Francis Ford Coppola is one of cinema's greatest directors. Most directors have at least one film that they are known for. Ask yourself this, what film is Francis Ford Coppola known for? It is nearly impossible to narrow it down to one.Coppola first gained recognition in 1970 when he won an Oscar for writing the screenplay for the film "Patton." After a couple years of odd film jobs he was offered the chance to direct a film adaptation of a bestselling book. That film went on to be called"The Godfather", now considered by many the greatest American masterpiece of all time. This has for many years also been my favorite movie. "The Godfather" went on to win the Oscar for best picture. In 1974, he release two highly acclaimed films,"The Conversation" and "The Godfather Part II." Both films had multiple academy award nominations, and "The Godfather Part II" took home six Oscars including Best Picture of 1974. In the late 70's he finished the decade with the extraordinary war film "Apocalypse Now." Since the 70's he hasn't really created a hands down great film.
I think Francis Ford Coppola has finally found his voice again with this brilliant portrayal of a family torn apart by secrets. Roger Ebert says of Tetro, "The film is boldly operatic, involving family drama, secrets, generations at war, melodrama, romance and violence," and he is correct. The melodramatic struggle of the family reminds me of an old Italian Opera. Brothers that struggle over rivalry, family, and secrets. This film is surely masterful on many levels. Set in Argentina, with the reunion of two brothers, the story follows the rivalries born out of creative differences passed down through generations of an artistic Italian immigrant family.
The cinematography in this film is brilliant; beautiful black and white imagery brings out the emotion in all of the characters. The gritty streets of Buenos Aires remind me of the way Venice was portrayed in "The Third Man". Its dark corners and gloomy shadows are the highlight of the cinematography.
The acting in this film is splendid. I never have been a fan of Vincent Gallo until his performance as the title character. He blends brilliance and insanity into one of the year's best performances. Alden Caleb Ehrenreich plays opposite Gallo, and his characters innocence is portrayed in the childlike face of the actor. His performance should also be mentioned for its greatness. He reminds me of a young James Dean.
Overall, this film is brilliant. It is full of great images and acting. Francis Ford Coppola has made a film that I consider to be a masterpiece along the lines of a Fellini or Cassevettes film. Simply brilliant.
Francis Ford Coppola's Tetro
4 out of 4 stars
I think Francis Ford Coppola has finally found his voice again with this brilliant portrayal of a family torn apart by secrets. Roger Ebert says of Tetro, "The film is boldly operatic, involving family drama, secrets, generations at war, melodrama, romance and violence," and he is correct. The melodramatic struggle of the family reminds me of an old Italian Opera. Brothers that struggle over rivalry, family, and secrets. This film is surely masterful on many levels. Set in Argentina, with the reunion of two brothers, the story follows the rivalries born out of creative differences passed down through generations of an artistic Italian immigrant family.
The cinematography in this film is brilliant; beautiful black and white imagery brings out the emotion in all of the characters. The gritty streets of Buenos Aires remind me of the way Venice was portrayed in "The Third Man". Its dark corners and gloomy shadows are the highlight of the cinematography.
The acting in this film is splendid. I never have been a fan of Vincent Gallo until his performance as the title character. He blends brilliance and insanity into one of the year's best performances. Alden Caleb Ehrenreich plays opposite Gallo, and his characters innocence is portrayed in the childlike face of the actor. His performance should also be mentioned for its greatness. He reminds me of a young James Dean.
Overall, this film is brilliant. It is full of great images and acting. Francis Ford Coppola has made a film that I consider to be a masterpiece along the lines of a Fellini or Cassevettes film. Simply brilliant.
Francis Ford Coppola's Tetro
4 out of 4 stars
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