Al Pacino’s Desperation to Quit ‘The Godfather’: “You’re Gonna Get Me Out of This Film”
Al Pacino owes much of his illustrious career to his role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather franchise. Despite not securing the Oscar many believed he deserved, the part solidified him as one of Hollywood’s most compelling new talents. Yet, few know the extent of Pacino’s struggles during the making of the iconic film—challenges so profound that he desperately wanted to quit.
The Making of Michael Corleone
As the youngest Corleone son, Pacino’s Michael stood apart from the explosive Sonny (James Caan) and the magnetic Vito (Marlon Brando). Michael’s transformation from a reserved war hero to a ruthless mafia boss was central to the film’s success and showcased Pacino’s unparalleled acting prowess. While Panic in Needle Park had earned him some recognition, The Godfather was his breakthrough, catapulting him to stardom.
However, the path to success was fraught with personal and professional hurdles. Despite landing the coveted role, Pacino found the filming process so grueling that he sought an escape.
Injuries and Desperation
In a recent interview with Conan O’Brien, Pacino recounted how a minor on-set injury briefly gave him hope of leaving the project. “My ankle was hurt, somehow it slipped,” Pacino explained. “The car had one of those side things you could jump on. I was looking up at the sky, saying, ‘Thank you, God. You’re gonna get me out of this film.’ That’s how much I wanted to leave it.”
The injury wasn’t severe enough to halt his involvement, and Pacino continued with the production. But his frustrations didn’t stop there.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
The production of The Godfather was plagued with difficulties. Director Francis Ford Coppola faced relentless interference from Paramount Pictures, who were unimpressed with early footage and even considered replacing Pacino. Marlon Brando’s refusal to learn his lines, coupled with threats from the actual Mafia, added to the chaos. The tension was so significant that it inspired the 2022 miniseries The Offer.
Pacino’s struggles continued post-release. Despite his pivotal role, he was nominated for “Best Supporting Actor” at the Oscars, while Brando received a “Best Actor” nod. Feeling slighted, Pacino boycotted the ceremony. Brando also declined to attend, famously sending a Native American activist to reject his award in protest of Hollywood’s treatment of Indigenous people.
The Turning Point
Despite his initial reluctance, Pacino returned for The Godfather Part II, a sequel often hailed as superior to the original. With Coppola granted greater creative control, the production was far smoother. This time, Pacino’s performance earned him a “Best Actor” nomination, although it would take years before he finally won an Academy Award.
Legacy of a Reluctant Star
Al Pacino’s journey with The Godfather is a testament to perseverance. While his initial experience was marked by doubt and frustration, his portrayal of Michael Corleone remains one of the most celebrated performances in cinematic history. Today, it’s hard to imagine anyone else embodying the role that defined an era of Hollywood.
