Lessons From The Godfather

The Godfather like many people is one of my favourite films of all time, Its a an absolutely incredible film, the performances, the dialogue even the cinematography. However, what I have found more fascinating than the film itself was the making of the film. In an interview about the making of the film, Francis Ford Coppola once recollected:

"The Godfather was a very unappreciated movie when we were making it. They were very unhappy with it. They didn't like the cast. They didn't like the way I was shooting it. I was always on the verge of getting fired. So it was an extremely nightmarish experience. I had two little kids, and the third one was born during that. We lived in a little apartment, and I was basically frightened that they didn't like it. They had as much as said that, so when it was all over I wasn't at all confident that it was going to be successful, and that I'd ever get another job."

I always find it motivating and fascinating that what seemed like it would be a disaster to many including the individuals making it turned out to be such a masterpiece. One of the other parts of the making of the film I found incredible was the relationship between Marlon Brando (Leading Actor) and Francis Ford Coppola (Director). When Francis tried to cast Marlon for the film & the President of Paramount directly told him, I don’t want that guy, he will never be in this film, for last decade every film that man has made has been a box office fail, Regardless of the fact that Marlon Brando was once known as the greatest actor of all time, most people in Hollywood at the time judged him on his recent failures. Coppola refused to do that, he believed in Brando and believed that he was the only person who could make that character come alive. Long Story short after fighting tooth and nail for Brando and putting his career on the line to get him into the role, The Godfather turned out to be greater than anyone imagined and turned Brando’s life around, he even won an Oscar for the role.

Sometimes if you’re in a position to change someone’s life even when other people believe it’s a life that’s not worth changing. Do it. Buy from your friends business, When they are looking for people in your company, refer people you believe in, the same way you would like it to be done for you when the sun isn't shining on your side. Go to peoples live performances no matter how small they are, in short believe in people.

There is so much power in believing people. Even if you don’t get anything out of it, there a possibility you might help someone reach their dreams and that kind of thing is priceless.