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John Cazale transitioned from a theater career in the 1960s to become a notable figure in the film industry. Originating from a modest background as a Boston cab driver, he ascended to cinematic prominence alongside emerging actors like De Niro and Pacino. Born in Revere, Massachusetts, Cazale, from a working-class Irish-Italian family, pursued drama at Oberlin College under Peter Kass. His journey involved theater roles in Boston and New York, where he crossed paths with Al Pacino while working as a messenger for Standard Oil.
Cazale’s breakthrough came with a production of Line, catching the attention of a casting director for Francis Ford Coppola. In 1972, he secured the role of Fredo Corleone in The Godfather, marking a unique distinction as the only actor with every film he appeared in being nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture. Despite playing supporting roles, Cazale’s undeniable talent made his continuous presence in such acclaimed films more than a coincidence.
Beyond his iconic role in The Godfather series, Cazale showcased intense dramatic acting in works like Dog Day Afternoon, The Conversation, and The Deer Hunter, where he starred alongside his partner Meryl Streep. His relationship with Streep began in 1974 and endured until his premature death from lung cancer in 1976. Despite delivering legendary performances, Cazale’s generational talent did not receive the awards and recognition commensurate with his contributions to cinema.
Here are five remarkable film ventures that showcase John Cazale’s exceptional acting prowess.
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John Cazale Only Made Five Films and They Were All Nominated for Best Picture
The Conversation (1974)
Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 film “The Conversation” often gets overshadowed by his success with “The Godfather Part II” in the same year. Despite this, the movie received a Best Picture nomination, partly due to John Cazale’s performance as Stan, an associate of Gene Hackman’s character, Harry Caul, a surveillance expert.
Cazale’s portrayal of Stan, characterized by frenetic anxiety, effectively contrasts with Harry’s composed demeanor in the film. Having earned Coppola’s favor through his previous role in “The Godfather,” Cazale brings a perverted and voyeuristic quality to Stan, using sharp dialogue to convey this aspect. The actor successfully taps into his everyman quality, creating a performance that elicits both empathy and pity, reminiscent of his earlier role as Fredo in “The Godfather.” This contribution by Cazale significantly elevates the overall impact of “The Conversation.”
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Sidney Lumet’s pivotal film, crafted during his productive ’70s streak, was Dog Day Afternoon. In the midst of creating nine influential movies, Lumet’s focus shifted from the typical heist film emphasis on the actual robbery to delve into the relationships forged in a dire scenario. At the forefront were the characters Sonny (played by Al Pacino) and Sal (played by John Cazale). Their decision to hold up a bank, driven partly by the need to fund Sonny’s partner’s sex reassignment surgery, adds a layer of complexity to their dynamic. Dog Day Afternoon, released in 1975, marked a departure in the heist genre by realistically portraying a true-life event and notably featuring a trans character.
In terms of Cazale’s career, while Fredo remains his most renowned character from The Godfather, his portrayal of Salvatore Naturile in Dog Day Afternoon stands out as exceptionally intense. Had it not been for Fredo’s iconic status, Sonny’s character, grappling with the escalating chaos during the heist, might be considered Cazale’s most remarkable performance.
The Godfather (1972)
Cazale’s debut in The Godfather marked his entry into the world of cinema, initiated by casting director Fred Roos, who secured him an audition with Francis Ford Coppola. In the midst of Al Pacino and Marlon Brando’s powerful performances, Cazale’s role as Fredo required him to embody meekness and insecurity, providing a contrast to Pacino’s dominant presence as Michael Corleone.
The first film serves as a crucial foundation for the sequel, establishing the dynamics between Fredo and Michael. Fredo’s admiration for Michael is evident, hinting at an undercurrent of jealousy that becomes more apparent in later installments. When Michael questions Fredo’s loyalty to the Corleone family during a visit to his operation in Las Vegas, it marks a pivotal moment. Despite Fredo carving his own path in the family business, Michael’s intervention brings him back to reality, and Cazale’s portrayal of Fredo’s inner turmoil in that scene is considered one of his standout moments in the film.
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The Deer Hunter (1978)
Despite being diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 41 in 1977, John Cazale chose to continue working on The Deer Hunter, even though it took a toll on his relationship with Meryl Streep. Cazale, a heavy smoker, lived less than a year after the diagnosis, passing away on March 13, 1978, with Streep by his side. Remarkably, during this challenging period, Cazale delivered one of his finest on-screen performances.
In the face of Cazale’s illness, the studio considered replacing him in The Deer Hunter, but director Michael Cimino and Meryl Streep insisted on keeping him. Robert De Niro even covered Cazale’s insurance, and the film’s schedule was adjusted to prioritize Cazale’s scenes. Although Cazale did not live to witness the film’s premiere or its Best Picture win at the 51st Academy Awards, his contributions to the movie are now considered a crucial part of film history. Streep, still grieving from Cazale’s loss, won the Supporting Actress award earlier that evening.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
Cazale, much like his co-star Talia Shire, experienced remarkable early success in film, particularly reaching the pinnacle in The Godfather: Part II in 1974. This marked a brief period when Cazale showcased his acting prowess before succumbing to illness. In the film, his portrayal of Fredo, complete with a sleazy mustache and tacky costume, highlights his character’s vulnerability and powerlessness compared to Michael. Despite Fredo’s pitiful appearance, Cazale’s performance resonates universally.
The Godfather: Part II stands out as Cazale’s greatest acting achievement, aligning with the rise of New Hollywood in the 1970s that valued character actors with an everyman quality. Cazale’s Old World appearance and distinctive regional speech made him the quintessential supporting actor of this cinematic movement. One of his standout moments occurs in a conversation between Fredo and Michael at Lake Tahoe, just before Fredo’s betrayal is revealed. In this scene, Cazale delivers his finest performance, portraying Fredo becoming unhinged and expressing, “I can handle things. I’m smart! Not like everybody says. Like dumb… I’m smart, and I want respect!” This moment evokes a complex mix of shame and empathy for Fredo, creating a unique emotional response that only a truly exceptional actor like Cazale could provoke.
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