Behind the scenes of The Godfather in The Offer series

I worked a couple of years – great – at Paramount Pictures. And what we’ve always known is that no matter how many DVD’s versions of The Godfather – with special boxes, differentiated gifts – were launched, they would all sell very well. That’s what happens when you have such a special product, considered by many to be the greatest movie of all time. So much so that there’s a movie called Francis and the Godfather, currently in pre-production, which will show you the backstage of this story. Oscar Isaac will direct Francis Ford Coppola, and Jake Gyllenhaal will be studio head Robert Evans. And there’s also a series on the same topic, which has just premiered on Paramount Plus, The Offer. The first three episodes premiered this Thursday (28), with the remaining seven arriving each week.

I’ve watched them all! And even with some ups and downs, I liked what I saw. The series is based on the producer’s memoirs of the first The Godfather, Albert S. Ruddy. The plot follows producer Albert (Miles Teller) and Robert Evans (Matthew Goode) as they prepare for production on the film. And yet how they strive to circumvent all the problems faced during the process. With the help of his partner Bettye McCartt (Juno Temple), Albert manages to piece together what would become a great classic.

However, one of the main problems during the adaptation was the impasse caused by some of the big families of organized crime. Troubled by the exposure of the plot about the Corleone family, Joe Colombo, one of the bosses of the New York mob, tries to end the production. He even goes so far as to threaten the producers with death. But even at risk, Albert refuses to interrupt the great project of his life.

What did I think of the series?

For someone like me, who loves these behind-the-scenes stories, the film is a full plate. There are an awful lot of references, some of which I already knew, some of which I didn’t. Several films such as Lua de Papel, Chinatown, Love Story, everyone is part of this story. The art direction that recreates the 70’s era is perfect. But the most interesting thing is to see discussions about hiring Al Pacino, the dark lighting of the film. And still all the trouble getting the go-ahead to start production. The discussions of the book’s author, Mario Puzo, with Coppola to write the script are great.

The problem with the miniseries, which ends up making it a little too long, is the involvement of the Mafia. Of course we know this happened. But I think it takes a lot of time. Especially the intricacies of their internal discussions. The last two episodes, when their cameo disappears, flows much more interestingly.

miles teller em the offer blog de hollywood

The cast

Miles Teller plays the lead role of Albert S. Ruddy, who ended up replacing Armie Hammer after his scandal. It’s ok, but nothing special. The highlights end up being the surprising Dan Fogler (Coppola), Patrick Gallo (Mario Puzo). Others who impressed me were Justin Chambers, from Grey’s Anatomy, as Marlon Brando, and Anthony Ippolito, as Al Pacino. The two perfectly embodied all the mannerisms of the two actors. Giovanni Ribisi, on the other hand, is as exaggerated as ever as gangster Joe Colombo. The shock really goes to Lou Ferrigno as Lenny Montana. The guy has hardly aged since the days when he was the Incredible Hulk.

However, the highlight of the cast for me was Matthew Goode. I’ve seen several interviews of the real Robert Evans. And he is just perfect. It even “steals” the series easily!!