The unfortunate part of this project is that they speak of it in hindsight. And much of it from producer Albert S. Ruddy's recollection. A similar tale had been told by Robert Evans. And Peter Bart. And Francis Ford. And so forth. So there is a nagging feeling that we are being told the tale from an unreliable narrator. That said, this is so caricature-driven. It may as well be a MAD magazine version of it. And perhaps that is their intention. The thing is, most people who are interested in the making of "The Godfather" likely heard or know more than the people involved. The ones who "lived it", to be honest, can only paint themselves out to be the hero of the story. Witness the pilot episode where Ruddy pitches "Hogan's Heroes" to Paramount executives only to have it become a smash hit. Then having the sand to go down to Mexico to leverage Robert Redford to be in some schlock motorcycle movie. Sure it's all true. Sure it's not as golden hued dreamy as this project would have you believe.
Then there's Francis Coppola. As re-creations go, they're kind enough to paint him out to be more flower child then blustery know-it-all. Listen to any commentary track on his movies to hear how he claims everything he does is genius. As does Robert Evans in his book (about himself) "The Kid Stays In The Picture" Does it surprise you these men have died lonely?
Any way, this is a little depressing. This is really a biopic of a few things...Mafia in Hollywood, Albert Ruddy, "The Godfather" and so forth. Unfortunately, that means the focus is spread too thin.
A few laughable moments...Frank Sinatra threatening Mario Puzo is laughably bad. Doesn't look or sound like Frank in the least.
Juno Temple as Bettye McCartt. How was it that she was privy to all this information and have men actually listen to her? I'm sure this is history re-writing itself for Ruddy to seem progressive.
Obnoxious blow hards who spend their days playing make believe may only be interested to fans of the film. Otherwise, it may be confusing. Or a lackluster version of "The Last Tycoon"
Then there's Francis Coppola. As re-creations go, they're kind enough to paint him out to be more flower child then blustery know-it-all. Listen to any commentary track on his movies to hear how he claims everything he does is genius. As does Robert Evans in his book (about himself) "The Kid Stays In The Picture" Does it surprise you these men have died lonely?
Any way, this is a little depressing. This is really a biopic of a few things...Mafia in Hollywood, Albert Ruddy, "The Godfather" and so forth. Unfortunately, that means the focus is spread too thin.
A few laughable moments...Frank Sinatra threatening Mario Puzo is laughably bad. Doesn't look or sound like Frank in the least.
Juno Temple as Bettye McCartt. How was it that she was privy to all this information and have men actually listen to her? I'm sure this is history re-writing itself for Ruddy to seem progressive.
Obnoxious blow hards who spend their days playing make believe may only be interested to fans of the film. Otherwise, it may be confusing. Or a lackluster version of "The Last Tycoon"