47. Coppola Cast #28: The Offer (2022)

Paramount+ made us an offer we took reluctantly: The Offer (2022), a 10 part limited series dramatizing the production of The Godfather. Bryan and A.J. review the series as a whole and wonder if, given all the other books, documentaries, and DVD bonus features about the behind the scenes of The Godfather that already exist, this series needed to be 10 hours long, or is even necessary. The highlights for us included: scenes involving Francis Coppola (Dan Fogler, in a solid performance) and Mario Puzo (Patrick Gallo), Mathew Goode’s performance as notorious Paramount production chief Robert Evans (making us wish Paramount+ has just made a movie version of Evans’s autobiography, The Kid Stays in the Picture), and the movie nerd catnip of scenes of cinematographer Gordon Willis (T.J. Thyne) and Production Designer Dean Tavoularis (Eric Balfour) arguing over blocking. However, neither Coppola nor Evans is the focus of the series. The actual main character is producer Albert S. Ruddy (Miles Teller), on whose memories the series is based. Unfortunately, his character is the least engaging element of the series. It’s probably not a good sign when a TV series just makes you want to watch other things (like The Kid Stays in the Picture, The Sopranos, or The Godfather itself). Also joining the conversation are two very rowdy dogs. This episode’s Coppola wine was: 2019 Pinot Noir Oregon.

45. Coppola Cast #26: The Godfather Part III (1990) & Mario Puzo's The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone (2020)

At last we come to the end of Michael Corleone’s story and then we come to the end of his story again as we discuss The Godfather Part III (1990) and Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone (2020). Bryan and A.J. talk about the movie’s long production history, what motivated Francis Coppola to finally agree to make another Godfather movie, and speculate on what really makes this sequel stand apart so much. We also review Coppola’s recent re-edit of the movie, titled Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone. Of course, we discuss the story behind the surprise and controversial casting of Sofia Coppola, her much maligned performance, and the overly harsh criticisms lobbed at her. Other topics include the 1991 Oscars, Catherine Scorsese, and A.J. finds a more relevant way to talk about The Irishman. This episode’s Coppola wines were: Sofia Rose Monterey County 2018 and Sofia Blanc de Blanc

32. Coppola Cast 14: The Godfather Saga (1977)

What would it be like to watch The Godfather Parts I and II in chronological order? We found out! We tracked down the hard to find The Godfather Saga, the TV miniseries which edits both Godfather films together in chronological order and includes additional scenes. It originally aired on NBC in 1977 and has aired on various TV stations since. We discuss what it’s like viewing the two films as one, things we overlooked the first time like ominous oranges, driveway scenes, and a Roger Corman cameo, and which new scenes work and which don’t. This episode’s Coppola wine was Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Red Blend 2017.

28. Coppola Cast #10: The Godfather (1972)

It’s the episode we’ve been excited about since beginning the podcast! After a brief discussion about The Irishman and ice cream we delve into the landmark film, The Godfather (1972). There is so much to talk about in The Godfather that over two bottles of Coppola wine we discuss certain aspects in detail and only scratch the surface on others. We discuss the performances, Gordon Willis’s cinematography, the stylized presentation of the mafia, and how The Godfather permeated into pop culture. This episode’s Coppola wines were: 2017 Diamond Collection Blue Label Merlot and Rosso & Bianco Pinot Grigio.