Vito Corleone’s accent and face both became classic pieces of film history. Sometimes you can barely understand this powerful mob boss, but the strength of his delivery and powerful persona meant no one dares misunderstand him. Coppola specifically wanted an “old bulldog” look and had a special mouthpiece developed to puff out his cheeks.
The mouthpiece added the muffled voice and the was somewhat uncomfortable so Brando rehearsed with cotton balls. The mouthpiece is now on display at the American Museum of Moving Image in New York.
His Favorite Line
Mario Puzo was pretty proud of the novel "The Godfather". There's one line, in particular, he specifically requested it to make it into the film. While Coppola was on board, the person who spoke the line wasn't. The line is “A lawyer with a briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns,” and it's none other than Vito Corleone who utters it.
Marlon Brando is never one to keep his opinion to himself, and he refused to say the line since he thought it was far too preachy. Puzo and Coppola might have liked the line, but when Brando says no, it's no.
The Shaking is Real
When Vito Corleone is recovering in the hospital, mob enforcer Enzo pays him a visit. Actor Gabriele Torrei had never acted with Marlon Brando, and this scene in the hospital room was his very first.
His shaking and nervousness were evident even on camera, and though he got through his scene well, yet again the effect that Brando has on people made for a good way to build up the Don. Just like with Lenny Montana, they went back and filmed a short scene of Enzo entering the hospital, muttering to himself and steeling himself for his meeting.
Got in Through Other Ways
Not everybody in "The Godfather" was an experienced actor. Some were even parts of the real Mafia. Most of them didn't do much beyond set dressing, but Gianni Russo, who played Carlo Rizzi, was originally a mob associate to Mafia boss Frank Costello. When he heard about the film, he used his organized crime connections to secure a role in the film.
The role was small, but he was still present – playing Connie's husband, who regularly abuses and cheats on her. While Vito does nothing – Italian tradition forbids parents meddling in children's marriages – but Connie's older brother Sonny has no such hang-ups.
A Real Threat
As this was Gianni Russo's first film and he didn't have any acting experience. He was flying by the seat of his pants when it came to his character, which was frowned upon by Marlon Brando. That changed quickly when Russo approached Brando and threatened him.
Brando had no idea this was a real threat but thought the way Russo delivered the threat was so fantastic his opinion of the man changed in a heartbeat. That's Brando for you. We don't know what the threat was, but Brando laughing it off is quintessential Marlon.