“The Godfather” trilogy is one of the most acclaimed, but also the most debated franchises in film history. The original film is often regarded as one of the best crime dramas of all time. The sequel is held up as one of the greatest sequels of all time. But the third film, “The Godfather: Part III” is seen as a major disappointment. Perhaps even the most disappointing sequel of all time. However, Francis Ford Coppola is hoping to change that opinion with his new edit of the film, dubbed “Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone.” And according to Diane Keaton, he succeeded.
Speaking to Variety, Keaton explained her excitement after seeing the new cut of the film and how this new version of “The Godfather: Part III” changed the way that she looked at the film. That is to say, she believes people will actually really like the film, thanks to Francis Ford Coppola’s latest edit.
“It was one of the best moments of my life to watch it,” said Keaton. “To me it was a dream come true. I saw the movie in a completely different light. When I saw it way back, it was like ‘Oh, I don’t know.’ It didn’t seem to do that well and the reviews weren’t great. But Francis restructured the beginning and the end and man, I’m telling you it worked.”
She added, “I don’t know why people didn’t appreciate it, but I was one of them. What was wrong with me? Why didn’t I like this before? But I didn’t. I kind of just dismissed it and thought, ‘oh well.’”
As for one of the biggest sore spots for fans that were disappointed in the third ‘Godfather,’ the inclusion of Sofia Coppola as one of the stars and her apparent subpar performance, Keaton thinks that the new edit will show the young Coppola in a new light and will likely impress people who were critical of her acting before.
“She’s what a daughter would be like if you had this guy as your dad, the head of a criminal organization,” explained Keaton. “She was not so sure of herself and is kind of quiet. Kind of haunted. I thought she was fantastic.”
“Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone” is set to be released on Blu-ray and VOD on December 8. It will eventually play in select theaters, as well.