Friday, Film4, 11:45pm
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather is a film that needs no introduction – but I'll give it one anyway. Set against the backdrop of 1940s New York, it’s the story of the Corleone crime family, exploring power, loyalty, and the lengths to which people will go for both. It’s a brooding, operatic saga where betrayal and revenge are delivered with a side of cannoli. While Marlon Brando's iconic mumbling as Vito Corleone remains one of cinema’s most memorable performances, there’s another key character lurking in the shadows: the score.
Nino Rota’s The Godfather soundtrack is nothing short of masterful. From the mournful waltz that serves as the main theme to the delicate, almost lullaby-like pieces scattered throughout, Rota’s work perfectly underpins the film’s blend of brutality and elegance. The main theme, often referred to as "The Godfather Waltz," is a haunting composition of strings, accordion, and brass that immediately transports you to the dimly lit world of family "business." It has an uncanny ability to make even the most gruesome mafia dealings feel oddly poetic. Rota had initially penned the theme for another film (Fortunella), but it's The Godfather that immortalized it, despite his near disqualification from the Oscars for recycling old material.
For soundtrack collectors, The Godfather offers plenty to chew on. First editions of the vinyl soundtrack have become prized possessions, and if you're lucky enough to own a clean, 1972 original, you’re sitting on a goldmine of nostalgia. It’s also a rare score that’s just as enjoyable on its own as it is in the context of the film – try playing it at a dinner party to add a touch of class, or menace, depending on your guests. In sum, Rota’s score does something few soundtracks manage: it elevates the film while also standing as a landmark piece of music in its own right, forever tied to this bloody, beautiful masterpiece.