The actors in ‘The Godfather’ profoundly impacted filmmaking, and their performances continue to inspire those working today. Beyond their roles, these stars have individual preferences that reveal a lot about what they appreciate in stories and the art of making them. Their favorite films cover a wide spectrum, from deeply personal dramas to well-known war movies, and sometimes even include their own work, highlighting the diversity of their tastes.
Here’s a glimpse into the all-time favorite films of several leading cast members. We’ll also provide a brief reminder of the roles they played in ‘The Godfather’ and explain why these chosen movies are significant to their careers or to film in general.
Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando won two Academy Awards during his acting career, one for his work in ‘On the Waterfront’ and another for ‘The Godfather,’ where he famously played Don Vito Corleone. He frequently discussed acting as a way to understand and change society, and he often collaborated with directors who focused on politically relevant themes. Brando personally believed his best performance was in ‘Burn!’ and he particularly admired the character of Sir William Walker, noting its intricate nature and lack of clear moral boundaries. He saw the role as a complex exploration of right and wrong.
‘Burn!’ tells the story of a British spy who engineers the independence of a Caribbean nation and then attempts to manage the resulting chaos. The film delves into the dynamics of colonial rule, financial motivations, and the price of freedom, posing difficult questions about who truly gains from revolutionary change. Marlon Brando’s decision to take on this role reflects his consistent fascination with stories that challenge power structures and explore what drives human actions.
Al Pacino
Al Pacino’s portrayal of Michael Corleone brilliantly shows a character’s evolution, from someone hesitant to take over, to a shrewd and decisive leader. He’s known for a diverse range of roles in films covering crime, legal dramas, and historical events, including memorable performances in ‘Dog Day Afternoon’, ‘Scarface’ and ‘Heat’. When asked about the films he admires most, he highlighted ‘The Tree of Wooden Clogs’, demonstrating his appreciation for personal and relatable stories that move beyond typical Hollywood productions.
As a real cinema lover, I’m always drawn to films that feel truly authentic, and ‘The Tree of Wooden Clogs’ is exactly that. It’s set in the countryside of northern Italy and beautifully follows the lives of peasant families throughout an entire year. What really struck me was how the director used everyday people – non-professional actors – and shot everything with natural light. It’s a slow burn, definitely taking its time, but that patience allows you to really connect with the characters and their world. It’s a film that finds drama not in big events, but in the simple things – faith, hard work, and the strength of community life. Seeing Pacino champion this film really resonated with me, because it shows a deep appreciation for filmmaking that simply *observes* life and finds the extraordinary within the ordinary.
James Caan
James Caan powerfully portrayed Sonny Corleone, the oldest son in the Corleone family, bringing both intensity and emotional depth to the role. Throughout his long career, he excelled in a variety of genres – from crime dramas and sports movies to popular family films – appearing in movies such as ‘Misery’ and ‘Elf’. He often cited ‘Thief’ as his personal favorite, explaining that the creative control he had during that time allowed him to fully embrace the character.
‘Thief’ tells the story of a skilled safecracker who wants to retire from a life of crime, but finds himself caught between demands from the criminal underworld and his own personal life. The movie is famous for its realistic and carefully planned heists, its accurate depiction of criminal activity, and a distinctive, tension-building soundtrack featuring a lot of synthesizers. James Caan’s performance is central to the film, portraying a man struggling with questions of loyalty, the dangers he faces, and his desire to start over.
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall portrayed Tom Hagen, the adopted son and advisor who provided a calming influence amidst the surrounding chaos. He became known for his versatility and subtlety in films like ‘True Grit’ and ‘Tender Mercies’, ultimately winning an Academy Award. Though he’s done many great roles, he often cited ‘The Godfather’ as his favorite, praising its epic scope and remarkably focused storytelling.
Duvall has also commended ‘The Hurt Locker’ for being sharply focused and intensely gripping. The film delves into the minds of a bomb disposal unit, showing how war alters their sense of risk and normal life. His comments highlight his respect for the careful craftsmanship of ‘The Godfather’ and his enjoyment of a contemporary war film that closely observes soldiers facing immense stress.
Diane Keaton
As a movie fan, I’ve always been captivated by Diane Keaton. She played Kay Adams Corleone, and it’s fascinating watching her character go from someone completely outside the Corleone family’s world to being deeply affected by everything that happens. What I really admire about Keaton is how effortlessly she moves between serious dramatic roles and comedies. She consistently works with directors who really focus on good timing and developing believable characters. In her autobiography, she actually said ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ is her personal favorite of all her films, and she talked about how unique it was to star in a large-scale, mature romantic comedy.
As a film lover, I always appreciate when a movie really *gets* relationships, and ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ absolutely does. It’s fantastic to see Diane Keaton paired with Jack Nicholson in a story that focuses on romance later in life, along with all the complications of family and figuring out who you are again. For me, the film really let Keaton shine – it gave her so much room for snappy dialogue, genuinely moving moments, and even some physical comedy, all wrapped up in a really beautiful setting. I think her taking on this role perfectly shows that a smart, grown-up romance can be a hit with audiences *and* tell a story from a woman’s perspective. It’s a refreshing change, honestly, and a film I always enjoy revisiting. It’s a classic! Definitely recommend.
This list was provided by the Far Out Magazine.
Share your picks in the comments and tell us which favorites from the cast surprised you the most.
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2025-10-04 06:45