This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Godfather 1's release, and the last piece of the trilogy's puzzle was finally completed over the holidays.
When I mention this movie, I will think of someone asking on Zhihu how bad the Godfather 3 is. Funny and inexplicable questions are not uncommon on Zhihu, but they are nothing compared to this question. Anyway, it really made me happy at the time, it was a black question mark face.
Strangely, when watching the movie, I can't help but think of The Matrix 4. In stark contrast, The Godfather 3 set a good example of how to shoot a sequel, but The Matrix 4 will add its name to the long list of failed sequels. But they all ran into the same dilemma as to how to shoot a sequel.
1. How the sequel was born
In this regard, how similar the two films are, both stem from the pressure of the capital. Nowadays, it is only natural that the popular TV dramas are constantly pouring water, frantically squeezing the money-making tree until it ends unfinished. In fact, such an operation method can also be regarded as an extension of the idea of the series of movies-movie universe. Step by step, it will move towards a more mature and stable system of making money. For the audience, it is a blessing or a curse. For these two films, the studio's initial idea was to add big scenes to ensure commercial success, and in the end it just looked like a fan-made remake. Fortunately, Coppola had more control in his hands, revising the original script and making up for the lack of originality. However, Wachowski's film itself is more dependent on creativity, and when the idea is exhausted, he can only choose to submit the answer perfunctorily.
2. What is the sequel about?
After the opening and closing of Godfather 1, Godfather 2 chose to trace the past (the old Godfather line) and extend the future in parallel, which is both a response and a contrast. This approach is not shrewd (but there are still audiences who will Picky about the lack of epic sense). The Matrix trilogy gradually goes further speculatively. In any case, the stories of the first few films are complete enough, which also makes their sequels go to a dead end. Both films had no choice. They have all chosen to stretch in time, tying the knot for a long series. Subtly, in these two very different stories, the end is buried at the same time, and the new beginning is also introduced (which also coincides with the first part of the series). For the godfather, the end is the beginning, the end of the old godfather means Mike's upper position, and the final chapter ends for Mike, which inevitably means the beginning of Vincent. Such a story is almost inevitable, unless the family is shattered. For The Matrix, although repeating the framework of 1 is an inevitable choice under creativity, such a sci-fi story also has its inherent logic. Neo almost certainly exists only in the matrix, and he cannot escape being rescued again- Make choices - unleash superpowers of destiny. However, whether such a routine can impress the audience may mainly depend on the next point.
3. What other highlights or interesting topics can the sequel bring?
Yes, the story has been chewed up, and the creators have already used inspiration in the first few films, and the direction of the plot has squeezed out almost all their ideas. The Wachowski sisters couldn't really come up with anything new, so they could only insert the flashbacks of the first few films to make fans happy. They also used the characters' mouths to make fun of the filmmakers, and by the way, they also touted their previous ideas. By contrast, Coppola's film duly inserts a perfect match to 1, Vincent's horse-riding assassination is almost a replica of Mike's restaurant assassination, and the final opera performance goes hand-in-hand with the purge, and it's hard not to think of 1 The famous scenes of the baptism in Zhongmaic Church, these can be regarded as a tribute to himself in secret and satisfy his feelings. In addition, the rhythm has slowed down, adding Mike's confession to the memory killing of dancing with his daughter, and he hopes to make up for the shackles of the plot with emotional concentration. In addition, Coppola has carried forward the family film, and the family on and off the screen has formed a rather interesting reflection. There are many bright spots, such as Connie's role of Black Widow, of course, there are also failures in the eyes of outsiders. For example, if Sophia's role was played by Winona Ryder, it would be much better. This role is obviously Coppola's selfish choice. Therefore, Al Pacino's explosive acting seems to be to make up for Sophia's helplessness. When the two are averaged, their acting skills are above the standard line, which is quite comical.
In addition, regarding the ending, there are always people who like to say that The Godfather is a movie about family or family care, and also derives the saying of the XX Bible, and interprets Mike's narrow-mindedness from this angle to make it fall into a completely different ending from the old Godfather. , I only had a puppy to accompany me before I died, but for me, this kind of ending itself is quite intentional and unnecessary, especially after the relationship between Mike and his ex and son has eased, as for such a lonely ending, at most it can only be said that If you want to wear a crown, you must bear its weight.
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