“Offer”: Mario Puzo actor of “The Godfather”: “I don’t think the book is perfect”

[Warning: This story contains spoilers for the initial three episodes of The Offer.]

Mario Puzo would be proud.

The legendary bestselling author who wrote Godfather He was known for his insolence. There is also an actor who plays him in the miniseries Paramount+ SuggestWhich released the first three episodes on Thursday.

For actor Patrick Gallo, it was important not to be the epitome of Puzo, but to capture the essence of literal meaning by studying interviews and reading his work. rooster also counts hollywood reporter Living with miniseries star Dan Fogler, who plays Francis Ford Coppola, during production, helped the duo a lot to establish a relationship with the Oscar-winning couple.

In addition to recounting one of his favorite scenes to film, a wild moment between Puzo and Frank Sinatra that actually happened (in some way), Gallo shares what he hopes viewers will take away from the Paramount+ series (besides having a lot of fun).

I wonder what he thought about the movie and the book before this experience and did his opinion change after that?

I didn’t read the book after seeing the movie many years later, which I think is true for many. But I always loved the movie. I probably see him twice a year. The book is good, I don’t think it’s good. And I don’t think Puzo’s book was perfect. Write to pay off debts. I think the book was written in order to create a movie. The film is great and is a spectacular example of real cinema and storytelling.

How did you get involved in the miniseries and what did your research involve? Contact his family?

I passed the audition and it was a wonderful moment when I knew I made it. I have not contacted any family members. My research was watching interviews and reading books. He didn’t want to play Mario, but use his work as a script. He was an amazing writer, a poet.

Was there anything interesting you learned about Puzo as you prepared for this role?

that he wrote Godfather Taking care of a family and paying debts. I think what surprised me was that he was a great artist, but he also loved Hollywood a lot. He loved everyone he interacted with in Hollywood. He’s from New York, do you think he’d say, “I just want to go back! I want the hell out of here! Get rid of these people!” But he said, “California people are beautiful!”

The stories behind the film are so wild that some viewers might think the series is gaining too much leeway. But it happened, for example, that Puzo and Frank Sinatra approached him at Chasen’s. How was that production day for you?

It was a wonderful scene to shoot! I know [series creator] Michael Tolkien said it was so this The story that inspired him wrote the entire series. What really worked on stage was directed by Dexter Fletcher. He used to say, “Take care of that boy! “My mom and I are really excited about his music.” And then I realize I don’t like it. So I tried to get it back and said “I’m a nice guy!” And Dexter came over and said, “Let’s do another one, but this time I want you to remember one thing: you’re Mario, who’s messing with Puzo.” And I was like, “Yes! He can’t talk to me like that! “It’s interesting that the actor discovers these planes. And work with Frank John Hughes [Sinatra] It was super fun and inspiring. It was an especially special day.

In the first three episodes, most of her scenes are with Dan Fogler, who enjoys playing Francis Ford Coppola. You have great chemistry. Did this come from an off-screen relationship?

absolutely! We lived together for about a month during filming, so the actors had a great opportunity to get up to say “Good morning” and have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I mean, we really spend 24 hours a day just getting to know each other. It was special because we were able to establish that relationship. We were already good friends. And easier to play with friends.

Were there any actors that really made you sad during the transformation?

I love you all, but I especially enjoyed the experience of working with Justin Chamberlain. [who plays Marlon Brando]. I thought her delicate approach was to fill the huge shoe. I think he did a great job. In the scene where he is first introduced to Marlon’s house, there is a moment when he changes profile and it’s like the whole room is lit up. I started crying because I couldn’t believe it. It was the feeling of being at home with Brando.

Clearly, the entertainment value is the most important aspect. But beyond that, is there anything specific you hope viewers will leave behind because it’s all so wild?

It was a pleasure to hear that everyone involved in creating this show, even Paramount+, was interested in the series. And each part was a love letter to the movie that inspired everyone.

The interview is edited for length and clarity.

new episodes Suggest Thursday’s broadcast on Paramount+.