Always ‘the bearded colossus of the sprawling American saga’. The director’s director. In a wry article for the Guardian Guide, speculate on the relative financial and environmental costs of Apocalypse Now! and the Vietnam war itself. ‘At least Vietnam had a relatively tidy ending!’ ‘Delightful!’ The father of modern cinema. ‘Surely the Godfather of modern cinema!’ ‘Wonderful! I take my hat off to you!’ In an article on film sequels, always mention that The Godfather Part II showed a sequel can improve on its progenitor. In an article on film trilogies, always ‘draw a discreet veil’ over The Godfather Part III.
