19 Rare Behind-The-Scenes Photos From The Godfather

Last Updated on May 7, 2025 by Matt Staff

These photos of The Godfather behind the scenes bring a whole new look to the film. The Godfather isn’t just a movie, it’s a cornerstone of American cinema. When it hit theaters in 1972, it transformed the gangster genre and turned director Francis Ford Coppola into a household name. But behind its polished performances and unforgettable lines was a production filled with tension, last-minute changes, and a studio constantly at odds with the director. Here are 20 behind-the-scenes photos from The Godfather.

1. The squad’s all here

Five men pose together; four wear suits or tuxedos (one in a hat), and one wears a striped shirt and glasses. Another man is dressed in a military uniform. The photo is black and white, taken outdoors near a building. — sleeeepy_hollow

James Caan, Marlon Brando, director Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino, and John Cazale.

2. Coppola has some serious style

Four men stand in front of a stone building; one, in a striped shirt and hat, gestures while talking, as the others in suits and ties listen. One man holds a pile of wrapped packages. The scene appears tense and serious. — capable_ad_3145

This behind-the-scenes photo from The Godfather truly emphasizes the relationship between the directors and actors.

3. He’s showing him where to aim for the perfect shot

Five men in suits are in a tense standoff at a restaurant table; one man stands, pointing a gun at a seated man's head while another holds him down. Other men watch in shock. The setting is vintage and dramatic. — intrepid-cake-5081

Having to do multiple takes of getting shot in the head must be extremely annoying.

4. The horse is one of the best actors in the film

Three men stand in a stable, interacting with a horse. One man in a suit and hat holds a drink and the horse’s bridle, while another man in a sweater gestures toward the horse’s head. The background shows horse stalls. — intrepid-cake-5081

Although he doesn’t look very happy to be handled right now.

5. Pacino is still in character while he’s getting his costume fixed

A man in a suit sits at a round table in a dimly lit restaurant, while another man leans over him. Other diners are seated in the background amid empty chairs and patterned floor tiles. — intrepid-cake-5081

He has one of the most terrifying still faces ever to touch the screen.

6. Behind-the-scenes makeup for The Godfather

An actor sits in a chair with eyes closed while a makeup artist applies makeup to his face. In the background, a man with glasses and a beard sits at a table, observing and taking notes. — whilefalserepeat

During makeup sessions, Coppola (the director) would talk through the scrips with Marlon Brando.

7. Coppola explains how to do the take

A bearded man in glasses sits on an ornate, carved bed, adjusting his collar. Behind him, a large decorative headboard and a trophy on a shelf are visible. The room has curtains and elegant decor. — intrepid-cake-5081

Coppola was almost fired multiple times, especially when the film went over budget.

8. Directing the wedding celebration for The Godfather

A film director in a brown jacket directs a wedding scene outdoors, surrounded by actors and extras in formal attire. The cast includes a man in a tuxedo and guests in suits, dresses, and white hats with pink ribbons. — thirstypretzelmon

It must be tricky as a director to take charge of a large group of people like this.

9. James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Marlon Brando on set

Three men stand in a room talking. The man in the center wears a suit and has a sheet of paper with handwritten notes taped to his chest. The other two men face him, engaged in conversation. A couch and painting are in the background. — kinggodv

The budget was originally $2.5 million but ballooned to around $6–7 million, which was still modest for such an ambitious film.

10. The actors don’t look very pleased to be there

Four men on a film set: two are seated in suits beside a vintage movie camera, while two crew members stand nearby, with one adjusting equipment. The setting appears to be a wood-paneled room. — intrepid-cake-5081

It must have been a long day.

11. Al Pacino behind the scenes

A group of people stand outdoors on a film set. Two men in costume, one with a rifle and ammunition belt, and a woman in a dress are in the center. A camera crew with equipment and extras are visible in the background. — jocke75

This was the scene where Apollonia and Michael met for the first time.

12. Marlon Brando’s jaw prosthetic for The Godfather

Two side-by-side photos show a man before and after wearing a prosthetic in his mouth. Below, a close-up of the labeled prosthetic that helps change the shape of his mouth and face. — skullfockeren

Good thing he put his name on there. The prosthetic literally transformed his face.

13. Al Pacino and Marlon Brando passing the time on set for The Godfather

Two men stand side by side outdoors. The younger man wears a dark suit and white shirt, while the older man wears a cardigan and slacks, gently holding the younger man’s arm. Green plants are visible in the foreground. — sappygilmore

You can tell it’s off-screen because of how happy they look.

14. Coppola explaining the shooting scene

Black and white photo of four men seated at a restaurant table, with a server and another standing man interacting with them. A "Happy New Year" banner is visible in the background. — userdeleted

This was one of the most iconic scenes from the film.

15. James Caan and Francis Ford Coppola discussing beating the soul out of Gianni Russo on set

A man in a suit and two-tone shoes poses with one foot on a curb, holding a cane, while others stand nearby on a cobblestone street; a Rheingold Beer truck is visible in the background. — nomadsound

You can see here camera angles make it look like they’re actually hitting someone; the kicks are about a foot away.

16. Francis Ford Coppola talking Pacino through a scene

A young man with a serious expression looks ahead as an older person, seen from behind, gently places a hand on his shoulder in a dimly lit, crowded setting. The image is in black and white. — userdeleted

It’s a skill to be able to calm an actor when they can’t get the scene right.

17. Brando doesn’t look pleased that Al Pacino had to tie his shoe

Three men are outdoors; one in glasses and casual clothes stands on the left, an older man in a cardigan stands in the center with hands in his pockets, and a man in a suit polishes his shoe on the right. — userdeleted

Maybe he’s still in character, but it would be way more funny if he were mad at him.

18. Marlon Brando and John Cazale laughing their way to the set

A man in a long coat bends forward with a pained expression while another man in a hat supports him on a city street; cardboard boxes and another person are visible in the background. — gaffsgvdghdvh

Actors never cease to amaze me. Walking to set laughing, and transforming into a monster as soon as they get on set.

19. Director Francis Ford Coppola with his daughter on set

A bearded man sits on scaffolding beside a film camera, holding a young girl who stands in front of him. The girl looks slightly to the side while the man gazes forward, his hands resting on her shoulders. — homie93

Bringing your daughter on the set of The Godfather is a questionable parenting move.

Looking for more behind-the-scenes movie content?

Check out these 20 Vintage Behind-the-Scenes Photos of Indiana Jones That Define Old-School Cool, or take a look at these 20 Images of Clint Eastwood on Set That Capture His Brand of Cool. Or if you’re looking to see the cynical side of movies, check out these 19 Wildly Unrealistic Things Portrayed In Movies.