Marlon Brando’s Unconventional Method: The Unmemorised Lines of The Godfather
Marlon Brando’s iconic performance as Don Corleone in The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Hollywood history. However, the actor’s approach to the role was not without controversy. According to a report, Brando refused to memorise his lines, instead reading them off cue cards placed around the set. This unusual method has sparked debate among fans, with some praising its contribution to the authenticity of his performance, while others have expressed criticism.
The story behind Brando’s decision was shared on the r/TodayILearned Reddit page, which noted that the actor was only 42 when he portrayed Don Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s classic mob movie. This approach was not unique to The Godfather, as Brando adopted a similar method for his role in Superman, released six years later. According to The Mirror, Brando’s refusal to memorise his lines was a deliberate choice to create a more natural character.
The Mirror reports that Brando’s decision was met with mixed opinions, with some suggesting that he was "disillusioned" with the filmmaking process, while others praise it for eliciting a "spontaneous" brilliance in his work. A fan noted that Brando’s approach was designed to make his delivery more spontaneous, yielding an element of surprise for both himself and the cinema audience. As The Mirror quotes a user on the Reddit page, "Brando didn’t memorise lines so they his dialogue would better resemble this natural cadence. And it’s a big part of his unique character. His dialogue is stulting and stumbling. It adds significantly to the authenticity of his performance."
The use of cue cards on set was a bold move, with fans shocked to learn that Brando didn’t memorise his lines but instead read them from cards attached to trees, fellow actors, and other objects. While some have criticised Brando’s approach, others have defended it, arguing that it added to the authenticity of his performance. According to The Mirror, one user commented, "Everyone here hating on this without understanding it. People in conversation haven’t memorized lines. They fumble around for words. They misspeak etc."
Brando’s career was marked by both critical acclaim and controversy. Some have suggested that he peaked too early, with his performance in A Streetcar Named Desire being a high point, while others have argued that he became disillusioned with Hollywood and filmmaking. As The Mirror reports, another user noted, "Brando seems to have peaked too early and then became disillusioned with Hollywood and filmmaking. He probably would’ve been happier retiring into basically anything else after Streetcar."
The debate surrounding Brando’s approach to acting continues, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the effectiveness of his unconventional method. While some have praised his commitment to authenticity, others have criticised his refusal to memorise lines. As The Mirror notes, Brando’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors remains unchanged, with his performance in The Godfather continuing to be celebrated by audiences around the world.
In conclusion, Marlon Brando’s decision to refuse memorising his lines in The Godfather has sparked a lively debate among fans and critics. While some have praised his commitment to authenticity, others have criticised his approach. As reported by The Mirror, Brando’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors continues to be celebrated, with his performance in The Godfather remaining an iconic moment in cinematic history.
