Godfather film director whacks Godfather game

Francis Ford Coppola is none too pleased with Electronic Arts' adaptation of his classic mob movie.

When Electronic Arts announced it was adapting The Godfather last year, many cinephiles wondered how the operatic mafia drama would translate into a game. Then this year, it was revealed that Robert Duvall, James Caan, and the late Marlon Brando had all recorded voice-overs for it. The involvement of the stars gave the project a big boost in the credibility department, raising hopes for the game.

Now, however, the man primarily responsible for The Godfather film is speaking out against the Godfather game. According to several wire services, writer-director Francis Ford Coppola expressed his displeasure with Paramount Pictures for selling off the game rights on the American Movie Classics cable network show Sunday Morning ShootOut.

"I knew nothing about it. They never asked me if I thought it was a good idea," he reportedly said. His ire was further riled when he was given a preview build of the game by EA. "They use the characters everyone knows, and then for the next hour they shoot and kill each other. I had absolutely nothing to do with the game, and I disapprove," he was quoted as saying.

The Godfather game is slated for a fourth quarter 2005 release for the PC, PSP, Xbox, and PlayStation 2. EA, its developer and publisher, has said it will be rated "M" for Mature. GameSpot's previous coverage has more information on the film adaptation.

13 Comments

  • Alex_09

    Posted Mar 10, 2009 7:25 am PT

    He's only mad because he didn't get offered to work on it. Basically because he didn't get money though.

  • Fandango_Letho

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 11:21 pm PT

    2009 post! ( started in 06 )

  • badazzwolf

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 9:44 am PT

    The "point" of the movie, or to be more accurate the novel, is about Family. That is what the author, Mario Puzo, has stated on numerous occasions when asked about this. What the media, and anyone else with an opinion, might think it is about is just that, their opinion.

  • helbrecht2

    Posted Aug 10, 2008 11:28 am PT

    masta-g, the point of the movie The Godfather is that it is a commentary on capitalism and racism in American society. If the game revolves solely around killing people, it misses the original point of the movie by not providing that same commentary.

  • Masta-G-Spot

    Posted Jun 19, 2008 3:35 pm PT

    wow "the next hour was just shooting and killing" well wat else is sopposed to b the point of a mafia game? sitting around a table and playin a wine drinkin minigame?

  • Awful_Cleric

    Posted Jun 19, 2008 5:37 am PT

    Shut up Francis it's because of you that we are forced to have movies with Nicholas Cage!
    So you owe us this one fatso!!!!.....p.s. Your Wine Sucks!!!!!

  • thewesman

    Posted Jun 18, 2008 8:43 pm PT

    Francis Ford Coppola doesn't like gratuitous violence? huh. weird.

  • ocdog45

    Posted Jun 18, 2008 5:58 pm PT

    i never knew.

  • cheerios3d

    Posted Jun 18, 2008 4:11 pm PT

    O well tt sucks 2 know that Francis Ford Coppola doesn't really approve of the game cause everybody else seems 2 approve of it. It got a great score n its way better than Mafia

  • ravenheart33

    Posted Mar 26, 2008 4:48 am PT

    It's A classic movie ,and I think the game was a great idea Iv'e had hours of fun with it I love the game.The fact that you can create your ow guy is great ,I think it brought the movie back out to make others want to watch it that never have.

  • klinsi posted Aug 16, 2007 9:29 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    klinsi

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 9:29 pm PT (hide)

    Hohoho... its a wonder how a superb director always be superb ?

    This game is truly PATHETIC !
    They are very wrong to released & launched this game too long (compared with the movie) after the GTA series especially after GTA 3 VC
    This game is maybe a superb game if its not been make & released after GTA
    Now this game are look too pathetic when compared with GTA

  • yeungks

    Posted Jun 21, 2006 5:08 am PT

    that suck

  • redwinder

    Posted Mar 14, 2006 3:13 pm PT

    just read.

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