THE GODFATHER | Opening Scene | Paramount Movies

No movie changed Hollywood more than THE GODFATHER. From the bestselling novel by Mario Puzo to box-office blockbuster, its influential legacy endures to this day. Starring Marlon Brando in his Oscar®-winning performance as the patriarch of the Corleone family, this first installment in the three-movie saga paints a dramatic portrait of the Sicilian clan’s rise and near fall from power in America. Balanced between the Corleone’s commitment to family and the ugly crime business in which they are engaged, it features career-making performances by Al Pacino, James Caan, Talia Shire, Diane Keaton and Robert Duvall. This searing and brilliant masterpiece garnered ten Academy Award® nominations, and won three, including Best Picture.

Featuring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Sterling Hayden, Richard Conte, Talia Shire, Al Lettieri

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THE GODFATHER | Opening Scene | Paramount Movies

[PrairieMidwester]

“What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully?”

I’d be breaking out in a sweat.

[adityayekhe]

In this scene the cat wasn't part of script. It appeared on stage out of nowhere, Marlon Brando just continued acting with it. It really adds up to the scene.

[Gar]

400 years later, we are still watching plays by Shakespeare.
In 400 years time, we will still be watching The Godfather.

[btslate]

This scene doesn’t even feel like I’m watching a film, I feel like I’m literally in the room… that’s how good this film is.

[krypticunlimited]

Everyone talks about Vito's performance in this scene, but nobody is talking about the father's acting. His delivery is simply incredible, especially given how much pressure it must have been to not only be the first on screen character, but to share the screen presence with Marlon Brando himself

[SushiBandit]

This was just a small taste of how Vito gained all his power. First line of question "why didn't you just come to me first?" nailed it - up until this point that guy avoided Vito at all costs and Vito called him out on it instantly. He commanded respect and made it clear he's not just some petty gangster

[HorrorCritical]

The Godfather is a timeless masterpiece. One of the best movies ever made. It sucks we don’t get films like this nowadays

[ful]

"We are not murderers inspite of what this Undertaker says" (goes on to smell the rose on his suit). God, the nuances Brando brought to the character. Truly one of the greatest acting performances of all time. 🔥

[Bergen]

That “I believe in America” line is for sure one of the greatest opening lines in history like “Call me Ishmael”

[godfreecharlie]

The cat should have received a special Academy Award. He or she was outstanding. No distracting meows, hisses, slaps. Kitty knew the lines, and how too relax and behave according to what's being said, enjoying it's part in a great cat movie.

[ForceMaximus]

So much to unpack in the scene:

The great opening line.
The slow transition of Bonasera being in charge to being inferior to Vito via his story and a slow reverse zoom/dolly pull.
Brando’s effortless acting.
The lighting (or lack thereof).
The characters wearing classy, sophisticated tuxes.
The cat being completely improvised.

Classic.

[hefdzsyz]

One of the greatest scenes of all time from the greatest film of all time. This film is a masterpiece.

[LPMAN]

RIP Marlon Brando (April 3, 1924 – July 1, 2004), aged 80
You will be remembered as a legend

[brianwilliams]

"Why Did you go to the police? Why didn't you come to me first?"

Lol love that line

[tpakzone]

“Give this to er…Clemenza” I absolutely love the delivery of that delegation. The man is true to his word and gets straight on it to get the ball rolling.

[Max-fbbm]

I heard Brando had a soft spot for animals, cats in special.
Love how loud his purr is, and how magnificent he goes along with the scene!

[portugal]

The reason this scene is the greatest opening one ever is simply because only 5 min into the movie and it gives us all we need to know about our main character. Seems very powerful and mysterious, yet genuinly compassionate to everybody. This man would go on to be the perfect image of what every boss or leader should be. Respected, not feared. When people respect you, they don’t want to fear you.

[fabriziolorenzo]

The Godfather is still undefeated. Arguably the greatest movie ever made.

[alexisp]

5:13 "and then they will fear you". That line, that expression, the fingerpointing. Just mesmerizing!

[Trip_Fontaine]

Most brilliant opening scene of any movie. Instantly hooks you. It explains right away why the Godfather is not entirely a bad guy and why his existence is even necessary. He's far more than just some amoral criminal. He's protecting his people that have been denied the benefits of normal society, like the right to receive justice when they are wronged.