Title: “The Influence of ‘The Godfather’ on the Film ‘Corleone'”
Date: November 4, 2023
Marlon Brando in the film ‘The Godfather’ (1972) | Photo: © Paramount Pictures
The creator of the film ‘Corleone,’ Italian director Pasquale Squitieri, openly acknowledged his inspiration from ‘The Godfather,’ which was also directed by a filmmaker with Italian roots, Francis Ford Coppola.
While it is difficult to compare the two projects artistically, ‘Corleone’ also boasts a star-studded creative team. The lead actor, Giuliano Gemma, received an award for his performance at the Montreal Film Festival. His childhood friend and later adversary on the opposite side of the barricade is played by Michele Placido, renowned for his role in the thematically related film ‘Octopus.’ The key female role is portrayed by the director’s former partner, Claudia Cardinale, with whom he has a daughter.
The music in ‘Corleone,’ composed by Ennio Morricone, cannot be overlooked. Interestingly, Morricone also composed the music for the ‘Godfather’ trilogy, winning an Oscar for the second installment. He was a frequent collaborator of Italian composer Nino Rota, known for his work with Federico Fellini.
While critics and fans unanimously place ‘The Godfather’ on a higher pedestal, ‘Corleone’ is praised for its authenticity in depicting the original environment. This includes a surprising motif – the fact that members of the underworld often recruit former left-wing revolutionaries who come to the conclusion that they can escape poverty more easily through organized crime than by singing the Internationale.
The influence of ‘The Godfather’ on ‘Corleone’ is undeniable, and both films have become legendary in their own right.
How does ‘Corleone’ explore the theme of former left-wing revolutionaries turning to organized crime, and how does this compare to ‘The Godfather’?
“The Enduring Impact of ‘The Godfather’ on the Film ’Corleone'”
Date: November 4, 2023
Marlon Brando in the film ‘The Godfather’ (1972) | Photo: © Paramount Pictures
Italian director Pasquale Squitieri, the creator of ‘Corleone,’ openly credited his inspiration to ’The Godfather,’ a film helmed by Francis Ford Coppola, who also has Italian roots.
While comparing the artistic merits of the two projects proves challenging, ‘Corleone’ boasts a talented cast and crew. Lead actor Giuliano Gemma received accolades for his performance at the Montreal Film Festival. His childhood friend and later rival, portrayed by Michele Placido, is known for his role in the related film ‘Octopus.’ The film also features Claudia Cardinale, the director’s former partner and mother of their daughter, in a significant female role.
Ennio Morricone’s masterful composition for ‘Corleone’ cannot be ignored. Interestingly, Morricone also crafted the music for the ‘Godfather’ trilogy, winning an Oscar for the second installment. He frequently collaborated with renowned Italian composer Nino Rota, known for his work with Federico Fellini.
While critics and fans universally regard ‘The Godfather’ as superior, ‘Corleone’ earns praise for its authentic portrayal of its original setting. Notably, the film explores the intriguing theme of former left-wing revolutionaries turning to organized crime as a means to escape poverty, instead of persisting with their political ideals.
The undeniable influence of ‘The Godfather’ on ‘Corleone’ has solidified the legendary status of both films.
