 2 are the best i can watch them again and again over and over simply THE BEST
The Actor who is playing Solozzo is Al Lettieri. He died when he was in his forties in 1975. He left us way to soon. In addition to the Godfather, he also worked with Steve McQueen in The Getaway and Charles Bronson in Mr. Majestic.
this scene is probably the most important scene. Sollozo saw a window, a weakness and he took it all thanks to Sonny's slip up
True. And you can see the "Oh, s***" look on Clemenza's and Tom Hayden's face when Sonny slips up.
One of the things that obsess me about this scene is how Sollozo is first introduced: you see a glimpse of him from afar, children playing in the background, while Tom is giving his background. Not sure exactly why, but I find the whole scene extremely ominous.
It's like the Devil is coming to tempt them...
A Lot of leadership lessons to learn from this video!!
The actor who plays Sollozzo was great.
The foreshadowing in the film is amazing. The end of the scene where he tells Tom to get Luca Brasi wouldn't have any impact if Luca's significance as muscle hadn't been established by Michael earlier at the wedding. Here we had the payoff to that scene. Brilliant.
I think Vito knew he was sending Luca into a trap. When we learn the whole story of Luca Brasi, it can be understood if Vito was trying to rid himself of Luca. Very likely Luca was still in such self-contempt over what he did, he wanted so bad to be out of his own misery.
@@jstube36 The death of Sollozzo can be also considered as the death of the classic gangster of the Golden Age of Hollywood: The wiseguy gangster, who talks and dresses like Sollozzo is gunned down by the incorruptible police. Here, he is gunned down alongside a corrupt policeman by the son of a respected member of the community and who himself is a respected member as he is a war hero. This is Coppola's way of telling us, the audience, that this is a new era for the gangster genre.
No other actor can play the role of Vito except Brando...he was perfect...
Fantastic🤘😝🤘 the movie The Godfather centres around this Sollozzo meeting.
Great performances by all the actors.
Without marlon brando there wouldn't be a godfather movie
Solozzo had a real gangster aura about him. Sensational acting
I would of just had Tessio, Clemenza, and Tom at the meeting. Pop knew Sonny was a nimrod who would blurt something out. Due to that, it got him shot.
would have* not 'of' you simpleton.
Some context. Obviously this scene is great on its own but it's even better when you read the book and see how they replicated it here. The scene is from Tommy's perspective and even he admits (despite deep love for Don Corleone) that the Don is at his worst here: dressed too casually, like a peasant. Sollozzo is described as almost looking Turkish - which I agree as a half-Turk - and having a glint in his eye when Sonny makes his mistake, which you can also see.
You could argue both in the book and film that the war would happen regardless of what happens here - Clemenza even mentions it later - because narcotics forces the old to adapt to the new. I still regard The Godfather as the best film adaptation of a book because despite all the plot threads they had to leave out, they captured the spirit of the book and even specific details, without saying it outright.
I like that Sollozzo - character. Al Lettieri did a great job.
I'm sure he really cares for your approval.
Don Corleone dressed like a poorer man, so that Solozzo would underestimate him.
As the book. Crazy how this scene is accurate with the novel.
Exactly. This is a small office, hardly the setting for the powerful Don, and it contrasts immensely from the opening in his grand study. You’d hardly believe this man owned that house!
I've got all of Sollozzo's lines indelibly stamped, this scene and all. Played by Al Lettieri, his voice and face plus this potent script, movie magic! Favourite, Sollozzo's face in a later scene in response to Tom reminding him of how tough Luca Brazzi, as he knows something Tom doesn't know. So good 👍
Love how fredo posted in the back just not wanting to be there
Sonny snacking while Tom debriefs the Don; classic leadership skills😅
I just realized Sonny gave Sollozzo the idea of talking to him instead of the Godfather, Sonny agreed to the drugs when Vito was very much against it, it made Sollozzo think making a deal with Sonny as the Don would be more successful. Maybe that's why Vito got mad, not just how Sonny's going the other direction and basically disrespecting him, it was because he gave an idea the enemy would take advantage of.
Hence, Vito telling him never tell anyone outside the family what you are thinking.
#GodblessustodayAmin.
#GoodDayGents.
Brando in this scene is immaculate.
The way Vito gives Sonny a cold stare when he foolishly opened his mouth during the meeting.