Francis Coppola's Notebook on 'The Godfather'

[@ferabra8939]

Coppola's Godfather notebook should be published by Taschen as a facsimil. Priceless for anyone who's into movies in general.

[@Tripp1993]

+Fer Abra I would... LOVE THAT!!! SERIOUSLY!!

[@ferabra8939]

Tripp1993 That document should be studied in film classes all over the world. The thought process from day one of a genius filmmaker making one of the great masterpieces of all time, all in one place...Really priceless.

[@Tripp1993]

Agreed. 100%.

[@Tripp1993]

Good point.

[@fede018]

It will be. Look it up

[@authoroftheaccident]

Coppola noting "pitfalls" for the film and basically every scene shows you how self-disciplined and self-critical he was. An invaluable practice for any director.

[@ericg1100]

Yeah what happened

[@tristanfoss7469]

Acknowledging that you're capable of being wrong is an essential part of life.

[@sr.little2128]

how many pages does that notebook has?

[@Dion1957]

The "Studio" didn't want Pacino or Brando and they wanted it in 1970's Kansas City. Shows you what Studio Executives know.

[@gardenlover9663]

So true! Executives need to leave the art to the artists.

[@eucaliptuspin7208]

They wanted Elvis Presley for Pacino role and as dumb they were maybe Jackie Chan for Brando role

[@vitocorleone6040]

@@eucaliptuspin7208 😂😂

[@Erasureeraser]

From what I remember Paramount didn't want Pacino because he wasn't all that known at that time, they wanted a bigger A list actor for Michael

[@ramonalejandrosuare]

And now studio executives make all of the creative decisions - which is a big reason why American cinema is where it is now.

[@PirateKingofKonoha]

I've now caught a glimpse into exactly how hard a normal person has to sweat to become a legend. Coppola is a true genius.

[@Horus-Lupercal]

You know how sometimes someone is just perfectly born and destined to do something? Coppola was born to direct, thank God he figured that out.

[@crazypato3752]

How can someone figure there calling

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

What a genius, Jesus thats a lot of work

[@MrJellyton]

"What a genius" that's exactly what I thought too.

[@greatspirit]

Yeah... genius was the first thing that came to mind... I never understood why Michael choked then didn't drop the gun... All by design... WOW!

[@Pimp-Master]

Oh God, tons of work. Interesting that everybody actually breaks down their task, from DP's on set to singers like Ann Wilson of Heart. Coppola seems very happy to be on set doing his thing, from the pictures including him.

[@cbscherger9861]

Absolutely incredible. Keep in mind he was in his early 30's when he co-wrote the screenplay and directed the movie.

[@MrAitraining]

Yes and 2 yrs later with godfather 2 - which was 3 or 4 times the production of GF 1. and he wrote the whole movie with no book to reference from. All fresh stuff. Amazing

[@kdizzle901]

@@MrAitraining and then did Apocalypse Now 5 years later which is arguably the biggest production he did

[@MrAitraining]

@@kdizzle901 and that almost bankrupted him. Financed it all himself. What a grind. If you never saw "hearts of darkness - a filmmaker's apocalypse", it's amazing. Shows all the shit and stress he had.

[@Erasureeraser]

Early 30's and yet he was given a lot of pressure while making the movie especially from Paramount. It was a life or death situation fighting them for certain choices that Coppola felt right and at the end he won. That's impressive

[@martymcintosh5026]

he definitely had a purple patch in the 70s, the conversation is my personal favorite of his

[@trevorevans3956]

He should be a professor teaching. Every bit of knowledge and information from him is priceless.

[@K3vinK]

I can’t believe my emotions was being manipulated so carefully in that shooting scene in the restaurant .. now I get it.

[@xzavier_wip]

notice how he went above and beyond for the film...the writing, self analyzation of scenes, the markers and how excited he got about certain scenes. look what it led him to...one of the most iconic films

[@MCMAGIC.]

PURÉ GENIUS! Evidence that great things happen when we pay attention to the DETAILS

[@HomeAtLast501]

FYI --- every director plans his films. This isn't unusual to plan out each scene --- it's the basic nuts and bolts of directing.

[@anwmus]

Wow, his notebook, works and writing a script based on a book you love... is even beyond writing a PhD thesis.

[@maxwindom1200]

Anybody can get a PhD, only one person can write the Godfather

[@sourcedirect4467]

@@maxwindom1200 xD

[@vars280287]

Please release that book for free for the betterment of humanity. We need more directors like this.

[@charlessmyth]

You could buy hundreds of copies and donate them to students of the cinematic arts.

[@pasjan1183]

Naturally, Don coppola could charge a little extra for the pages. After all, we are not communists. (Laughter)

[@MrAitraining]

I think it's great how much Coppola respected Mario and the book in preparing the movie. Mario was with him throughout and Francis let Puzo edit lines and scenes if he felt it shud be changed. A great partnership!

[@angelacarleton9575]

That's what I call "respect!"

[@KOOPISLANDBLUES1]

Detail , Detail, Detail.

[@Nero-ox5tw]

I would expect this with most writers, cinematographers or directors but apparently not. No wonder this film was so revolutionary and iconic. The lengths this man went to in ensuring the depiction of the book was as accurate as possible captivating every character and aspect. The notebook not only speaks volumes in work and effort but also the detail in which the film was written, revisiting ideas that could improve or decrease the films quality. This is a lesson for all passionate filmmakers and writers a like. Not for making any old big blockbuster piece of garbage thought up in a staff room full of C grade writers. Real passionate and determined writers who think of stories and films as iconic and cultural as The Godfather.

[@abrahamgomez653]

Francis Coppola is a genius bottom line. he didn't have enough money and power to crack the system but he tried. he's one of my artistic heroes. GF2, Apocalypse Now, and the Conversation are masterpieces, them alone were enough to solidify him as one of the greats of our time.

[@ToxicTurtleIsMad]

If he ONLY made the godfather 1, he would still be a legend

[@musamasih1133]

I love Francis Ford Coppola's personality he is very very down-to-earth and he did never change he is a lovable man

[@JOHNSTIER23]

Musa Masih not a bull sh....t artist strictly class

[@erichodge567]

The greatest thing that Coppola and Puzo did with the script was to identify the spine of the story and leave absolutely everything else out. The most perfect book adaptation ever.

[@Rubyvelle]

there is infinite genius in his approach, great vid!

[@msmaggyl]

Wow! I could listen to Francis for hours and never get bored! He is a master filmmaker whose attention to detail is spellbinding!

[@jenacarruthers2993]

My Gosh! How smart and interesting is he….. even in his twenties when he was making The Godfather!! What a real Genius of a Filmmaker!!

[@BrianRidgway-u5g]

This is why Coppola's films are so amazing - even the less successful ones - because he takes such a thorough and loving accounting of every aspect of the story. You can tell he also enjoys explaining it to people, and he respects his audience. A great American artist.

[@rayali9854]

He's wonderful

[@johnrobinson4445]

I love that he is so pleased with his very down-to-earth process. What a great creator he is.

[@2024TD]

What a legend... he directed The Godfather: Parts I & II, The Conversation and Apocalypse Now within 10 years of each other. Coppola reigned supreme over the 70s.

[@Revolver1981]

Yeah but what has he done since lol?

[@nothingreally6680]

Rumble Fish was better than any of those films

[@penguinegg01]

@@nothingreally6680 Never really got Rumble Fish. I always thought it was a downward step for him. Still, each to his own.

[@Erasureeraser]

@@Revolver1981 He's just retired, nothing wrong on that, he's still a legend anyways thanks to Godfather

[@Revolver1981]

@@Erasureeraser When did the fat man retire?

[@alexkravtzov9168]

Pure genius. Just pure genius. I believe that is how films shall be done, with careful studying of the story, notes, re-reading and only then typing "FADE OUT".

[@davidgray2805]

Kubrick and Coppola are detailed film makers

[@Jungle6767]

Kubrick is more long shot for dramatic change,Coppola is more of a cinematic for introspection change

[@ryebread7224]

Makes total sense why I’ve been watching this movie for over 20 years and find several new things each time I watch it. Coppola’s attention to detail is unrivaled here.

[@luannrice-ue4fh]

Fascinating how a movie is developed via the director. Hours of research went into it. Loved this explanation.

[@mcd3379]

It is absolutely fascinating to have Coppola, one of the old masters who has arguably made two of the greatest films ever made, take you into the "engine room" of his film making - it is a revelation to know that he had a "Godfather Bible" which he created and used to fill in all of the blanks left by the script. Brilliant stuff.

[@ricardoagila3115]

One of the greatest film director of all time.

[@josephstachler7613]

It's fun to read the comments saying "please, please release this!" because of course now it is available and it is glorious. Thank you, Francis!

[@LoafEye]

Joseph Stachler HOW MUCH IS IT?

[@gabrielfriedel4754]

this is ingenious, the way he made audience think in that scene where Michael kills Sollozo and McCluskey

[@robharris5467]

What would have liked was for Michael to have touched his broken jaw while waiting for the subway sound to intensify. That would have made the killing of McLuskey personal not just because he was there as bodyguard for Solozzo.

[@hitchcomediante]

The Notebook, by Francis Ford Coppola.

[@georgewlamb592]

I'm in the middle of writing my PhD thesis right now but struggling for inspiration. This video has just given me the motivation to get back to my desk and write! Amazing work and incredible attention to detail. It's no accident he's one of the greatest directors in history.

[@rdanielr93]

Thank you for making the 2 greatest movies of all time.

[@shrimpflea]

3 greatest

[@PastorBateman7]

4 greatest

[@soumya_22l]

His passion for this movie is so inspiring ❤

[@vfigueroa1]

That book is so valuable!

[@sgopalan58]

The way he got us, the audience to feel and think exactly the way he wanted throughout the movie is astounding...

[@natedoggg2002]

Brilliant Legend! I would die to have that notebook !!!!!

[@Emigdema]

make one!

[@farismag]

Its out here is a link if you want to pay it: www.reganarts.com/books/2016/the-godfather-notebook/

[@leedummett4412]

coppola is a genius. this is incredible. his attention to detail is awesome.

[@ThomasDeLello]

Fascinating... the nuts and bolts of the making of a masterpiece. Detail, detail and more detail. That's what makes it happen.

[@IslamicRageBoy]

going from the notes to an actual movie is something else altogether

[@qemajlosmani]

Thank you Mr.Coppola for the greatest movie of all time.👏🏼

[@RickJones222]

I only got to know Coppola from these KZbin interviews, but I have become such a fan and admirer of his. He is humble and brilliant, and a wonderful artist. Thank you for this!

[@rickdynes]

Absolutely Essential Insights for ANY ARTIST

[@disvillage]

That is a priceless interview. Wow, just in those 10 minutes 13 seconds, such a masterful way of teaching. Learning how to construct those notes by putting that paper around the book and the grommets. He is a master of not just his own thoughts, but also of other screen writers and authors.

[@filmnobelpreis]

In other words, once a movie director works with as much diligence as a stage director, he is going to create a classic

[@Norfolkbabe578]

This man is a genius, totally talented and ahead of his time. Bravo 🎉

[@DC-no3qt]

An incredibly valuable and interesting piece of film making history.

[@alpenglow4243]

I had no idea how detailed he is in his notes. I’m fascinated that he would even list the pitfalls of a given scene.

[@ymest269daniel9]

Very impressive! Real love of the craft.

[@JOHNSTIER23]

ymest269 Daniel yes

[@defiverr4697]

That notebook is more precious and priceless than Dorothy's red shoes.

[@The01t]

Amazing director.

[@crixxxxxxxxx]

He was. Then he lost it.

[@erichodge567]

I first saw this piece on a DVD extras disk in a Godfather set. Mind blown. This was the first time that I truly appreciated what the work of making a movie was. The performances in this movie were great because Coppola attended to the nuances of each and every performance.

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

This is genius. He really knew it inside out. I'd love to see one on Apocalypse Now or Dracula.

[@sithrage]

Will be in a film museum someday. Amazing.

[@adriananderson2697]

this is SO interesting to me because its very inspiring to know that an experienced director like Coppola broke down even some of the simplest things of the scene. It just shows how even an expert likes to operate. very inspiring.

[@WafcPassion]

Hopefully that book will be preserved until the end of time

[@Emigdema]

very inspirational indeed!

[@lusmas99]

Wonderful video. Could watch Coppola discuss Godfather movie all day long. Thanks

[@RADIUMGLASS]

He directs with passion, who else can compare?

[@samlsmithmusic]

Proof that this masterpiece was no accident but a true heroic climb by the great Coppola

[@lazarinth5782]

Now that's how you truly adapt a book into a film!

[@brandonclark7867]

pure. gold.

[@fandude7]

The process of the creation of art. GF, top 5 greatest movies of all time.

[@Bluemgwes]

Good god the detail in this is absolutely amazing and is making me fall in love with filmmaking all over again.

[@BarbaraMerryGeng]

I was so excited to find a paper back book, documenting the day by day location shots, and the work that was done, real locations,etc. they even had the recipe for the blood used in the horse head in the bed / Hollywood scene.. wish I still had this book ! I think it was called, “ the filming of The Godfather “ or “ behind the scenes “ something like that..

[@binghamguevara6814]

What’s the title of the book?

[@TuberNJ]

Could listen to Coppola talk about this film and its sequels for hours!

[@meyerpictures]

I am very happy to see that another director has done this before me.

[@Bakasama04]

jedisquidward Yes it is

[@cynthia4326]

Absolutely fascinating.

[@Afaqb]

Art... Simply a mastermind. I'm consumed by the detail.

[@anniemihn]

The Michelangelo of cinema. EPIC.

[@stephaniestanley8041]

Francis is so skilled it's humbling. OMG the prep he did. Overwhelming!

[@Biboche23]

A masterclass. Really remarkable man. The details alone! ❤️ that’s how you research

[@Bluzian74]

Just amazing. Thank you so much. Namaste.

[@mattwithoutyou]

This is almost a masterclass for anyone who is adapting literature to film. Most adaptations are a mess, and I’m convinced a lot of directors do little more than glance at the source material. That’s the difference you get with Coppola and others of his quality, of which there are few.

[@callmejobson]

Very Cool Idea for Coppola or keep track of the ideas that that stuck out to him!

[@vik_body_beld7294]

Men like these don't need no computers, CGI, Technical mumbo jumbo....a good old fashioned non-digital reel sony pan vision camera and the rest is just pure skill...its gets crafted into timeless classic..simply serene screenplay and cinematogrophy. Dont recall any other movie showing rural Sicily so beautifully. One look and you want to go there and walk around those mountains, deserted villages. That Appolonia is a beauty, greek godess!

[@sidrodriguez5410]

Yes, watched the making of his 1992 Dracula film and he talked about how strongly he felt that for a movie depicting Victorian era he'd use no digital effects, only strictly visual effects to make it the more realistic for the period being presented. Pure genius.

[@TBP1212]

i know i'm just repeating what everyone else is saying and this will only be seen by people who have watched the video, but this is just terrific

[@colinrynne4537]

Amazing craftwork

[@tejjj3]

this almanac is the handy work of Coppola, he really fought for his art and his vision. Fought for Pacino, fought for so many other things for Brando... He really believed in his art form and it really paid off

[@conormclaughlan772]

Truly inspiring

[@jdgonzo1982]

wow...that was interesting!! wish there was more...

[@northwindkey]

Every director making a novel adaptation should be required to make a notebook like this.

[@robert__]

one of the best youtube videos i watched in a long time

[@matsharma]

This book is coming out on Nov 16, 2016

[@neilbean488]

Greatest filmmaker to me. 1: Francis Ford Copola 2: Stanley Kubrick 3: Alfred Hitchcok 4: Orson Welles 5: Martin Scorsese 6: Steven Spielberg 7: Quentin Tarantino 8: Christopher Nolan 9: Akira Kuroswana 10: George Lucas I'm not putting them in order for who I like more, it's the order that I think is correct. But hey it's just my opinion.

@VincentHanna121 shut the fuck up,kuriswana was the master of lucus and copola

[@fenwaypark1725]

Try spelling his name right before you start cussing 🤬

[@rievans57]

Fascinating. The foundation of the film industry is writing.

[@Astyeer]

Thanks for uploading! Priceless

[@tww2002]

Impressive and Informative. Great attention to detail.

[@willmarin2810]

what it takes to create one of the most respected films ever

[@dc6461]

Michael didn't fall in love with Apollonia. He had thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is not romantic feeling which is why her father ran into his Cafe when he realized that chick filled in all the right places was his daughter. It's eraction, biological manifestation of arousal. It's a sexual physical attraction. In a book it was described to a detail. His blood rushed into his extremities and he got feeling of possession. His blood was boiling with lust, he was exploding. Madness that strikes a 23 year old man who was without a woman for 7 months, when he has blue balls and steal eraction. He was certain he lost Kay forever so he went for it. Those are relatively vulgare words that Coppola would never use so I understand why he articulated it that way. When he was commenting Godfather he found other way to articulate it "Michael is growing up, this is Not the case of a prince asking for a princess " says Coppola. I love how he said " fall in love " and than went on to describe sexual attraction. He is describing how he was directing Pacino in a scene when he came into her house..... he literally told him -- here,you have a good looking chick, how would you behave, react---- Well, you would get eraction, need to take her, give her lustful look exactly the way he did. " Michael doesn't have characteristics of the godfather " says Coppola. That is also true and inspired by the book. When he came home he will offer himself to save the family. While being introduced into the business he will absorb the Vito's philosophy. He was a man who hated men who allowed themselves to become slave to sexual urges. He called men like that "patsey" ... Men like that could never be real men. Men like Sonny or Fredo. To be fer Michael went after her only bc he was certain that he lost Kay forever. His feeling was feeling of the flash not heart. He chased her at the hight of the danger, conned her into marrying him in the middle of the mafia war and killed her with the wedding. He loved her sexually. Physical act of love was the only thing between them. Which is why he was thinking about Kay right after he was done " loving " her. We call that fucking but that would be too vulgare for movie. He didn't value her, respect her, care for her or loved her with his heart. Which is why he didn't even have quilty conciences over her death and moved on as if she never existed. He did turn himself into a savage animal to protect Kay so what happened in Sicily wouldn't happen to a woman he actually loved. And in the end.....interesting how video ends at the most interesting moment. What Coppola said next is more important.

[@starwoors5343]

BRILLIANT information...

[@luisortizgervasi3820]

That book must be worth millions now

[@kponly]

I saw this movie for the first time in 2009. I was 36. When he shot him I started screaming drop the gun, drop the gun! I was so upset. Afterwards I thought ‘that was a bad scene because it took me out of the movie.’ Then I realized no, I was screaming because I was completely bought into the movie and the need to drop the gun. I don’t know why he needed to drop the gun but it was said 2 or 3 times. This movie was a masterpiece.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

I remember those little details from the book like the killing in the restaurant, in the book it says when he shoots the cop in the neck a red mist fills the air and there it was, I was just amazed at the quality of his and Mario's work. The details like red mist made the movie for me

[@KabesMedia]

amazing level of commitment to work...

[@crowtservo]

Coppola’s notes on the Vaginal surgery chapter: “No”.

[@adrianothegoat]

That’s probably what he said for real

[@youtubeistryingtocensorme]

Explain please

[@adrianothegoat]

@@youtubeistryingtocensorme there’s a Vagina surgery in the book that goes on for like 13 pages explaining all the tony details

[@downtoearth6252]

​@@youtubeistryingtocensormethere was a chapter in the book that was left out of the movie, which was about a vaginal surgery to Lucy Mancini

[@youtubeistryingtocensorme]

@@downtoearth6252 who’s lucy mancini again?

[@utubedestroysmytime]

Some people are born with it. In music too .