It’s hard to believe that Francis Ford Coppola would not direct “The Godfather”, the film that would make him the greatest filmmaker of the 20th century. The publication of the book ‘The Man Who Could Do Miracles’ (Roca Editorial), in Spain coincides with the 50th anniversary this brutal piece of art. It is dedicated to a film that was destined for oblivion but which is still regarded by some of the most prestigious critics around the globe as one of the greatest films in history. The book, signed by Ivan Reguera contains many details about this remarkable production. The Godfather has been a favourite among moviegoers since its 1972 theatrical release. It features the Oscars, its music, and an ensemble that includes Al Pacino and Marlon Brando as well as Diane Keaton and Robert Duvall.
This film would have looked very different if Coppola turned down the chance, if Robert Evans had been fired from Paramount a month prior, if the mob hadn’t managed to stop filming or if Al Pacino had not been hired. It was a miracle that the movie was made. Reguera says, “The more I learned about filming the more surprised I became.” Reguera has dedicated many years to this book not only because Coppola is his favorite director, but also because of all the vicissitudes it faced. Reguera says, “Coppola has always been my favorite director. I have always wanted a novel about ‘The Godfather’. But the interesting thing isn’t that it is the greatest in history, but that there is a possibility that it could be completed.”
The key of mystery details the difficulties Coppola had to overcome before he took over the helm of “The Godfather” because Paramount Pictures wanted to hire an experienced director like Arthur Penn, Elia Kazan or Peter Yates. Coppola was only 32 years old when they finally chose him. They believed he would follow their instructions. Reguera says that Coppola seemed to be a director who was manipulated by the studio. But Coppola did what they wanted.
Paramount paid $125,000 to him and 6% of the film’s profits. Coppola nearly lost the film three times, so it was no surprise that he was able to finish the film and lead the franchise to win nine Academy Awards and earn over $1 billion. .
The film ‘The Godfather’, which is considered the classic gangster film, is responsible for the origins of the modern mafia concept. His success in pop culture was so impressive that the mob used phrases such as “I’m going make you an offer you cannot refuse”. Ironic considering that the mob tried to stop ‘The Godfather from ever reaching the big screen. The Italian-American Civil Rights League attacked the film before it started. This group opposed Italian stereotypes and was able to remove the word mafia from the film.
They were fortunate to have Frank Sinatra as a collaborator, who performed at a Madison Square Garden event and raised $500,000 for them. Al Ruddy, the producer of ‘The Godfather,’ was followed by gangsters who broke all his windows. Robert Evans, Paramount’s executive, received a call from a thug threatening to attack his son,” Reguera says.
As if record box office, Oscars and starring roles for upstart actors such as Al Pacino or Robert Duvall weren’t enough, “The Godfather” also features a revival in the career Marlon Brando. The film, along with “The Last Tango In Paris”, was a part of his personal renaissance. Brando, who was 47 years old, helped to trace the story’s bloodline. The curse was lifted on Brando when Coppola bought him.
