Part 5/10:
By the early 1970s, Brando's career had hit a significant low. When The Godfather was pitched to him, Paramount executives questioned his viability as a leading actor, largely due to his past behavior. Yet, for director Francis Ford Coppola, Brando was undeniably the embodiment of Vito Corleone.
The Godfather: A Miraculous Comeback
Coppola's relentless determination, combined with Brando's drastic transformation for the screen test, changed the course of his career. Adopting a new appearance and voice to fit the role, Brando impressively revived not only his own stature but also that of the gangster genre. Although paramount studios placed constraining conditions on him—even renegotiating his salary and requiring a bond—Brando's performance was pivotal.