Why Artists Sell Out

The Godfather also came close to artistic ruin. Based on the experiences of Godfather producer Albert S. Ruddy, The Offer reveals that executives at every level were determined to intervene in the project. One producer attempted to block Al Pacino for the role of Michael Corleone, and the studio conspired (unsuccessfully) to replace Francis Ford Coppola as director. Ruddy and Coppola found themselves continually at war with the big cheeses at Paramount, who were determined to make the film into a garden-variety gangster flick.