Unnoticed Humor and Historical Faux Pas in Gangster Classics: Bloopers, Anachronisms, and Plot Holes in The Godfather The Godfather II
Even legendary films like The Godfather and The Godfather II are not immune to the occasional blunder or historical inaccuracy. From bloopers that add an unexpected layer of humor to overlooked anachronisms, these cinematic masterpieces are riddled with interesting quirks that passionate fans and even casual viewers might miss. This article delves into some of the most notable bloopers, anachronisms, and plot holes that make these films both lovable and intriguing.
Bloopers: Accidental Humor in The Godfather
Bloopers are those moments that slip past the director and get into the final cut, often bringing a humorous edge to even the most intense scenes. One such bloop in The Godfather is when Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) shots the police captain at an Italian restaurant. In the angle just before the gun blast, a young boy sitting with his parents can be seen covering his ears and squinting (see Fig. 1).
This moment, though accidental, adds an unexpected and lighthearted note to the otherwise intense scene. It's a testament to the film's ability to maintain its dramatic intensity while infusing subtle moments of human reaction, making the viewing experience more relatable and engaging.
Anachronisms: Historical Accuracies in The Godfather II
The Godfather II, in particular, is sprawling and epic in scale, spanning decades and multiple storylines. However, amidst its historical grandeur, several anachronisms stand out. One notable example is the scene where young Vito Andolini, portrayed by Jack Nance, arrives at Ellis Island aboard the "Moshulu" in 1901 (Fig. 2).
Interestingly, the Moshulu is described as the world's oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat and has since been repurposed as a restaurant. However, this vessel was christened in 1904, meaning it couldn't have brought Vito to Ellis Island in 1901. This historical inaccuracy, while perhaps unintentional, adds a layer of intrigue and discussion among history enthusiasts and film buffs.
The Moshulu has maintained its status as a unique dining venue on Philadelphia's waterfront since the late '70s, offering a distinctive dining experience. It serves as a tangible link to the past, fulfilling the film's goal of immersing viewers in a historically accurate portrayal while also highlighting the film's attention to detail and the sometimes ambiguous line between art and reality.
Plot Holes: The Rosado Brothers and Frank Pentangeli's Misunderstanding
One of the more puzzling elements in The Godfather II is the scene involving Frank Pentangeli, played by James Caan. During a meeting at a bar, the Rosado brothers, with Danny Aiello playing one of them, attempt to strangle Frank before mistakenly saying he was "sends his regards" from Michael Corleone (Fig. 3).
This line was not in the original script but was ad-libbed by Danny Aiello. The scene adds an interesting twist to the plot, but its inclusion raises questions. Given that the assassination was orchestrated by Hyman Roth, it would be illogical for the Rosado brothers to believe it was Michael Corleone. Moreover, their attempt to strangle Pentangeli, who was later revealed to be working as an informant, doesn't align with their initial intention to kill him. This misalignment in the plot raises questions about the film's narrative coherence and the director's decision to include the line (Fig. 4).
The inclusion of this scene, while intriguing, also highlights the complexity of the film's narrative structure and the challenges in maintaining consistency across a sprawling story.
Conclusion
Whether it's a bloop like the accidental moment in The Godfather, an anachronism like the Moshulu in The Godfather II, or a plot hole like the Rosado brothers' misunderstanding, these elements in the Godfather franchise serve as reminders of both the human aspects of filmmaking and the artistic choices that shape our perception of these iconic films.
These minor errors and inconsistencies might be overlooked by many, but for those who dive deep into the details, they add layers of complexity and enjoyment. These quirks make the Godfather films not just classics, but also texts that invite further exploration and analysis.