I just now got to view the "Behind the Scenes" portion of the DVD. Bear with me here, cause I haven't seen it until now and perhaps these things have been discussed. I'm just so thrilled cause I loved it. Just a couple comments tho for those who didn't see it or those who have and want to add their remarks:


1) Pacino said that when he visualizes Michael he thinks about Michael wearing a hat and the killing of Carlo

2)FFC's wife commented that when Diane Keaton was holding the baby in the Baptism scene in GFI (as we know baby was Sofia), that she thought it looked as though DK hadn't held a baby before and made Mrs. FFC nervous.

3)Andy Garcia said that when he bit Montegna's ear in GFIII, that J.M. was wearing a prosthetic ear and he actually got part of it in his mouth along with some of JM's hair. FFC thought it looked great and realistic.

4)The MB scene where Vito dies was improvised by Marlon Brando. I guess they werent quite sure how exactly it would be done. Marlon grabs an orange and puts it in his mouth and runs thru the garden playing with his grandson. They obviously kept that in.

5. Is it just me, or did anyone else think that DeNiro trying out for the part of Sonny was outstanding??? I wouldn't change the film, mind you, but I can't help but think he too, would have done an excellent job as Sonny. It was only a short scene that they showed, but it was damn good if you ask me.

I have more but won't make this too long. Again, sorry for those who know this forward and backward already, but if I can't comment here, where can I?

TIS

That one brief bit with DeNiro trying out as Sonny was electrifying. I've watched it time and again. Much as Caan makes an indelible impression as Sonny, you have to wonder about DeNiro.
He was in his "Johnny Boy" persona from Scorsese's "Mean Streets" when he did that screen test. His role in "Mean Streets" is, imo, second only to "Raging Bull" as his all-time best.

we can see the expression on Andy's face after biting the ear of Joe. he was so carried away by the scene and accidentally got some piece of Joe's hair.
well IMO, the Bobby DeNiro trying for the role of Sonny made me laugh. i just felt the role was made for James Caan not for the likes of Bobby. his voice was soft not like James' striking voice. and as Senor Turnbull said, Bobby is Johnny Boy at that time. . . not ready for Sonny.
TIS paisan , looks like you're enjoying every piece of the action in the Dvd. enjoy!

GoodFella

Hi GF,

You bet I'm enjoying it! I only saw that one part so far, and didn't realize how long it was. I'm sure I'll be watching it again soon.

I can't remember FFC's reason for not choosing DeNiro as I was awestruck for some reason. Like I said before, I wouldn't change the finished product, but can't help but think, why the heck FFC didn't choose Deniro. (with all due respect to Caan, who played the part great as well)

TIS

Look on it from the bright side, if DeNiro would've played Sonny in GF he probably wouln't've played young Vito in GF II, so I'm glad that FFC picked Caan instead of DeNiro.

That's true MC14. Myself not having a "director's eye", FFC must have seen more in Caan for the part. And you're right, I can't imagine anyone else playing young Vito!!


TIS

TIS, have you watched the films with any commentary yet? I'm halfway through Part II with commentary. It's excellent. I have watched many extras (only once so far) but haven't watched Behind the Scenes yet. Out of interest, how long is that feature? I can't wait to watch it! I'm staying in tomorrow, how convenient!

Mick

Hi Capo,

The only thing I have watched so far on the DVD is the Behind the Scenes segment. It was long, although far from boring. I can't remember how long, but I think it was at least a couple hours. Extremely interesting tho. I may watch it again before I continue with the other segments. I'm so pleased already that I decided on the Box Set.


TIS

FFC did'nt chose De Niro for the part of Sonny but promised him a role in the Godfather II. De Niro did'nt convinced FFC for the audition in Sonny. so what he got was the role of YoungVito in Part II.

GoodFella

TIS

I think FFC stated that another reason DeNiro wasn't used as Sonny was studio pressure. FFC had already forced Pacino on a skeptical studio and I would guess that DeNiro was a relative unknown at that point. But FFC was impressed by DeNiro's audition to keep him in mind for the young Vito role, which he was perfect for.

I have the DVD too, but have never watched it with the commentary. Is it insightful? Does it last throughout each of the 3 films?

If I'm not wrong I believe FFC was going to give Bobby DeNiro the part of Paulie Gatto in GF I.

There is a feature-length commentary for all three films, and they are by no means boring. I love them, though haven't watched Part III's yet.

Mick

I've never seen the screen test with De Niro, but I couldn't ever imagine anyone but James Caan as Sonny. He was perfect for it, in my opinion. I really like his cocky smile.

Capo said: Thanks, Mick. I will definitely have to check the commentary out in the near future.