I'm a godfather virgin and for a longtime have debated whether or not in order to get the full effect, should I read the book or see the movie first?

Read the book for sure first. I saw the movie first and I really regret it because the book was alot better then the movie, and the movie is a wounder flick.

Welcome aboard! Obviously, everyone has their own opinion. Mine is the opposite of the previous post. See the film first. My reasoning is that the books gets into some areas that aren't mentioned in the film and, in my opinion, for good reason. I'm not going to say what so you go in with an open mind, whatever you decide to do.

The benefit of the book is that it has time to explain some things better than the movie, which is the case in most books that are made into movies.

Whatever you do - take action - read or see the movie ASAP. It's a classic story either way.

I've been enjoying the movie for 20 years without ever having read the book. True, it contains much more detail and some insight which will add depth to certain parts of the movie.

But it also contains alot of minutia which is of little or no consequense to the story.

I know this from discussions of the novel I've seen here on this Board over the past several years.

I don't think seeing it without having read the novel will make the film any less enjoyable or understandable.

Your choice, though...

Apple

I think you should read the book and then see the movie. IMO this is one of the few movies ever made that was better than the book which goes into unnecessary and graphic details about genital sizes, plastic surgery and Johnny Fontaine's sex life. It does, however provide a lot of information about the family which does not really appear until GFII, and it also tells good back stories about Neri, Tessio, Clemenza, Brazzi and others.

Of course you should read the novel.
This is my opinion, because I have more taste for books than movies in general. But it will help you understand everything better. As always, book is much deeper, and in many things differs with the movie - not to movie's credit.

I just picked up the book at a Barnes and Noble, thanks for your suggestions. I'll get back to you when I'm done reading it

I second that. Plus you can participate in more threads here if you read the novel. Have you heard of Dr Jules?

Ordinarily, I'd suggest reading the book first, since in most cases films don't measure up to their original sources.

But in this case, I'd recommend seeing the movie first, since it's better than the book, and then when you go back to the book you'll have a mental picture of the scenes and what the characters look and sound like.

Plus, you'll have a finer appreciation of some of the details that the film necessarily omitted, and you'll drive more enjoyment form the back stories of some of the characters.

Should I read the whole book first, or is there a certain point when GF ii begins, because I'm done with book one. BTW, it was fantastic

Only the flashback part of GF2 is covered in the novel. All the modern day plot is entirely a creation of FFC/Puzo for the screenplay of GF2. The Fanucci story and Vito's rise to power is discussed in some detail. After that it is basically the GF story till the end. I think you should read it entirely.

Edited to add this: When you read the novel, imagine some familiar actors who you think suit the character. Then compare it to the casting choice of Coppola. I watched the movies first and unfortunately I cannot imagine other people in those roles anymore.

At first, I tried watching the movie. I couldn't understand it, I don't know...

I later found the book in the storage room of our house, picked it up and I couldn't put it back down. I loved it! It helped tremendously in understanding the storyline.

Definitely read the novel first. Along with gaining a love for a classic, I gained respect for a great author.

For some reason, when I think of Sonny, I think of Steve McQueen and when I think of Don, I think of Lawrence Tierney from Reservoir Dogs

Nah, read the whole thing at least once all the way through. When I re-read it, I skip some stuff, but I won't mention which parts so that I don't unfairly prejudice your view of the book.

No matter what you do first, I am confident you will have two great experiences. I would watch the film first. It triggers you, and if it interest you, you will start to wonder about certain things. Then you read the novel, and you will understand much more of the story.

Read the novel first. When you watch the film the magic will come alive... (That sounded too Disney )

I think that one should read this novel before seeing the films. If you have the knowledge and background of the novel, it puts many things into perspective when you are watching the film.


Don Cardi