We had several friends over today (mostly writers, as well as one friend who used to work in the movie biz) for dinner and a critique session for the movie The Godfather. So, of course, we had to watch the movie in order to be able to critique it.

What I found fascinating in studying the structure of the movie is how completely rich every scene was with detail (setting and emotion) as well as with plot implications.

Having recently read the book, it was also very cool to see just how much of the detail in the movie related to parts of the book without being dwelt upon. Every gesture in the wedding scene that opens the movie, for example, is a significant reference to some scene in the book. Exquisite. The character of Al Neri from the book is actually present in every scene he's supposed to be in when you watch the movie, even though he isn't introduced by name to the audience. A nice touch that works well.

What was also cool was getting together with a bunch of friends to eat lasagna, garlic bread, and salad (plus a wonderful dessert!), and talk about the importance of family, the problems with job interviews, and the concern over the latest events in the news.

All in all, a pleasant way to spend an evening.