The Godfather is full of iconic scenes, notably on the subject of Marlon Brando. The actor, notorious for being troublesome to work with, gave the most effective performances of his lifetime. Truly embodying the character of Don Vito Corleone, Brando’s portrayal was every part when it got here to establishing the movie’s tone.
Anyone who has seen the critically acclaimed film would know that he does so from the very first scene of the film. Sitting with a cat on his lap, gently stroking the feline whereas listening to an assassination request, showcased the ability and management he holds, thus making it some of the iconic scenes of the movie. But how did the cat even find yourself in his lap? Well, it wasn’t deliberate however a last-minute improvisation by the director, Francis Ford Coppola.
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Iconic Cat Scene In The Godfather Was An Improvisation
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While The Godfather was iconic, every scene a masterpiece, the opening sequence nonetheless was probably the most pivotal one. It featured Amerigo Bonasera pleading for a brutal assassination of two males, such was his plea that it made the viewers marvel who’s he pleading with such fervent ardour.
As the digicam slowly turns round, it reveals Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone, calmly listening to his plea whereas gently stroking a cat, who seems to be having the time of its life. To have probably the most feared crime boss lazily petting a cat was probably the most iconic scene of the whole film.
While it was instrumental in showcasing the ability and management Corleone held, it was a whole improvisation. As per a TIME journal piece, The Cat was an improvisation by Francis Ford Coppola,
“The cat in Marlon’s hands was not planned for. I saw the cat running around the studio, and took it and put it in his hands without a word.”
Stated Coppola, whose inventive and artistic brilliance coupled with the power to give you such sensible improvisation gave the most effective scenes of cinema.
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The Cat Scene Was Instrumental For Marlon Brando’s Character
The Godfather might be certainly one of if not probably the most critically acclaimed mafia-based films of all time. A sensational story of loyalty, honor, and betrayal inside the mafia world, Francis Ford Coppola couldn’t have completed a greater job. When it involves Marlon Brando, he actually delivered the perfect efficiency of his lifetime, embodying the mafia boss with such authenticity as if he actually was one as an alternative of enjoying one.
However, it was the cat that stole the film, enjoying an instrumental function in establishing the authority and significance of Brando’s character. Not solely did the cat symbolize Don Vito Corleone’s calm and managed state of affairs in such an intense scene, however on the identical time it confirmed the character’s kindness and loving nature, a trait so uncharacteristic of a person of his stature.
The cat in his lap helped set up his character’s id as a feared mafia boss. Instead of creating him seem ‘weak’, the feline’s presence solely elevated his ‘power’, his gentleness and kindness in direction of the cat leaving an enduring impression of his domineering nature.
The Godfather may be streamed on Amazon Prime.
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