Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Vito Corleone in “The Godfather” is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in cinematic history. The role earned Brando critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. However, despite his success, Brando’s salary for the film was not as extravagant as many may assume.
At the time of filming “The Godfather,” Marlon Brando was already a Hollywood legend with a reputation for being difficult to work with. As a result, the producers of the movie initially offered him a relatively low salary of $50,000 for his role as Vito Corleone. Brando, however, had other ideas. In an effort to prove his worth and secure a more lucrative deal, he underwent extensive makeup tests and screen tests to develop the character’s iconic look and mannerisms.
Eventually, Brando negotiated a deal that would earn him $250,000 for his work on “The Godfather.” While this amount may seem modest compared to today’s exorbitant salaries for A-list actors, it was considered a significant sum at the time. Moreover, Brando’s contract also included a percentage of the film’s profits, which further increased his earnings.
Despite his high salary, Brando’s behavior on set continued to cause friction with the film’s producers. He frequently arrived late to shoots and refused to memorize his lines, instead opting to have them written on cue cards hidden throughout the set. Nevertheless, his performance as Vito Corleone was universally praised, earning him numerous accolades and cementing his status as one of the greatest actors of all time.
In conclusion, Marlon Brando’s salary for his role in “The Godfather” may not have been as astronomical as some might expect, but it was still a significant sum at the time. His portrayal of Vito Corleone remains one of the most iconic performances in cinema history and continues to inspire actors and filmmakers today.