The Godfather film series has grown to a status as a cultural icon, a touchstone of life in the commons. The story shines a bit of light into deep places, and does so with rare beauty, grace and a seductive charm that allows us to spend time with people, ideas and emotions we normally avoid. Its international reputation speaks to archetypal truths, not local, not personal.
This book is a detailed exposition of exactly how the film was made. It's a testament to the magic of the Godfather films that we can be allowed to peek--nay, explore--behind the curtain, see the nuts and bolts, and still want to see the magic again.
Like the subject of the book itself, this book can be read and appreciated at several levels. It provides a wealth of credible information and details about this specific film series, while also telling the story more generally about the complex development and production of all films, large and small.
I rate it four stars because what it does, it does well. No five because what it sets out to do is modest. There are no deeper truths lurking here.