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claire60's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting introduction talking about how the sequel and it's casting came about, followed by an in depth exploration of the film, interspersed with insight and bits of film gossip. Not quite the critique of the film that I may have expected but a good read nonetheless. Would be of particular interest to filmmakers but definitely only read if you've seen the film!
With thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
reenum's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
This book is a treasure trove for film buffs. I think I've found the movies equivalent of the 33 1/3 series.
The way that Lewis intersperses technical details is masterful. As I read the book. I learned not only about the inner life of Michael Corleone, but also how different filming choices led the viewer down the path Coppola wanted to put them on. Terms such as chiaroscuro we're unknown to me previously, but I instantly remembered how the movie employed the technique when it was explained. The atmosphere of the Godfather Part II is one of the reasons it's a classic, and a big part of that was Coppola's imagination and creativity.
Putting the cultural context around Italian mobsters also introduced angles I'd never seen before. In my previous viewings, I never thought much about Hyman Roth. But Lewis puts his importance to the plot on display. Roth is a strategist, much like Michael. But he's near the end, while Michael is still ascending. The mirrors in their world views are so apparent when they're analyzed. It makes me want to watch the movie again ASAP.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves movies or pop culture.
The way that Lewis intersperses technical details is masterful. As I read the book. I learned not only about the inner life of Michael Corleone, but also how different filming choices led the viewer down the path Coppola wanted to put them on. Terms such as chiaroscuro we're unknown to me previously, but I instantly remembered how the movie employed the technique when it was explained. The atmosphere of the Godfather Part II is one of the reasons it's a classic, and a big part of that was Coppola's imagination and creativity.
Putting the cultural context around Italian mobsters also introduced angles I'd never seen before. In my previous viewings, I never thought much about Hyman Roth. But Lewis puts his importance to the plot on display. Roth is a strategist, much like Michael. But he's near the end, while Michael is still ascending. The mirrors in their world views are so apparent when they're analyzed. It makes me want to watch the movie again ASAP.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves movies or pop culture.
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