How Long Did ‘The Godfather’ Take to Film?

Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘The Godfather’ is renowned for its tumultuous production journey, which began with significant challenges. When initially approached to direct the film, Coppola was unimpressed by Mario Puzo’s novel, dismissing it as commercial fiction. However, after his collaborator George Lucas persuaded him that he needed the financial support to settle debts, Coppola agreed to take on the project. His production company, American Zoetrope, owed Warner Bros. for financing Lucas’s film ‘THX 1138’, and Lucas’s help was crucial in shaping  ‘The Godfather’.

Paramount Pictures, despite its skepticism, chose Coppola to direct. The project faced various hurdles from the start. Coppola’s vision for the film clashed with the studio’s expectations, particularly his preference for a 1940s period setting and his insistence on shooting on location rather than in a studio. 

Image Courtesy: People

The studio, reeling from the failure of its previous gangster film ‘The Brotherhood’, was reluctant to accommodate Coppola’s higher budget demands. Adding to the complexity, Coppola’s ideal cast, including Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, initially faced resistance from the studio, leading to dramatic moments, such as Coppola’s reported fainting spell over Brando’s casting.

Filming officially commenced on 29th March, 1971, the same day the final screenplay was completed. The principal photography lasted 77 days, concluding on 9th August , 1971—just six days short of the 83 days originally budgeted. Despite appearing to be a manageable timeline, the filming process was grueling. Most of it took place in New York City and California, with some Sicilian scenes shot in Italy. Coppola’s experience on set was fraught with stress, to the point where he was reportedly found crying by Martin Scorsese during filming. 

Image Courtesy: People

There were moments of serendipity during production, such as Brando reading his lines from a cue sheet hidden in a tree, and Luca Brasi’s stuttered speech, which was unintentionally captured and used in the film.

Post-production also had its challenges. Coppola set up a temporary editing space in San Francisco but was later required to move it to Los Angeles after Paramount executive Bob Evans was dissatisfied with the film’s length. After over two years of development and 77 days of principal photography,  ‘The Godfather’ was ready for its premiere in January 1972. The film’s enduring impact and critical acclaim underscore the difficult but ultimately successful production process.

–Farheen Ali