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Film Visionaries, Saint Marys, OH (2025)

02/10/2025

🎥 The Godfather 1974
"I don't feel like I have to delete everybody, Tom. Just my enemies, that's all."
Michael has an incredibly difficult time throughout The Godfather Part II, with an assassination attempt on him at the beginning of the movie creating an atmosphere of distrust that lasts throughout. Michael spends the rest of the movie identifying all of his enemies and systematically eliminating them, showing off his strategist prowess. Even Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) is surprised by the extent of Michael's plans, but as this quote shows, Michael was a surgeon despite the ruthlessness of his actions, which made him even more formidable.

02/10/2025

Improvised Scenes That Made The Godfather Breathtaking
As scripts go and actors are expected to adhere to their lines, some improvised scenes, however, occur during filming that are permitted by the filmmakers which makes the picture so real and loveable. Here are a few of them:
1) Chief of this is the acting of Marlon Brando. At many times, the legend's lines were displayed to him on a cardboard and held up for him to go along with as he acted. If you didn't know this, you'd have sworn he was reeling out his lines offhand.
2) The cat in the first scene, with the undertaker: Reports suggests that the cat strayed into the scene and hopped on Brando's laps. Marlon, like the legendary act he is, stroked the cat's body and went about his acting like normal. Ingenious.
3) I love it when young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) is speaking to Landlord, Signor Roberto, about the eviction, and some passerby says "hello" to him. This was totally improvised, yet, De Niro replies and just goes along with it. Coppola was persuaded to leave it in eventually.
4) "Leave the Gun, take the cannoli," Corleone Captain, Peter Clemenza, tells Rocco after the latter shoots the traitor, Paulie, in the car.
The original script only includes "leave the gun." However, being the foodie that he is, Clemenza couldn't help but rescue the cannoli and so he screamed, "take the cannoli." Dead men don't eat cannolis after all. So, no point leaving the cannoli with Paulie's ghost 😉 😆

02/10/2025

Something that doesn’t get touched on closely enough in any of the films is that, unlike Luca Brasi to Vito Corleone, Al Neri became not just Michael Corleone’s unfailingly faithful strongman, but Al also turned out to be Michael’s closest friend.
As Vito had saved Luca from death and himself, so did Michael rescue Al Neri, who had once been a brutal, but fair policeman, who meted out punishment to criminals as he saw fit, if often outside the boundaries of the law. That eventually caught up to Neri, and he was in jail on murder charges of a pimp and drug-pusher, who was guilty of far worse crimes than what Neri was charged with.
At his lowest point, with the Grim Reaper staring down at Neri, Michael made it possible for Al to walk out of jail a free man. And, Neri repaid Michael with unwavering loyalty for the rest of their days.
As for Vincent, well…..I understand why some might think he was inept, but he was actually very smart. Yes he was just a hothead like his deceased father, Santino Corleone.
Despite that, he was smart enough to pick up on the fact that two thugs had sneaked into his apartment to murder them, and both disarmed them, wrung out all the information he could from them, and then disposed of them, all without getting arrested or spending any time in jail.
After that, he masterminded the plot to take out his enemy, and the man who was sh*t-talking Michael Corleone all over New York, Joey Zasa, and by taking a page out of Al Neri’s playbook, by donning a police uniform.
Neri was in on the planning of Joey Zasa’s assassination, so Vincent doesn’t get all the credit, but Vincent did all the heavy lifting, so he gets credit for scoring the winning touchdown, so to speak.

02/10/2025

In The Godfather, why did Tom Hagen think Clemenza was the traitor when it was actually Tessio?
Tom didn’t “…think it was Clemenza…”
He thought if either capo would turn, it would be… Clemenza.
What’s the difference? It’s not assuming anything definite, but not taking anything for granted either.
Until Clemenza or Tessio betrayed Michael, what Tom thought is what Michael thought — that whomever brought Michael the offer for a meeting with Barzini would be the traitor.
That could actually have been anyone. That included Tessio and Clemenza, but it also included — if we’re retconning Frank Pentangeli and Hyman Roth into the mix — Pentangeli or Roth. Or even Al Neri. Or Rocco Lampone. Or anyone. Even Tom or Fredo.
But from Tom’s point of view, it was not that he believed Clemenza to be a traitor outright. It was just a matter of speculating, “IF… one of the capos was to turn, who might… be the one to do it?”
It was more like thinking, “Well, it’s not supposed to rain tomorrow, and I don’t necessarily think it will, but there are some clouds in the sky right now, so if it does rain, so do I think it will it be a heavy downpour or just a light drizzle?”
Either way, you might want to keep an umbrella handy.
Michael’s plan to let Tessio think the meeting was a go was the umbrella.
But for Tom, it was some hypothetical rationalizing more so than flat out deciding he believed one or the other of the long-time capos would turn on Michael.

02/10/2025

Barzini most likely wasn't aware as to who would betray Michael. One could speculate he hoped it would be Tessio.

Barzini was chipping away at all of the territories that were owned by the Corleone's and everyone associated with them. This included Tessio. In the book Tessio had said that the family had to approach this from a place of strength, not weakness. He complained about how Barzini chipped away at his territory. Michael wouldn't allow him and Clemenza to find new men. He was trying to trap Barzini by making his belly full.

Barzini believed as Tessio that Michael would fall as he approached the circumstances from a weak place. He never considered that he was being set up.

02/10/2025

The groom, Carlo Rizzi, was the son of a Sicilian father and mother from northern Italy, from whom he had inherited blond hair and blue eyes. His parents lived in Nevada, but Carlo had left that state due to a small problem with the law. In New York met Sonny Corleone and through this Connie. Don Corleone, of course, sent some of his friends to Nevada to find out what kind of trouble Carlo had had with the police: it turned out to be a simple juvenile recklessness with a gun; nothing serious, so without much difficulty it was possible to get it unregistered so that the record of Carlo was immaculate. In addition, the Don's envoys had taken the opportunity to get detailed information about the game in Nevada, and it was so much Corleone's interest in the matter that he began to consider making a major investment in Las Vegas. Part of the Don's greatness was that he knew how to make the most of everything.

02/09/2025

When… Simonetta Steffanella/Apollonia….appears in the second half of…”The Godfather”/1972……it’s as if the movie becomes a dream.
……”Beauty Can Never Be Explained In Words”….
Michael is taken by her beauty and innocence. He hadn’t been around any woman for about 1 1/2 years.
He was lonely for America.
Their scenes together walking around the verdant streets of Sicily is a breath of fresh air.
In contrast to Michael Corleone’s noirish, bloody existence in New York City.

02/09/2025

Connie Corleone wasn't she a beauty. Thin and edgy, she had all odds of becoming a grumpy old lady. But that day, with her white wedding dress and her virgin air, she looked almost beautiful. Under the wooden table, her hand rested on one of Carlo's strong thighs, while Cupid's thick lips blew a kiss to her already husband. I found Carlo to be incredibly handsome. Still very young, Carlo Rizzi had worked as a brigade in Nevada, and as a memory of those years, he possessed tremendously muscular arms and shoulders that threatened to break the tuxedo. He gazed at his wife's loving eyes and served him wine. He was remarkably courteous to her, as if he were performing a comedy. However, her eyes often went to the silk bag the bride was carrying on her right shoulder, which was already full of money envelopes. How many would there be? Ten thousand? Twenty thousand? Carlo Rizzi smiled. It was just the beginning. After all, he was part of the family now. They should have to keep him.

02/09/2025

Don Corleone had no desire or intention to let his youngest son die in the service of a country he deemed strange. Secret arrangements were made and some doctors were bribed. Preparing all that cost a lot of money, but Michael was twenty-one years old and nothing could be done against his will. He finally got lined up. He fought in the Pacific, became captain, and received several decorations. In 1944, Life magazine published a graphic account of his many achievements. When a friend showed the magazine to Don Corleone (his family hadn't dared it), after throwing a growl of disdain, he said, "Perform these stunts at the expense of strangers." Michael was discharged in early 1945 due to an injury, without the slightest suspicion that his father had made all arrangements for his discharge. He stayed home for a few weeks, but then, without consulting anyone, enrolled at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. He hadn't returned to his father's home since then, and on this occasion he did so to attend his sister's wedding and to show the family his future wife, that discolored American girl.

02/09/2025

🎥 Goodfellas (1990) 🎞️🎞️
Martin Scorsese's legendary masterpiece Goodfellas is widely regarded as one of the greatest crime films ever made. With unforgettable performances by Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta, the film chronicles the rise and fall of Henry Hill within the Mafia, delving deep into the world of organized crime.
The movie's fast-paced storytelling, immersive atmosphere, and iconic scenes make it a timeless classic. Goodfellas is more than just a gangster film—it's a raw, thrilling exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the dangerous allure of power. 🖤

02/09/2025

Michael Corleone has no mercy because he learns that in the world of power and crime, mercy is seen as weakness. Over time, he hardens into a ruthless leader, much colder than his father.

Why Michael Shows No Mercy:

1. Survival in a Ruthless World

After the assassination attempt on Vito, Michael realizes that kindness won’t protect the family.
He starts as an outsider but quickly learns that hesitation means death.

2. The Lessons from Vito & Sonny

Vito ruled with respect, but Michael sees that respect alone isn’t enough. His father tried peace, yet enemies still came for him.
Sonny was too emotional, and it got him killed. Michael chooses to be cold and calculating instead.

3. "It’s Not Personal, It’s Strictly Business"

Michael eliminates enemies before they can betray him.
Sollozzo, McCluskey, Barzini, and even Fredo—he removes threats without hesitation.
He sees sentiment as a liability.

4. The Fredo Betrayal—Family Means Nothing in Power

Michael loves Fredo, but when he betrays the family (even unintentionally), Michael cannot forgive.
Vito would have spared Fredo. Michael does not.
When Connie begs for mercy, Michael stays silent—because in his mind, Fredo is already dead.

5. Power Corrupts Him

Michael starts with good intentions—he wants to make the family legitimate.
But over time, absolute power consumes him. He loses his wife, his children, and his soul.
His final scene in The Godfather Part II—sitting alone—shows the cost of his merciless rule.

Conclusion

Michael believes that mercy is weakness, and weakness leads to downfall. He takes a different path from his father—one of pure fear and dominance. But in the end, his lack of mercy leaves him with nothing but regret and loneliness.

02/09/2025

Vito Corleone figures out that Emilio Barzini is the real mastermind behind the attack on his family because of his deep understanding of power, manipulation, and human nature.

How Vito Knows It’s Barzini:

1️⃣ Barzini Lets Others Do His Dirty Work

At the start of the war, it looks like Virgil "The Turk" Sollozzo and the Tattaglias are the main enemies. However, Vito knows Sollozzo is just a small-time operator. Someone bigger must be backing him.
Even after Sollozzo is dead, the war continues, which means someone else is pulling the strings.

2️⃣ Barzini’s Silence Speaks Volumes

Unlike the other families, Barzini never directly attacks or engages in open conflict—a sign of someone operating behind the scenes.
He never makes a move until after Vito steps down, which is a classic power play.

3️⃣ The Meeting of the Five Families

When Vito calls for peace, Barzini is the most vocal about business and territory disputes—not the Tattaglias.
Barzini talks like a leader, while Philip Tattaglia (who was believed to be the main enemy) sounds more like a follower.
Vito recognizes that Barzini is acting like the real boss, while Tattaglia was just a puppet.

4️⃣ Tom Hagen’s Observations

As Consigliere, Tom Hagen tells Vito that Barzini is the one gaining the most from the war.
The attacks on Michael after Sollozzo’s death seem too well-organized for Tattaglia alone.

5️⃣ The Set-Up at the End

Vito warns Michael: "Whoever comes to you with this Barzini meeting—he’s the traitor."

Barzini tries to lure Michael into a fake peace meeting, using Corleone family insiders. This confirms what Vito already knew.

Conclusion:
Vito Corleone’s wisdom and patience allow him to see through deception. He understands that real power moves in the shadows, and Barzini was the true mastermind all along. Michael later uses this knowledge to wipe out Barzini and the other families in one masterful stroke.

02/09/2025

"Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than government. It is almost the equal of family." -Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather (1972)

Loyalty and relationships matter more than brute strength. Vito built his empire on respect, not just fear, which made him more powerful than his enemies.

02/09/2025

"Never tell anybody outside the family what you’re thinking." -Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather (1972)
Secrecy is power. Loose lips destroy empires. Vito knew that discretion and keeping your plans close to your chest were key to survival.

02/09/2025

"I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse." -Vito Corleone
Power isn’t just about force—it’s about leverage. Vito understood persuasion better than anyone. True influence comes from making people feel like they have no choice but to agree with you.

02/09/2025

"A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man." -Vito Corleone

Family is everything. No amount of power or success matters if you neglect the people closest to you.

02/09/2025

Santino "Sonny" Corleone was a natural leader but ultimately an ineffective one due to his impulsiveness and hot temper. As the eldest son of Vito Corleone, he was expected to inherit leadership of the family, but his inability to control his emotions made him a liability.

Strengths as a Leader:
✅ Fearless & Charismatic – Sonny commanded respect from his men and was a fierce warrior in the mafia world. His aggression made him a powerful enforcer.
✅ Loyal to Family – He deeply loved and protected his family, especially his younger siblings. His anger at Carlo Rizzi for abusing Connie led to one of his most famous outbursts.
✅ Wartime Mentality – During the mob war after Vito was shot, Sonny took control and responded aggressively, showing his ability to act decisively.

Weaknesses as a Leader:
❌ Too Hotheaded – Sonny let his emotions control him. He ignored strategy and patience, which made him reckless.
❌ Easily Manipulated – His enemies knew how to bait him, leading to his brutal death at the toll booth.
❌ Lack of Long-Term Vision – Unlike Michael, who thought in chess moves, Sonny acted on impulse. His leadership was all about retaliation rather than calculated power moves.

Why He Would Have Failed as Don:
If Sonny had lived and taken over the Corleone family, he likely would have led them to ruin. He lacked the patience and strategic mind of his father and younger brother. While Vito was respected and Michael was feared, Sonny was too emotional to maintain true power. His leadership style was better suited for wartime, but not for long-term stability.

Michael, in contrast, learned from Sonny’s mistakes—keeping his emotions in check and ruling with cold precision. That’s why Michael, not Sonny, became the true heir to Vito’s empire.

02/09/2025

Al Pacino has had one of the most legendary careers in Hollywood, spanning over five decades. He’s best known for his intense performances, iconic roles, and ability to portray both ruthless criminals and deeply complex characters.

Breakthrough & The Godfather Era (1970s)
The Godfather (1972) – His breakout role as Michael Corleone, a performance that made him an instant star.
Serpico (1973) – Played real-life NYPD officer Frank Serpico, earning an Oscar nomination.
The Godfather Part II (1974) – Cemented his status as one of the greatest actors ever.
Dog Day Afternoon (1975) – Another classic, playing a desperate bank robber.
…And Justice for All (1979) – Famous for the line “You’re out of order!”
1980s – Scarface & Theatrical Work
Scarface (1983) – His over-the-top yet legendary performance as Tony Montana became a pop culture phenomenon.
Sea of Love (1989) – A comeback after a quieter period.
1990s – Oscar Win & More Classics
The Godfather Part III (1990) – Revisits Michael Corleone, now older and full of regret.
Carlito’s Way (1993) – Another crime classic, playing an aging gangster trying to go straight.
Scent of a Woman (1992) – Finally won an Oscar for Best Actor for playing a blind, charismatic ex-Army officer.
Heat (1995) – Faced off against Robert De Niro for the first time on screen.
The Devil’s Advocate (1997) – Played a devilish lawyer opposite Keanu Reeves.
2000s – Expanding His Roles
Insomnia (2002) – Played a detective opposite Robin Williams.
Angels in America (2003) – Won an Emmy for this HBO miniseries.
The Merchant of Venice (2004) – Showed his Shakespearean chops.
2010s – Late Career Resurgence
You Don’t Know Jack (2010) – Won another Emmy for playing Dr. Kevorkian.
The Irishman (2019) – Played Jimmy Hoffa, earning another Oscar nomination.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) – Small role in Tarantino’s film.
2020s – Still Going Strong
House of Gucci (2021) – Played Aldo Gucci.
Hunters (2020-2023) – Led an Amazon Prime series about N**i hunters.
Al Pacino remains a legend, balancing film, TV, and theater while still delivering powerful performances well into his 80s.

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