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Godfather : the intimate Francis Ford Coppola / Gene D. Phillips ; with a foreword by Walter Murch.

Phillips, Gene D. .Godfather : the intimate Francis Ford Coppola / Gene D. Phillips ; with a foreword by Walter Murch. [0813123046 (alk. paper) ] Lexington, Ky. : University Press of Kentucky, c2004.
Call#: Van Pelt Library PN1998.3.C67 P48 2004

In chapter 4 (In a savage land: The Godfather) of the book Godfather: The intimate Francis Ford Coppola, Gene D. Phillips helps recount the process that Francis Ford Coppola went through in order to make the movie, The Godfather. Through this chapter we learn of the trials and tribulations that he faced before, during and after the making of the movie.

Phillips reports that the screenplay was first met with skepticism from Paramount as previous mobster films failed in the box office. However, based on current events such as Senator Etes Kefauver’s Committee on Organized Crime and the publicity of Mafiosi Frank Costello, Paramount decided to take a chance on its production.

Francis Ford Coppola was chosen to direct The Godfather due to his Italian ancestry. Paramount wanted an Italian American director because they wanted to make the film as realistic as possible, and only an Italian American could convey the subtleties of the culture. Although initially opposed to producing the screenplay, Coppola became enamored with the storyline that was based on the unity and strength of the family.

Throughout the production Coppola battled with others in order for his vision to be expressed. First, money was an issue with Paramount as Coppola’s budget was small. During the filming his ideas would conflict with others in regards to the cinematography and editing of the film. After the film was finished, he received criticism for glorifying organized crime and celebrating violence.

Despite all of these problems, Coppola’s persistence helped create a film that became highly acclaimed. Through his passion and attention to detail, he was able to create a magnificent movie, which went on to become one of the most successful films of all time. Based the time period and current events surrounding the film, The Godfather was able to capture the imagination of everyone.

Godfather : the intimate Francis Ford Coppola / Gene D. Phillips ; with a foreword by Walter Murch.