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Robert Duvall & James Caan on The Godfather, Acting, and Life (1996) | Film Discussion

FILM DISCUSSION

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Two of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, Robert Duvall and James Caan, sit down with Charlie Rose for a rare and insightful interview about their lives, careers, and legendary roles in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, Lonesome Dove, and more on July 4th, 1996.

Robert Duvall reflects on his early days at the Neighborhood Playhouse, working with Francis Ford Coppola, and his love for horses and tango. James Caan discusses growing up in Queens, his football dreams, missteps in Hollywood, and his unforgettable roles alongside Al Pacino and Marlon Brando.

00:00 - Intro: From Bloomberg Studios, NYC
00:20 - Robert Duvall’s Early Acting Days & First Roles
02:30 - The Godfather, Coppola, and Becoming a Star
05:00 - Sanford Meisner, Improvisation & Acting Philosophy
07:00 - Why Duvall Passed on Godfather III
08:30 - Working on Apocalypse Now
10:00 - Playing Stalin & Eichmann: Portraying Evil
12:00 - Lonesome Dove & Building a Legacy
14:00 - Hobbies & Obsessions: Horses, Tango, Tennis
20:00 - James Caan’s Childhood, Football, & Acting Shift
24:00 - How Caan Was Cast in The Godfather
30:00 - Improv with Brando, Luca Brasi’s Speech
35:00 - Turning Down Iconic Roles (Apocalypse Now, Kramer)
40:00 - Misery, Comebacks & Coaching Kids
44:00 - Working with Arnold in Eraser
48:00 - Reflections on Career & Hollywood Life

👉 Highlights include:
Behind-the-scenes stories from The Godfather
Working with Coppola, Brando, and Pacino
Duvall’s most personal role in Lonesome Dove
Caan on turning down Apocalypse Now and Kramer vs. Kramer
What makes a great actor and a great film
The art of improvisation in performance

🕰️ Originally aired on Bloomberg/Charlie Rose

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Film Discussion is a curated interview archive and conversation series presented by Occupy Cinema. We spotlight the minds behind the movies—actors, directors, writers, and cultural critics—through thoughtful interviews, archival footage, and contemporary conversations. From Broadway to global cinema, Film Discussion explores the craft, politics, and impact of storytelling on screen and stage.

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20 Comments

@alexdavies7394 7 months ago

R.I.P. to a veteran character actor, Robert Duvall.

@florenceshuman 3 weeks ago

James Caan’s sister was married to my first cousin Marty.
I went to the wedding.

@markpayne2363 1 year ago

I love listening to super intelligent and articulate people talking. And he's one of them. A truly class act.

@ereckit1972 7 months ago

We lost a true legend! Rest in peace friend

@beckymadrid5894 7 months ago

He knew exactly what was needed in every part he acted in every movie he worked in.
He was smooth, level headed and in some kind of weird way very wholesome...a breath of fresh air and hopeful when he entered the room.
I sure wish he had children 😢
RIP

@landho1 9 months ago

Mr. Duvall is one of the greatest actors ever!

@Jonny_Shertz 1 month ago

Truth, integrity and charisma: you cannot learn those things; they're either in you or they're not. Rare gifts, and Robert Duvall had all three just as a human being, and then could access all three in his profession, which is even more rare. So "rare squared" which almost equals unique.
What an incredible actor! I miss him so very much.

@NOW2024-w5k 7 months ago

God Bless and rest in peace Robert Duvall! His roles always inspired me to become a better person.

@sunzeneise 1 year ago

Mr. Duvall is a person that demands respect. No nonsense in his attitude and manner.

@achinism 1 year ago

"There won't be another Lonesome Dove for hundred years!" - Robert Duvall. Anyone who has watched the masterpiece knows how true are those words!

@robertrockwell7581 1 year ago

two of the best Actors ever. Duvall and Caan.

@steveconn 7 months ago

RIP Bob Duvall, a great consoliere to the Corleones. ❤❤🎉

@mhildack 7 months ago

Duvall is so fun to listen to

@davidhansen7609 11 months ago

So underated one of the best ever

@roryk32 7 months ago

R.I.P Robert Duvall

@inagetawodi 7 months ago

Few actors can play a lead role or a character role equally well. Duvall was one who could.

@davidvallone1476 1 year ago (edited)

Another Great Actor!! He came into My mothers Real Estate office , His sister in law Avon worked for my mother, He was in character and Costume for Lonesome Dove. Avon and Roberts Brother Jack were really great folks. They had a pre wedding party at their home for My Fiancé and I.

@RandySantoro-z2p 1 year ago

One of the greatest actors post 1950’s Hollywood. And a real man.

@nrttra007 1 year ago

Two legendary actors.

@MikeHammerForEver 1 year ago

Duvall is a very good actor, no one will argue with that. But I always had the impression that he was somehow undervalued. He's not just good, but in my opinion he should be in the list of the top 10 male actors of all time. He hasn't received enough credit for his work, though he could make an acting masterclass out of almost any role he was given. In The Godfather his role was key to the movie's story and tempo. When he was in the room, the atmosphere changed. He was discreet and subtle, yet fundamental in the script. Today, you couln't imagine a Vito Corleone that isn't Brando, but the same applies to Duvall as Tom Hagen.