10 Movies That DEMAND Your Attention Immediately

As much as a three-hour, primarily character-driven 1970s crime drama won't be to everyone's taste, The Godfather commands viewers to pay close attention from minute one.

Even if the Paramount logo wasn't accompanied by Nino Rota's iconic, haunting musical score, the film grips immediately with the loaded opening declaration from Bonasera (Salvatore Corsitto), "I believe in America."

Then begins a lengthy unbroken shot where Bonasera meets with Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) on the day of his daughter's wedding to request vengeance for his own daughter's assault.

Between Bonasera's horrifying story and the gradual manner in which Don Corleone is revealed to audiences, it's masterful filmmaking that eschews flashy tricks in favour of the simplicity of a) not cutting, b) zooming out slowly, and c) cloaking Corleone in shadow.

The scene speedily confirms Corleone's hallowed presence, and also that the film will be intimately concerned with the notion of the American Dream throughout.