Corleone Fanatic

J. Geoff Malta is a fanatic of the Corleone saga who lives and works from his house in New York [sic.], the United States. After leaving his psychology profession, he immersed himself into the Internet world when he discovered the Web. He has put his talents into the sites of Marvel Comics, Universal Music and CNBC.

At the present time, he maintains four [sic.] personal projects on the Godfather online and a site on Mario Puzo, the author of the book.

In an interview with EL COLOMBIANO, via email, Geoff shares his experiences, having the honor of being invited to Electronic Arts (EA), to preview the game before it came on the market.

"I've seen the Godfather film a dozen times [I said dozens] and have read Mario Puzo's book once. I believe that Puzo is a great accountant of history [I said storyteller]. The most fascinating of the fiction is not only the world of organized crime, but all the love and respect that exists between the blood relatives (as well).

"The family business is as tight as their blood family -- they would kill to protect both. All the respect is very interesting that is derived from it and how important honor and respect are for us all.

"I was at EA headquarters in California, USA, and although I wasn't sure what to expect, really, it very much impressed me. I played mostly on the PlayStation 2 and the graphics were great. What is wonderful about The Godfather (game) is that one is not Vito, Sonny or Michael or anyone, but that you are you. That is, you create and play as your own very detailed character, interacting with the main characters of the movie.

"One begins as a Family outsider who rises in rank as missions are completed. The best thing is that one can follow along with the missions while at any time, a great scene from the film can happen, say, outside of the window. One of my favorite features is when you walk down the street and you can overhear pedestrians having conversations, like in real life.

"I believe that whoever plays this video game [should] see the films, because otherwise, they may lose out on the subplots in the game. Further, I believe that a single viewing of the movie is insufficient. [It may even be a little confusing the first couple times watching it, but stick with it, watch it often, and you'll fall in love with the Corleone's!]"

More information:
http://www.thegodfathertrilogy.com
http://www.scarface1983.com
http://www.mariopuzo.com
http://www.gangsterbb.net

1. What is your biggest expectation with the videogame that will be launch on friday?


I actually had the privilege of playing the game a couple weeks ago at EA headquarters in California! I really didn't know what to expect, but I was really impressed with how well it came out -- beyond my expectations. I think all fans of the movie will enjoy this game, even if they aren't big "gamers." (Feel free to take excerpts from my review of the event and the game, and some pictures, here .)


2. I saw at your FAQ that most part of the information of your website came from the book and the film. (How many times have you read the book and seen the movie?) ¿what is the most intriguing and fascinating things that you have found all over this years in the story of the Godfather?


I've seen the Godfather films dozens of times over the years, and read the book once. I really need to read it again because there are so many more details -- and, Puzo is a great storyteller. What I like most about the story is not only the fascinating world of organized crime -- The Family -- but also how much love and respect they put into their blood relatives -- the family. The business family is as tight or tighter than their blood families, and they'd kill to protect both. It's also interesting how much respect comes to play, and how important that is for all of us -- honor and respect.


3. What is your best recomendation for people who is going to introduce into the corleone´s fammily and saga?


Godfather fans will love the new video game, but so will those who've never seen the movie or read the book. Those who haven't seen the movie, however, will be missing the many plot lines found in the game. I really think those people should see the movie to get a better game-playing experience! One viewing of the movie is not enough, though. I've seen it so many times, yet, I still notice new things in it, and still discover details that I had not noticed before. It may even be a little confusing the first couple times watching it, but stick with it, watch it often, and you'll fall in love with the Corleone's!


4. I can imagine that through your website you have had contacted so many people. Do you have any anecdote that you would like to share with us? [Not used]


It was through TheGodfatherTrilogy.com that Mario Puzo's widow contacted me, and I had the pleasure of meeting them both in New York City at a book signing when The Last Don came out. In fact, I created MarioPuzo.com for him. It was also through my site that Billy Joel's tour manager contacted me, to help him get a signed book from Mario Puzo for Billy's birthday -- in return I got tickets to a show and backstage passes! And, my fanaticism caught the attention of Electronic Arts who invited me out to preview the game. But by far the best people I've met through my site, and my message board at GangsterBB.NET, are all the wonderful members that I've met in person, and those I have yet to meet from around the world. Many of us have become very good friends, and we get together as often as we can. It's like... family.