Customer Reviews

The Annotated Godfather: The Complete Screenplay with Commentary on Every Scene, Interviews, and Little-Known Facts

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This book is perfect for Godfather fans - you can recite every line and read about all the inside info - a must for a fan.

The Annotated Godfather by Jenny M. Jones is a great book for movie buffs and particularly for fans of The Godfather. The book gives the complete screenplay with commentary on the scenes, interviews, and little-known facts. All of it is extremely interesting and, unless you are already a serious student of the film, you will learn many things that you did not know before. The book is laid out with sidebars on each page next to the script. The sidebars give you all the scoop - profiles of the actors, decisions made by Francis Ford Coppola, technical details, production squabbles, still shots from the film, and much more.

One suggestion. Watch the film again and then read this book. Everything will seem fresh.

THE ANNOTATED GODFATHER is a wonderful book to own, read, have and hold, being essentially the shooting script of Paramount's (1971, first) GODFATHER movie along with lots of stills, cast and production notes, bloopers, some recall of the heavy studio infighting that occurred during all phases of production, and even a bibliography, timetable of production and list of the most quotable screen quotes. Although this version is paperback, it is close to classic "coffee-table" size and for its length (260 pp.) and with its smart graphics and clever interplay of color and B&W stills, a definite bargain at this price.

In terms of production, probably the biggest surprise to me was what a mess this classic pic was to put together; included in the book are the many small scenes and expository sequences that were left out of the release print that were scrupled over and thought highly necessary at the time. Bloopers and blunders abound, too, including some that are well known (Sonny's huge noiseless final punch to Carlo when he beats him up) to some that I'll just have to look for, and enjoy. (In no way does this knowledge compromise my high opinion of the film.) Along with the engrossing story and behind-the-scenes revelations, Godfather devotees will enjoy having a reference book lest they sink into the kind of mistake Chrissie made in the "Sopranos": referring to 'Lewis' Brazi, not 'Luca,' the character's real name. For those who aren't fans yet, they should surely see DVD's of the first two releases ("One" and Two, but not necessarily the TV chronological run-through or Three). Then getting or giving THE ANNOTATED GODFATHER is almost bound to please!
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My husband gave this book to me as a birthday gift and I absolutely love it. I have been enjoying it for several weeks now. The book is not only an annotated version of the movie script, but also contains interviews, behind-the-scene stories, scenes that were ultimately omitted, and many more details behind the often angst-ridden production that transformed Mario Puzo's novel (which I didn't care much for) into a masterpiece of American cinema. If you are a fan of the movie, as I am (it is my favorite movie of all time), or just want to know more about it, I highly recommend this book. It is a delight to read and has information galore. I am even more amazed that, with so much going against it (from studio execs to reluctant actors), this film not only was made, but was a work of genius. Francis Ford Coppola was a large part of this, but so were the actors, writers, and producers. That everything managed to come together so well was a miracle of filmmaking. Fascinating stuff. A must have.