Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
ACF#21 The Godfather
Happy New Year! Here at the ACF, we decided to give you a great American family story for the season of feasts! Join us in exploring the exciting Corleone family, much-beloved of Democrats, because they’re immigrants, and of Republicans, because they’re business men, job creators, and family men.
.
Published in Podcasts
As a sentimental New Yorker of a certain age, I just can’t hear “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” without thinking warm holiday thoughts about cleaning, oiling and assembling a submachine gun in preparation for a big rubout.
Go to the mattresses? You’re such a guy….
Rub out? Anyone in particular?
Great timing as Godfather I, II, and (shudder) III have just come to Netflix.
I would say that Sonny is more American than Michael. Michael retains some of the old country sensibility contained in the old saying, “revenge is a dish best served cold’. Sonny can’t do that. He will go directly at the problem, with no subtlety.
Sonny is also bigger than life in a very American way. Loud, brash, horny, flashy. And when Carlo beats up his sister? He gives him a sound thrashing.
That’s all true. But remember America’s favorite political dynasty, the Kennedys–don’t get mad, get even!
Or any of the success stories. It’s people who put planning above passion.
They’re atypical Americans, but they obsess about being successful in America, being what America loves, more than anyone else!
Titus, just finished listening to this podcast. I loved the conversation with Paul Rahe. Loved the conversation surrounding the distinction between American and non-American values/sensibilities/family values. I will see the movie again in a new light. Thanks for this conversation and all your podcasts.
Glad you liked them!
If I can ask a favor–give us a rating/review, in case you use iTunes!
& of course, any time you share our podcasts online, it’s a great help. I need some audience growth if I am to get my guests to keep returning…
Thanks for the suggestion. I absolutely will.
As a suggestion, I would love a discussion on all the aspects that impacted film before and after the collapse of the studio system in the 1950s. And ultimately, are we better or worse for this development; the sacrifice of good profitable product with studios limitations vs. more creative freedom, and much more narcissism . Probably it’s a mixed bag, but a discussion on all aspects would be great.