“People are shocked to hear that I think of the Godfather series with sadness. I see those films almost as a personal failure. They changed my life detrimentally, even though the world treated them as big commercial successes. Their success led me to make big commercial films ”“ when what I really wanted was to do original and creative films like those that Woody Allen was able to focus on.”
–Francis Ford Coppola
[blockquote] when what I really wanted was to do original and creative films like those that Woody Allen was able to focus on [/blockquote]
Which brings us around to asking: who (or what) was the priority as Coppola made decisions regarding what films to make? Self-reflection and criticism is good, but I can’t get myself to feel all that badly for him.
Kendall (or anyone else), did you read “17 Surprising Steps for Godly Living in the 21st Century” By Leonard Sweet? This quote appears therein. Sounds like an interesting book….
As one who believes “The Godfather” series was the finest morality play ever produced in Hollywood, I’m saddened that Coppola finds himself unable to take pride in his work. The actors gave their best – Pacino and Keaton have never done better work: the juxtaposition of Mafia murder with the Baptism of Michael’s child will always be stunning. I have watched the three Godfather movies several times each – every time I come away from the experience even more convinced that what Coppola did was one of the greatest attempts at moviemaking ever. I never tire of watching it.