This is what madeThe Godfatherso special, andwhyThe Godfatherstill holds up today.
But Coppola almost didnt direct the film he was far from Paramounts first choice.
It was much better to get that double whammy than a half-hearted version ofThe Godfatherfor a paycheck.
Coppolas grounded, realistic approach to the violence was much more unnerving and impactful.
After emigrating to the U.S. in the mid-1930s, Preminger first earned widespread acclaim for his iconic 1944 noirLaura.
He was notorious for tackling taboo subject matter in mainstream movies under the strict regulations of the Hays Code.
He adaptedBlackboard Jungle,The Brothers Karamazov, andCat on a Hot Tin Rooffor the screen.
The Godfatherwouldve seen him explore yet another genre.
He clearly had the filmmaking chops to do Puzos crime saga justice on the big screen.
But Schaffners take onThe Godfathermight have turned out pretty dry and slow-paced, likePatton.
Coppolas film isnt the most rapidly paced movie, but it moves a lot quicker than Schaffners war epic.
Costa-Gavras has only made six movies in English; if hed madeThe Godfather, it wouldve been seven.
It wouldve been just as interesting, but it wouldve been a very different movie.
