Consider This from NPR: Is "The Godfather: Part II," the Perfect Sequel?

Release Date: December 20, 2024
Host: Scott Detrow
Producer: Mark Rivers
Episode Duration: Approximately 10 minutes

Introduction

The episode kicks off with Scott Detrow referencing iconic lines from the Mission Impossible series, specifically highlighting the latest installment, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (00:05-01:18). Detrow uses these references to segue into the broader discussion about movie sequels, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of what makes a sequel successful—or not.

Scott Detrow [00:09]: “Those words are spoken by Ethan Matthew Hunt, better known as Tom Cruise, at the end of the trailer for Mission Impossible, The Final Reckoning...”

The Prevalence of Sequels in Hollywood

Detrow points out that Hollywood has a long-standing tradition of producing sequels, often dominating the box office despite mixed critical receptions.

Scott Detrow [02:09]: “The sequel has been a mainstay of the movie business for generations. But how many of them are actually good?”

He highlights recent examples of sequels such as Gladiator 2, Moana 2, and Mufasa: The Lion King, questioning whether the surge in sequels stems from a lack of new ideas or a commercial strategy to capitalize on established franchises.

Scott Detrow [06:30]: “But bad reviews clearly have not deterred studios from making them and moviegoers from shelling out the money to see them.”

Why The Godfather: Part II Stands Out

The core of the episode revolves around why The Godfather: Part II is often hailed as the perfect sequel. Scott engages NPR producer Mark Rivers in this analysis.

Scott Detrow [02:09]: “...many agree is the gold standard when it comes to sequels.”

Mark Rivers’ Insight

Mark Rivers delves into the multifaceted brilliance of The Godfather: Part II, comparing its depth and artistry to a Beethoven symphony.

Mark Rivers [03:39]: “It touches every aspect of you that you want art to touch... It has all these rich historical and cultural resonances...”

He emphasizes Francis Ford Coppola's ability to expand the original narrative without merely recycling its elements. Instead of seeing the sequel as a product to be rehashed, Coppola transforms underlying themes—such as the corruption of the American Dream—into a sprawling epic that both honors and elevates the original.

Mark Rivers [05:18]: “Coppola... takes what was kind of subtext in the first Godfather... and he turns it into this real epic of Americana.”

The Current Landscape of Movie Sequels

Detrow and Rivers discuss the current trend of sequels dominating the box office, questioning whether this is due to a lack of originality or strategic industry decisions.

Scott Detrow [07:06]: “Everybody seems to have run out of ideas. Is that what's going on?”

Rivers counters this notion by pointing out that the success of recent sequels and adaptations, such as Wicked, suggests that Hollywood still produces compelling content but favors proven properties to minimize financial risks.

Mark Rivers [07:31]: “I think it's not that Hollywood has run out of ideas. I think that Hollywood is just not putting its weight behind those original ideas.”

Favorite Sequels: A Lightning Round

In a lighter segment, Scott and Mark share their favorite sequels, providing insights into why these particular films succeeded where others may have faltered.

Mark Rivers’ Picks:

1. The Bourne Supremacy (20:25):

   • Reason: Transition from an existential quest for identity to a moral struggle, coupled with innovative action sequences.
   • Quote:

     Mark Rivers [08:25]: “That movie is such a stylistic achievement... you can feel every body blow and every car crash in your chest.”

2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day:

   • Reason: Transformation of the Terminator from a villain to a protector, enhancing emotional depth and action dynamics.

3. Aliens:

   • Reason: Reinvention of the original horror-sci-fi vibe into an action-packed military thriller, expanding the narrative scope.

Scott Detrow’s Picks:

1. Empire Strikes Back:

   • Reason: Deepens the Star Wars universe with complex character development and darker themes.

2. Star Wars: The Wrath of Khan:

   • Reason: Continues the saga with compelling antagonists and philosophical undertones.
   • Timestamp & Quote:

     Scott Detrow [09:05]: “...Star Wars: The Wrath of Khan...”

3. The Dark Knight:

   • Reason: Elevates the superhero genre with intricate storytelling and moral complexity.

4. Terminator 2: Judgment Day:

   • Reason: As mentioned by Mark, it redefines the protagonist-villain dynamic, enhancing the film's emotional resonance.

The Anatomy of a Great Sequel

Through their discussion, Scott and Mark highlight that successful sequels like The Godfather: Part II, Terminator 2, and others share common traits:

• Expansion and Deepening: Rather than merely continuing the story, these sequels expand the universe, adding new layers and complexities.

• Artistic Integrity: Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and James Cameron approach sequels as opportunities to explore deeper themes and character development, not just as commercial products.

• Innovative Storytelling: Great sequels offer something fresh, whether it's a shift in perspective, enhanced action sequences, or more nuanced moral questions.

Mark Rivers [09:46]: “It's not a recycling. It's not a rehash. They're different experiences.”

Conclusion

The episode concludes by reinforcing that while Hollywood may be inundated with sequels, the hallmark of a perfect sequel lies in its ability to honor the original while offering something new and profound. The Godfather: Part II exemplifies this balance, serving as a benchmark for what sequels can achieve when crafted with artistic vision and narrative depth.

Scott Detrow [10:10]: “...they are different experiences.”

Key Takeaways

• The Godfather: Part II is celebrated as the pinnacle of sequels due to its expansive storytelling and artistic depth.

• The prevalence of sequels in Hollywood reflects strategic industry choices rather than a complete lack of original ideas.

• Successful sequels build upon their predecessors innovatively, offering new insights and enriching the original narrative.

• Favorites among sequels often share traits of expansion, artistic integrity, and innovative storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• Mark Rivers [03:39]: “It touches every aspect of you that you want art to touch...”

• Scott Detrow [02:09]: “How many of them are actually good?”

• Mark Rivers [09:46]: “It's not a recycling. It's not a rehash. They're different experiences.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Consider This provides a comprehensive examination of what makes a sequel resonate with audiences and critics alike. By dissecting The Godfather: Part II and comparing it with other exemplary sequels, Scott Detrow and Mark Rivers offer valuable insights into the art of sequel-making in Hollywood.